Dim Sum is a fun way to enjoy a meal with friends or family but, is dim sum vegan or vegetarian-friendly?
When you order Dim Sum you are presented with a plethora of small dishes and bites to enjoy. Unfortunately, depending on the restaurant you are at the majority of these dishes will contain animal products. That said, It is possible to find restaurants that will offer veggie-friendly dim sum.
Table of Contents
Is Dim Sum Vegan
Dim Sum is often very meat-centric with lots of dishes containing meat products, especially pork.
Most Dim Dum dishes are not vegan-friendly but, you can find vegan options available at some restaurants.
Is Dim Sum Vegetarian
Dim Sum is not a vegetarian food but, you can find vegetarian options available on the Dim Dum menu.
You may also be able to request some modifications to current items to make them vegetarian-friendly.
Why Wouldn’t Dim Sum Be Vegan Or Vegetarian
Dim Sum is often not vegan or vegetarian due to containing a variety of animal-based ingredients including pork, beef, chicken, seafood, and animal-based broths.
Dim Sum will often be a spread of small dishes that are very meat focused.
Does Dim Sum Contain Dairy
Dim Sum can contain dairy products but, each individual item won’t necessarily have dairy.
You will be able to recognize dairy in options with custards and cakes.
Does Dim Sum Contain Eggs
Many Dim Sum dishes contain eggs, you will often find eggs in the dough or as a wash on top of the buns.
Does Dim Sum Contain Fish Sauce
Fish sauce is one of those ingredients that isn’t obvious to spot.
You may find it lurking in an otherwise vegan and vegetarian-friendly dish.
Fish sauce is often used as a flavoring in sauces, it adds a nice salty and savory flavor to the dish.
If you are concerned about fish sauce make sure to ask the waitstaff to confirm if a dish contains fish sauce.
When in doubt assume the sauce contains fish sauce.
Can You Always Find Vegan Dim Sum
You may not always find vegan dim sum options available at your local restaurant.
Even if vegan options are there, it may also be challenging to find them and confirm that they are in fact vegan.
If you happen to be near a vegan or veggie-focused restaurant that offers Dim Sum you will have more options and a better experience overall.
Can You Always Find Vegetarian Dim Sum
You should be able to find vegetarian dim sum options on most menus but, they can be limited depending on the restaurant.
Vegan Dim Sum Options
- Ma Po Tofu (removing meat)
- Lo Mai Gai (request without meat)
- Stuffed Eggplant
- Vegetable Stir Fry Noodles
- Vegan Buns
- Vegan Dumplings
- Edamame
- Spring Rolls
Vegetarian Dim Sum Options
- Ma Po Tofu (removing meat)
- Lo Mai Gai (request without meat)
- Stuffed Eggplant
- Custard Bao Buns
- Rice Crepes
- Deep Fried Sesame Balls
- Vegetable Stir Fry Noodles
- Vegan Buns
- Vegan Dumplings
- Cheese Wontons
- Edamame
- Spring Rolls
- Egg Rolls (sometimes vegetarian)
Vegan And Vegetarian Dim Sum Restaurants
Some Dim Sum restaurants are known for their vegan and vegetarian options.
Final Thoughts
Dim Sum may not be the first cuisine you think of when you want to have a vegan or vegetarian meal but, it is still possible to enjoy some vegan and vegetarian dishes at most restaurants that serve Dim Sum.
First, seek out a vegetarian or vegan-friendly restaurant that serves Dim Sum.
If you do not find a veggie-friendly restaurant near you, take a peek at their dim dum menu before you arrive to make sure you will have some options.
