11 Must-Try Dim Sum Spots in Ottawa for Authentic Flavors

Ottawa's vibrant culinary scene offers a delightful array of options for those craving the delicate, flavorful parcels of dim sum. From traditional Cantonese ha gow and siu mai to crispy spring rolls and savory steamed buns, finding authentic dim sum in Ottawa can be a truly rewarding experience. This guide highlights 11 top-notch establishments, from long-standing favorites to hidden gems, where you can savor delicious small plates perfect for a family brunch or a casual meal. Dive in to discover the best places to enjoy this beloved Chinese culinary art.

Table of Contents

1. Beijing Legend

Experience authentic Chinese flavors and elegant dining for memorable dim sum.

Beijing Legend stands out as a culinary gem, offering an impressive array of authentic Chinese dishes, including a diverse dim sum menu that has left many diners delighted. Customers consistently praise the amazing food quality, generous portions, and the beautiful interior that provides a pleasant dining atmosphere. It's often cited as a top spot for dim sum in Ottawa, with patrons returning time and again for their fresh, well-seasoned dishes, like the highly recommended steamed ginger squid.

  • Rating: 3.6 (596 google maps)
  • Address: 1800 Bank St, Ottawa
  • Phone: +1 613-737-5588
  • Google Maps: Navigate with Google Maps
  • Menu: Known for a diverse dim sum menu and authentic Chinese dishes, including popular choices like steamed ginger squid and various platters large enough for two.

Image Beijing Legend Dim sum in Ottawa

Read more: 17 Must-Try Chinese Food Restaurants in Ottawa

2. Cafe Orient

Your go-to for delicious Hong Kong-style dim sum and Cantonese favorites.

Cafe Orient offers a delightful taste of authentic Hong Kong cuisine right in Ottawa's Chinatown. Visitors consistently praise the friendly staff, quick service, and the wide variety of flavorful dishes, making it a competitive choice among local Hong Kong restaurants. Whether you're indulging in their well-executed dim sum or exploring other Cantonese staples like baked pork chop tomato rice and satay beef vermicelli, you're in for a treat. This spot truly delivers on taste and portion size, ensuring a satisfying meal.

  • Rating: 4.5 (583 google maps)
  • Address: 808 Somerset St W, Ottawa
  • Phone: +1 613-563-2422
  • Google Maps: Navigate with Google Maps
  • Menu: A vast menu offering dim sum, congee, noodle soups, fried noodles, and signature Hong Kong dishes like baked pork chop tomato rice.

Image Cafe Orient Dim sum in Ottawa

Read more: 15 Best Banh Mi Spots in Ottawa for Authentic Vietnamese Flavors

3. Mekong

A renovated classic in Chinatown offering fantastic Asian fusion flavors.

Mekong, one of Ottawa's oldest Chinese restaurants in Chinatown, recently underwent a beautiful renovation, offering a simple yet classy ambiance. While known for its broader Asian fusion menu, customers consistently rave about the amazing food, authentic flavors, and generous portions. Dishes like crispy beef, general Tao chicken, and spicy ginger chicken are frequently highlighted for their fantastic taste. It's a highly recommended spot for those looking for delicious Asian cuisine in a cozy and clean environment.

  • Rating: 4.4 (390 google maps)
  • Address: 637 Somerset St W, Ottawa
  • Phone: +1 613-237-7717
  • Google Maps: Navigate with Google Maps
  • Menu: An Asian fusion menu featuring classics like crispy beef, General Tao chicken, and a variety of other Chinese dishes, perfect for those seeking diverse Asian flavors.

Image Mekong Dim sum in Ottawa

4. Peking Duck 全聚德

Savor the unparalleled crispy Peking Duck and authentic Beijing cuisine.

Peking Duck 全聚德 in the Market brings an incredible dining experience to Ottawa, renowned for its absolutely phenomenal Peking duck. Diners consistently praise the super crispy skin and juicy meat, often carved right at the table for an engaging show. Beyond the signature duck, the restaurant offers a range of authentic and flavorful Chinese and Beijing dishes, like spicy beef and braised pork, all served in a lovely, not-too-loud atmosphere with extremely friendly and attentive staff. It's a highly recommended spot for special occasions or when craving a taste of traditional Chinese flavors.

  • Rating: 4.5 (909 google maps)
  • Address: 90 George St, Ottawa
  • Phone: +1 613-860-0888
  • Google Maps: Navigate with Google Maps
  • Menu: Specializes in authentic Peking Duck with perfectly crispy skin and succulent meat. Also offers a variety of traditional Chinese and Beijing dishes, including spicy beef and braised pork.

Image Peking Duck 全聚德 Dim sum in Ottawa

5. Jadeland

A nostalgic culinary journey through authentic Cantonese and Sichuan classics.

Jadeland Restaurant offers a trip down memory lane with its authentic Cantonese cuisine and an extensive menu featuring around 350 different dishes. While the ambiance might evoke a nostalgic 80s feel, the focus here is undeniably on the fantastic food quality and generous portions. Many regulars tout it as the best Chinese food they've ever tasted in Ottawa, highlighting standouts like the hot and sour soup, lemon chicken, crispy beef, and sizzling steak. It's a beloved spot for those seeking genuine flavors and a welcoming, family-run atmosphere, including delicious dim sum.

  • Rating: 4.3 (621 google maps)
  • Address: 625 Somerset St W, Ottawa
  • Phone: +1 613-233-0204
  • Google Maps: Navigate with Google Maps
  • Menu: Extensive menu with around 350 dishes, including authentic Cantonese cuisine, dim sum, hot and sour soup, lemon chicken, crispy beef, and Cantonese-style sizzling steak.

Image Jadeland Dim sum in Ottawa

6. Bambu Restaurant

An inviting Asian fusion spot with a beautiful aesthetic and satisfying dishes.

Bambu Restaurant offers an aesthetically pleasing dining experience with an Asian fusion menu that delights many. While specializing in Japanese and Thai influences, they also provide Chinese offerings, including some dim sum. Customers appreciate the prompt, polite service and the consistently fresh and delicious food, especially the sushi. The portions are generous, providing great value. It’s a popular spot for its diverse options and welcoming atmosphere.

  • Rating: 4.1 (1064 google maps)
  • Address: 3993 Riverside Dr., Ottawa
  • Phone: +1 613-738-8800
  • Google Maps: Navigate with Google Maps
  • Menu: Asian fusion menu with Japanese, Thai, and Chinese influences, featuring sushi, rice noodle dishes, and various non-veg and veg options. They also offer dim sum, though some find it pricey.

Image Bambu Restaurant Dim sum in Ottawa

7. Yimin Dim Sum House

A cozy, authentic dim sum house serving homemade delights.

Yimin Dim Sum House is widely praised as a hidden gem for authentic Cantonese dim sum in Ottawa. This cozy, family-run restaurant offers incredibly affordable and tasty dishes, with many customers emphasizing that the dim sum is homemade and fresh, not reheated from frozen. Favorites include their excellent har gow (shrimp dumplings), crispy deep-fried footballs, and perfectly sweet sesame balls. Despite its intimate size, the friendly staff and delicious, generously portioned food make it a must-visit spot for dim sum enthusiasts.

  • Rating: 4.2 (367 google maps)
  • Address: 662 Somerset St W, Ottawa
  • Phone: +1 613-238-8828
  • Google Maps: Navigate with Google Maps
  • Menu: Specializes in authentic homemade dim sum, including delicious Har Gow (shrimp dumplings), deep-fried footballs, shrimp rice noodle rolls, and custard buns. Also offers combo meals.

Image Yimin Dim Sum House Dim sum in Ottawa

8. Oriental Chu Shing Restaurant

An enduring Chinatown classic offering value and authentic dim sum.

Oriental Chu Shing Restaurant is one of Ottawa Chinatown's oldest establishments, well-regarded for its reasonable prices, generous portions, and authentic Chinese flavors, especially its dim sum. Many patrons consider it the best dim sum in the city, praising the fresh, hot, and tasty dishes delivered with polite and attentive service. While the decor might be "old school," the focus on quality food and a traditional dim sum cart experience on weekends makes it a cherished spot for families and groups looking for great value and a taste of home.

  • Rating: 3.9 (591 google maps)
  • Address: 691 Somerset St W, Ottawa
  • Phone: +1 613-230-1999
  • Google Maps: Navigate with Google Maps
  • Menu: Wide selection of dim sum dishes, including pork dumplings, sesame balls, and roasted pork and duck. Also offers classic Chinese dishes like fish soup and free-range chicken with ginger.

Image Oriental Chu Shing Restaurant Dim sum in Ottawa

9. Ha's Dim Sum Noodle House

A cozy, friendly spot with incredibly fresh and authentic dim sum.

Ha's Dim Sum Noodle House is frequently hailed as a must-try in Ottawa's Chinatown for its authentic and fresh dim sum. This cozy and inviting restaurant offers quick, efficient, and kind service. Diners consistently rave about the high quality of the dim sum, with shrimp dumplings (har gow) and shrimp rice rolls often highlighted for being perfectly steamed and bursting with flavor. The "wok hei" aroma from their traditional pan-fried noodles also receives high praise, making it a beloved spot for both dim sum and noodle dishes.

  • Rating: 4.4 (403 google maps)
  • Address: 870 Somerset St W, Ottawa
  • Phone: +1 613-680-1688
  • Google Maps: Navigate with Google Maps
  • Menu: Authentic dim sum, including fresh shrimp dumplings (har gow) and shrimp rice rolls. Also features noodle dishes with "wok hei" and juicy xiaolong bao.

Image Ha's Dim Sum Noodle House Dim sum in Ottawa

10. Ng's Cuisine

Ottawa's favorite for fresh, flavorful, and authentic Cantonese and dim sum.

Ng's Cuisine is a highly regarded Cantonese restaurant in Ottawa, often considered a top pick for its fresh, flavorful, and truly authentic Chinese food. Many customers call it their "new favorite spot for dim sum," praising the quality and taste of every dish. The portions are good-sized, offering great value, especially their "dinner for four" sets. Beyond dim sum, guests enjoy the excellent wok hei in their cooked dishes, along with the fast and friendly service that makes for a welcoming and inviting atmosphere.

  • Rating: 4.1 (987 google maps)
  • Address: 1499 Merivale Rd, Nepean
  • Phone: +1 613-228-8818
  • Google Maps: Navigate with Google Maps
  • Menu: Cantonese and dim sum specialties, including various steamed and fried dim sum items, and wok-cooked dishes known for their "wok hei" (breath of wok).

Image Ng's Cuisine Dim sum in Ottawa

11. Sea King Seafood Restaurant

The quintessential spot for authentic Cantonese dim sum and seafood in Ottawa.

Sea King Seafood Restaurant is consistently lauded as one of the best, if not the best, places for authentic Cantonese dim sum in Ottawa. Diners often remark on the legitimacy of their dim sum, calling it "proper Cantonese style" with all the typical delicious dishes, comparable to places in major cities like Markham. Beyond dim sum, their extensive menu offers a great selection of fresh seafood and Chinese classics, all at commendable prices with friendly and attentive service. Despite being located downstairs, it's a hidden gem worth discovering for a true taste of traditional Chinese cuisine.

  • Rating: 4.1 (1126 google maps)
  • Address: 1558 Merivale Rd, Nepean
  • Phone: +1 613-228-8819
  • Google Maps: Navigate with Google Maps
  • Menu: Authentic Cantonese dim sum, including shrimp shu mai and deep-fried shrimp rolls, alongside a broad selection of Chinese classics and fresh seafood dishes.

Image Sea King Seafood Restaurant Dim sum in Ottawa

Whether you're a long-time dim sum aficionado or looking to explore the delightful world of Chinese small plates, these 11 establishments offer some of the best dim sum in Ottawa. From traditional push-cart experiences to cozy, family-run noodle houses, you'll find a variety of authentic flavors and inviting atmospheres. Choose a place that suits your preferences and needs, and don't forget to share your experience with us in the comments section below this article!