dim sum

Meaning

1. (uncountable) A Cantonese-style meal traditionally eaten in the morning or early afternoon, comprising tea and food typically placed in small steamer baskets or on small plates, and often served from carts that move around from table to table in a restaurant.
2. (uncountable) The food served at a dim sum meal, typically including dumplings, seafood, and desserts.

Synonyms

simple Chinese food

Translations

Erfrischung

dimsum

dim sum

Etymology

Borrowed from Cantonese 點心／点心 (dim² sam¹), literally “to touch the heart gently; to refresh the heart”.