Emma WhiteOttawa might not be the birthplace of dim sum, but hey, it has embraced this culinary delight with open hearts and hungry stomachs.
From traditional siu mai and har gow to avant-garde culinary creations, you’re sure to find the perfect spot in this city.
And so, we’ve listed the best dim sum spots in Ottawa to guide you in your quest. Read on!
Mandarin Restaurant
Website: https://mandarinrestaurant.com/kanata/
Address: 150 Katimavik Rd, Ottawa, ON K2L 2N2, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-271-6000
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11:30 AM to 3 PM, 5 PM to 9 PM
- Friday – 11:30 AM to 3 PM, 5 PM to 10 PM
- Saturday – 11:30 AM to 3 PM, 4:30 PM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 11:30 AM to 3 PM, 4:30 PM to 9 PM
Cost: $$
Mandarin Restaurant doesn’t play around when it comes to offering an extensive array of dim sum options. Think plump shrimp dumplings, pork siu mai, and those oh-so-tender BBQ pork buns.
But besides the dim sum, you’ve got to dive into their other offerings, like the crispy Peking duck that’s just the right amount of fat or their mouth-watering sweet and sour pork.
| Pro tip: Mandarin tends to get packed, especially during weekends, so try hitting them up on a weekday lunch to snag that dim sum. And look out for their special deals as they sometimes throw in a freebie with certain orders. |
Sula Wok
Website: http://www.sulawok.com/
Address: 184 Main St, Ottawa, ON K1S 1C2, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-890-7852
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11 AM to 8 PM
- Friday – 11 AM to 9 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 4 PM to 8 PM
Cost: $-$$
Sula Wok brings a tantalising mix of Asian street food, including their crowd-favourite Tibetan momo dumplings. These momos are tender on the outside, and juicy on the inside, with a spicy sauce that’ll kick you hard—in a good way.
Beyond the momos, you’ve got to try their Asian tacos, which contain all their Asian salad and homemade sauces. For vegetarians and vegans, Sula Wok has plenty of options too, like their dumpling jungle, Hanoi vermicelli, and Yum Nua.
| Pro tip: Sula Wok’s outdoor seating is where you want to be when the weather’s nice. And if you’re a fan of surprises, keep an eye on their social media, as they offer discounts when you purchase three meals or more online! |
Cafe Orient
– Media credit: _sarahlovesfood
Website: https://www.cafeorient.ca/
Address: 808 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON K1R 6R5, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-563-2422
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 9 PM
Cost: $-$$
Cafe Orient is where you want to be if you’re after that authentic dim sum experience without booking a flight. Think classic dim sum served in bamboo steamer baskets.
Their har gow and phoenix claws (chicken feet, y’all) are straight-up addictive, and you can’t miss their radish cake, either. What’s more, their congee is perfect on a chilly day, together with their spicy salt squid, which is a crowd favourite.
| Pro tip: Cafe Orient serves dim sum all day, so no matter what time you drop by, you’re sure to get one. Just a heads up, parking can be a bit of a hunt, so give yourself some extra time to find a spot. |
Ben Ben Restaurant
– Media credit: bytownghosthunter
Website: https://qmenu.us/#/ben-ben-restaurant-ottawa?target=http://www.benbenrestaurant.com/
Address: 697 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON K1R 6P5, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-238-5022
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 11:30 AM to 8 PM
Cost: $$
Ben Ben Restaurant is all about delivering that traditional dim sum experience with a bit of a twist, like their squid ink dumplings. For some classic ones, the shrimp dumplings and siu mai are must-orders.
But here’s the kicker: the non-dim sum dishes are just as compelling, especially the crispy duck and seafood noodles. Now, if you’re into veggies, they got that too, with the Buddha’s delight and stir-fried Chinese greens being a crowd favourite.
| Pro tip: If you’re in a group or family, call ahead since they offer special combinations, which you can check on their website. |
Peking Duck 全聚德
Website: http://pekingduck.ca/
Address: 90 George St, Ottawa, ON K1N 0A8, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-860-0888
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11:30 AM to 8:30 PM
- Friday to Sunday – 11 AM to 9 PM
Cost: $$-$$$
Peking Duck 全聚德 specialises in—you guessed it—Peking duck, and of course, they go well with dim sum. A highlight is the scallop dumplings and the duck spring rolls, which are fantastic!
Also try their flavoured snacks. The popular options are the Peking-style deep-fried red bean dough and yogurt pudding with osmanthus sauce.
| Pro tip: Booking ahead is pretty much mandatory here, especially if you’re eyeing their Peking duck. It goes out fast. |
Datsun
Website: https://eatdatsun.com/
Address: 380 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1N1, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-421-7411
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 5 PM to 10 PM
Cost: $$
If you’re looking for that spot in Ottawa where the dim sum is as Instagram-worthy as it is delicious, drop by Datsun. Their steamed buns are filled with the most flavourful and tender fillings—think pork belly, crispy chicken—you name it, they bun it.
Other than that, you must try their other dishes, like the spicy tuna avocado toast or the edamame that’s zinged up with a hit of chilli and lime. Plus, their cocktail menu is paired perfectly with the dim sum, especially the yuzu margarita.
| Pro tip: Datsun is always buzzing, especially during dinner times. So if you want to avoid the wait, hit them up for a late lunch or an early dinner. |
Ng’s Cuisine
Website: http://www.ngscuisine.ca/
Address: 1499 Merivale Rd, Nepean, ON K2E 5P3, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-228-8818
Operating hours:
- Monday and Tuesday, Thursday to Sunday – 11 AM to 10 PM
Cost: $-$$
Ng’s Cuisine keeps it authentic with its dim sum options, serving up all the classics you crave. The shrimp dumplings are plump and juicy, while the siu mai is perfectly seasoned.
Don’t even get us started on their chicken feet—a must-try for the adventurous eater looking to dive deep into a kind of messy scene.
Beyond dim sum, their crispy Peking duck is a showstopper, together with the hot pot, perfect for the cold weather.
| Pro tip: If you’re planning a dim sum brunch, make a reservation. Also, if you’re coming in with a large group, let them know ahead of time so they can prepare. |
Yangtze Restaurant
– Media credit: _sarahlovesfood
Website: http://www.yangtze.ca/
Address: 700 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON K1R 6P6, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-236-0555
Operating hours:
- Monday and Tuesday, Thursday – 4 PM to 9 PM
- Friday – 11 AM to 10 PM
- Saturday – 10:30 AM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 10:30 AM to 9 PM
Cost: $$
Yangtze Restaurant offers the classic steam dim sum under a bamboo lid. Their shrimp har gow is so delicious that you shouldn’t miss them, while the siu mai bursts with flavour.
And then they also have peking duck skin served with steamed wrappers. Now, if you’re both a spicy lover and vegetarian, definitely go for the bean cake with hot sauce and moo soo vegetables.
| Pro tip: If you want to beat the crowd, remember to get there early or opt for a late-afternoon bliss-out session. And if you’re loyal to the dim sum game, their loyalty program is something you’ll want to check out. |
Ha’s Dim Sum Noodle House
– Media credit: ottawachinatown
Website: https://dimsumnoodlehouse.com/
Address: 870 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON K1R 6R7, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-680-1688
Operating hours:
- Monday and Tuesday, Thursday to Sunday – 11 AM to 10 PM
Cost: $-$$
Ha’s Dim Sum Noodle House shines with its outrageously good dim sum and noodle dishes. Their dumplings, whether steamed, fried, or swimming in soup, are little pockets that always give us happiness!
But there’s also the less-traversed but equally thrilling part of their menu—the clay pot rice dishes that you didn’t know you needed to taste until now. And if you have spicy beef cravings, remember to ask for their “special beef.”
| Pro tip: Weekends here are a whole different ball game, so maybe call ahead. They’re pretty accommodating with takeout orders, making it a great option for those lazy, stay-in kind of nights. |
Yimin Dim Sum House
– Media credit: teafortwo.c
Website: http://www.yimindimsumhouse.com/
Address: 662 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON K1R 5K4, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-238-8828
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 11 PM
Cost: $-$$
Yimin Dim Sum House is your go-to when you want to keep it real with your dim sum obsession. This place has traditional shrimp dumplings, chiuchow dumplings (pork and peanut), and even eggplant with shrimp stuffing.
There’s also a good selection of other chef’s specials here, like the straw mushroom egg drop soup and brisket beef and turnips. Their vegetable dishes also rock, with choy sum with oyster sauce and tofu in General Tso’s sauce, being a crowd-favourite.
| Pro tip: Yimin’s offers some sweet combo deals, so if you’re looking to try a bit of everything without breaking the bank, you’ve hit the jackpot. |
Jadeland
– Media credit: missamandasfood
Website: http://www.jadeland.com/
Address: 625 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON K1R 5K3, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-233-0204
Operating hours:
- Tuesday – 4 PM to 10 PM
- Wednesday to Sunday – 11 AM to 10 PM
Cost: $$
Jadeland has been dishing out joy in the form of little steamed baskets for ages. You’ll find here classic dim sum, shrimp dumplings, pan-fried meat dumplings, BBQ pork buns, and even steamed sweet custard buns.
But let’s put the dim sum aside because you shouldn’t miss trying their crispy salt and pepper squid or the General Tao chicken that kicks other versions to the curb. It’s saucy, it’s crispy—basically everything you could ask for!
| Pro tip: Don’t forget to check out their combo meals, which are perfect when you’re starving but can’t decide on just one thing. |
Mekong
Website: http://www.mekong.ca/
Address: 637 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON K1R 5K3, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-237-7717
Operating hours:
- Monday, Wednesday to Sunday – 3:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Cost: $$
Mekong serves up some serious dim sum with a lineup of dim sum trio (pork siu mai, har gow, pork dumpling), Hunan dumplings (pork dumpling with chilli peanut sauce), and pot stickers (sauteed pork dumpling).
Away from the dim sum carts, Mekong’s pho is rich and fragrant, a noodle soup so good it could probably end feuds. And don’t skip the vermicelli bowls, loaded with herbs, pickled veggies, and whatever protein you fancy.
| Pro tip: Mekong is pretty spacious, but it gets packed, especially around lunchtime, so try to aim for later in the afternoon. |
Bambu Restaurant
Website: http://restobambu.com/
Address: 3993 Riverside Dr., Ottawa, ON K1V 1E5, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-738-8800
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 3:30 PM to 9 PM
- Thursday, Sunday – 11:30 AM to 9 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM
Cost: $$-$$$
Bambu Restaurant offers a variety of dim sum, like pork shumai, har gow, sticky rice, and fried egg noodle dim sum. Now, if dim sum isn’t the only thing on your hit list, get ready for a plot twist because Bambu has a sushi bar!
Some of their specialty rolls are the Bambu house roll, spider roll, dynamite, and spicy red dragon roll. Beyond that, Bambu also has a gluten-free and vegan menu.
| Pro tip: If you have a special occasion coming up, you can spend it here in Bambu, as they offer event menus that you can check out on their website. |
OpenRice Asian Kitchen
Website: http://openriceasiankitchen.com/
Address: 1755 St. Laurent Blvd, Ottawa, ON K1G 3V4, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-739-8833
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Friday – 11:30 AM to 10 PM
- Saturday – 12 PM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 4 PM to 10 PM
Cost: $$
OpenRice Asian Kitchen is flexible in all the best ways, with its menu listing Asian mixes with stops at the best spots. Here, you can have classic dim sum, Cantonese-style dim sum, and Korean dumplings or gyoza (as Koreans call it).
They even offer Thai dishes like tom yum soup, pad Thai, and Thai basil tofu. And don’t forget to check out their Sichuan combos like kung pao chicken bites, mapo tofu, and salt & pepper pork bites combo for a full of flavour lunch.
| Pro tip: If you suddenly crave bubble tea, don’t miss out on their milk tea or fruit-flavoured tea. They even have milkis and chilsung cider for some Korean taste. |
