Best Dim Sum in Ottawa: Carts, Chinatown and Beyond

Last Updated: October 13, 2026

Ottawa's dim sum scene mixes traditional cart service with menu-order Cantonese and Hong Kong-style eateries. The city lost the Yangtze Restaurant in November 2024, and a successor called "Yangtze – Modern Chinese Dining" was announced for the same Somerset Street building in 2026, but the choices today are the restaurants below.

This guide covers nine places that serve dim sum in Ottawa, from the push carts at Sea King Seafood to all-day dim sum on Somerset Street West and an option in Orleans. Whether you want perfectly pleated har gow or crispy turnip cake, you will find hours, addresses and ordering tips here, plus a route through Ottawa's Chinatown.

Key Highlights

TL;DR: Sea King Seafood is the only Ottawa restaurant still serving dim sum from push carts, so it suits traditionalists. Yimin Dim Sum House on Somerset Street West serves dim sum all day, every day. Cafe Orient is the Hong Kong-style budget pick in Chinatown, and Li's Fusion covers Orleans.

Understanding Ottawa's Dim Sum Scene

Ottawa's dim sum tradition spans decades, from Chinatown to the suburbs

The History of Dim Sum in Ottawa

Dim sum is Cantonese for "touch the heart". Ottawa's Chinatown on Somerset Street has long been the centre of the city's dim sum, with restaurants serving the traditional yum cha (tea drinking) experience that combines small dishes with Chinese tea.

Dim sum is also served beyond Chinatown, particularly along Merivale Road, where Sea King and Ng's Cuisine serve it today. Restaurants like Yangtze, which served its last meal in November 2024 after 42 years under the Ng family, were places where families marked birthdays and Sunday gatherings.

A Changing Landscape

Ottawa's dim sum scene has lost several big names in recent years. The Yangtze Restaurant on Somerset Street West served its last meals in mid-November 2024 after 42 years under the Ng family, and the Ottawa Citizen reports that the 36-year-old Mandarin Ogilvie, Palais Imperial on Dalhousie Street and the Chinatown dim sum eatery Hung Sum have also closed. In July 2026 a sign went up at 700 Somerset St. W. announcing "Yangtze – Modern Chinese Dining" as coming soon, and the Somerset Street Chinatown BIA said it expected the new restaurant to open in September or October and to serve dim sum. As of mid-October 2026 the restaurant's website still says "Coming Soon", so check its status before you plan a visit.

What remains is a smaller but varied set of restaurants:

• Traditional push carts at Sea King Seafood on Merivale Road
• Hong Kong-style café dining at Cafe Orient
• Menu-order dim sum in Chinatown at Yimin, Ha's Dim Sum Noodle House and Jadeland
• Cantonese cooking on Merivale Road at Ng's Cuisine and Shanghai One
• Neighbourhood options at Beijing Legend on Bank Street and Li's Fusion in Orleans

Cart Service vs. Menu Order: What's the Difference?

Why Cart Service Matters:

Cart service dim sum is increasingly rare—not just in Ottawa, but globally. The experience of seeing bamboo steamers roll past, pointing at dishes that catch your eye, and not knowing exactly what you're getting until it arrives... this is how dim sum has been enjoyed in Hong Kong for generations.

At cart service restaurants, staff push silver trolleys loaded with steaming baskets. They'll announce what's available ("har gow! siu mai!"), and you simply point at what you want. A stamp on your ticket tracks your order.

Pro Tip: Sea King is the only Ottawa restaurant still doing traditional push-cart dim sum, according to 613today's 2026 dim sum guide, and carts are typically a weekend-morning affair. Call 613-228-8819 to confirm cart times before you go.

What is Dim Sum? A Quick Primer

For newcomers to dim sum, here's what you need to know:

Dim sum is a Cantonese dining tradition involving small, bite-sized dishes served with Chinese tea. The term translates roughly to "touch the heart" or "order to one's heart's content." Unlike typical restaurant dining where each person orders an individual meal, dim sum is communal—dishes are shared among the table.

Typical dim sum session:

1. Arrive at restaurant (traditionally weekend mornings)
2. Receive tea (pu-erh, jasmine, or oolong are common)
3. Order small dishes from menu or passing carts
4. Share dishes family-style
5. Bill calculated by number of plates (often colour-coded by price)

The essential dishes:

• Har Gow (蝦餃) - Steamed shrimp dumplings with translucent wrapper
• Siu Mai (燒賣) - Pork and shrimp open-top dumplings
• Char Siu Bao (叉燒包) - Fluffy BBQ pork buns
• Cheung Fun (腸粉) - Silky rice noodle rolls
• Lo Bak Go (蘿蔔糕) - Pan-fried turnip cake

The experience: Dim sum is as much social as culinary. It's a weekend ritual for families, a business lunch staple, and a way to sample dozens of Cantonese preparations in one sitting. Expect noise, shared tables at busy times, and an atmosphere of controlled chaos.

Top Dim Sum Restaurants in Ottawa

Perfectly pleated har gow and siu mai are the mark of quality dim sum

1. Yimin Dim Sum House - All-Day Dim Sum in Chinatown

Address: 662 Somerset Street West (Chinatown) | 613-238-8828

Hours: Daily 11 AM - 11 PM (per the restaurant's website; 613today and Yelp list a midnight close, so confirm late)

Yimin serves hand-made dim sum from the menu, with no carts, and it is open every day of the week. The restaurant's website describes a menu that mixes Cantonese, Sichuan and northern dishes, and 613today lists it as a Chinatown dim sum spot for all-day cravings. 613today rates it $ on its price scale.

Signature Dishes:

• Steamed BBQ Pork Bun (2 pcs) ($7.75) - Char siu bao, a best seller on the restaurant's website
• Shrimp Har Gow ($8.95) - Steamed shrimp dumplings, also a best seller
• Shrimp Shumai ($8.95) - Listed first among the website's best sellers
• Sticky Rice in Lotus Leaf ($10.00) - Another best seller on the website
• Deep-Fried Squid Tentacles and Honey Garlic Spare Ribs - Two must-orders according to 613today

What Makes It Unique: Dim sum is not limited to weekend mornings here. You can order it any time the doors are open, which suits late lunches, early dinners and anyone who missed the brunch rush. It sits in the middle of Chinatown's restaurant strip, so it combines easily with a walk along Somerset Street.

Best For: Late-morning to evening dim sum, groups who want to order from a menu, combining a meal with a Chinatown walk

Insider Tip: The website's menu also has congee and noodle soup, rice dishes and Szechuan sections, so a mixed group can order beyond dim sum. Prices above come from the website's online menu and may change.

2. Sea King Seafood Restaurant - Push-Cart Dim Sum

Address: 1558 Merivale Road, Nepean | 613-228-8819

Hours: Monday and Wednesday to Sunday 11 AM - 10 PM; closed Tuesdays (per the restaurant's website)

Sea King is the only Ottawa restaurant still serving dim sum from push carts, according to 613today's 2026 guide. Its website says each dish is prepared under a Hong Kong-born chef and served the traditional way, from dim sum carts. The restaurant has about 4,300 square feet of dining space, with a main dining room and five private rooms that together hold up to 150 guests.

Signature Dishes:

• Har Gau (Steamed Shrimp Dumplings) - One of the three favourites the restaurant names on its website
• Fung Zao (Phoenix Talons) - Chicken feet, for adventurous eaters
• Siu Mai - Open-top pork and shrimp dumplings
• Char Siu Bao - BBQ pork buns, which 613today describes as sweet and well made
• Congee - Listed among the classics in 613today's guide

The Cart Service Experience: At Sea King, the experience is half the meal. Here's what to expect:

1. Arrive around opening at 11 AM, since 613today notes carts are typically a weekend-morning feature
2. Get seated and order tea
3. Watch for carts rolling past your table
4. Point at dishes you want
5. Your bill is tallied from what you took
6. Repeat until full

What Makes It Unique: The cart experience is hard to find anywhere else in the city. Kids tend to enjoy pointing at carts, and the visual ordering takes the guesswork out of an unfamiliar menu. 613today also calls it a Hong Kong-style Cantonese restaurant.

Best For: Traditionalists, families with kids, visual learners, first-timers, groups that want a private room

Pro Tips:

• Cart service is typically a weekend-morning feature, so call to confirm before you drive out
• Flag down cart attendants if one does not pass close to your table
• Don't be shy about asking what's in unfamiliar steamers

3. Cafe Orient - Hong Kong Cha Chaan Teng

Address: 808 Somerset Street West, Chinatown

Hours: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday to Sunday 11 AM - 9 PM; closed Wednesdays (per 613today, 2026)

Cafe Orient has served Hong Kong-style food in Chinatown since 1993. It is a cha chaan teng, the Hong Kong café format that pairs dim sum with congee, rice plates, noodle dishes and drinks such as Hong Kong milk tea and Yin Yang, a coffee-tea mix. 613today rates it $ and notes a 4.4 Google score from more than 600 reviews.

Signature Dishes:

• Dim Sum Classics - 613today's first must-try
• Congee - Rice porridge, a Hong Kong café staple
• Hong Kong Milk Tea - The signature drink of the café format
• Yin Yang - A mix of coffee and milk tea

What Makes It Unique: Dim sum sits beside congee, rice plates, noodle dishes and Hong Kong café drinks, so one table can mix a few steamers with a bowl of rice porridge. Prices are in the $ range on 613today's scale.

Best For: Budget-conscious diners, Chinatown exploration, a Hong Kong café meal

Pro Tip: Combine with a walking tour of Chinatown, including its Asian grocery stores, bakeries and tea shops.

More Excellent Dim Sum Spots

From classic har gow to creative fusion, Ottawa offers diverse dim sum styles

4. Ng's Cuisine - Cantonese and Szechuan on Merivale

Address: 1499 Merivale Road | 613-228-8818

Hours: Monday, Tuesday and Friday to Sunday 11 AM - 10 PM; Thursday 4 PM - 10 PM; closed Wednesdays (per the restaurant's website)

Ng's Cuisine bills itself as "Authentic Cantonese & Szechuan Cuisine" and invites guests to come for dim sum and family-style meals. The restaurant's website features a Cantonese-style ginger scallion lobster as its special dish, and it takes booking requests through the site. Its address is 1499 Merivale Road, a short drive from Sea King.

Featured Dish:

• Cantonese-Style Ginger Scallion Lobster - The restaurant's featured special, wok-tossed with ginger, scallions and garlic

What Makes It Unique: Ng's pairs a dim sum menu with a full Cantonese and Szechuan dinner list, so a group can order dim sum at lunch or build a larger family-style meal.

Best For: Merivale Road diners, groups who want to combine dim sum with a seafood dinner menu

Insider Tip: Hours are unusual. The restaurant is closed Wednesdays and opens only at 4 PM on Thursdays, so check before you drive out.

5. Ha's Dim Sum Noodle House - Priced Menu Online

Address: 870 Somerset Street West, Chinatown | 613-680-1688

Hours: Closed Wednesdays; check the restaurant's Yelp listing or call for the other days

Ha's describes itself as a family-owned restaurant in Ottawa's Chinatown that serves a wide range of Chinese dishes, with a focus on dim sum. Its website carries the full menu with prices, which makes it easy to plan an order. Prices below are before HST.

Signature Dishes:

• Shrimp Dumplings (4) ($8.50) - Har gow, listed first on the dim sum menu
• Shrimp Shiu Mai (4) ($8.50) - Pork shiu mai (4) is $8.00
• Steamed Barbecue Pork Buns ($6.75) - Char siu bao
• Shang Hai Pork Dumplings (6) ($11.00) - Xiao long bao
• Congee with Preserved Egg & Pork ($9.25) - Chicken and beef congee are the same price

What Makes It Unique: Ha's menu runs from classic steamed and fried dim sum to noodle soups, Szechuan dishes and two set dim sum combinations at $30 each. The website offered 20% off the dim sum combinations and dinner combinations for online orders when we checked.

Best For: Planning an order from a priced menu, small groups who want to try several plates, takeout

6. Jadeland Restaurant - Chinatown Cantonese and Szechuan

Address: 625 Somerset Street West, Chinatown | 613-233-0204

Hours: Wednesday to Sunday 11 AM - 10 PM; Tuesday 4 PM - 10 PM; closed Mondays (per the restaurant's website)

Jadeland serves Cantonese and Szechuan cuisine in Ottawa's Chinatown, and its website has a dedicated dim sum page alongside the main menu. 613today describes it as known for quality dishes and vegetarian options. The dim sum page on the website shows photos but no dish list or prices, so call or check the menu before you go.

What Makes It Unique: It is a full Cantonese and Szechuan restaurant rather than a dim sum specialist, which suits a table where some people want dim sum and others want a Cantonese or Szechuan dinner dish.

Best For: Chinatown regulars, mixed groups, vegetarian-friendly ordering

Insider Tip: Note the Tuesday hours. The restaurant opens at 4 PM that day, so it is not a Tuesday dim sum lunch option.

7. Beijing Legend - Bank Street Dim Sum

Address: 1800 Bank Street, south Ottawa | 613-737-5588

Hours: Not confirmed on the restaurant's website, so call before you go

Despite the name, Beijing Legend's website says it specializes in authentic Cantonese cuisine and handcrafted dim sum, and that it has served the community for 14 years. The site advertises dim sum served daily and pitches it as a weekend brunch, with a pot of jasmine tea and small plates made to share.

What Makes It Unique: It is a neighbourhood dim sum option on Bank Street, away from Chinatown and Merivale Road. The staff will recommend a curated selection if you are new to dim sum, according to the website.

Best For: Bank Street residents, first-timers who want a recommended selection, weekend brunch groups

8. Shanghai One Fine Dining - Merivale Road Upscale Dim Sum

Address: 1872 Merivale Road, Unit C, Nepean | 613-686-1380

Hours: Monday to Sunday 11 AM - 9 PM; the kitchen closes daily from 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM for staff lunch (per the restaurant's website; 613today lists the same 11 AM - 9 PM hours)

Shanghai One is the upscale option in this guide. 613today describes it as Chinese fine dining that specializes in dim sum and Cantonese cuisine, with an All Day Dim Sum Fest every Tuesday. The restaurant's own website is active and carries a reservation policy, and 613today recommends reserving, especially on weekends.

What Makes It Unique: It pairs dim sum classics such as har gow, siu mai and char siu bao with fine-dining dishes like Peking duck, all on the Merivale Road strip that also holds Sea King and Ng's Cuisine.

Best For: Celebration meals, Tuesday all-day dim sum, groups who want to reserve

Insider Tip: Read the reservation policy on the restaurant's website before you book.

9. Li's Fusion - Orleans Dim Sum

Address: 200 Vanguard Drive, Unit 1, Orleans | 613-841-8889

Hours: Daily 11:30 AM - 10 PM (per the restaurant's website)

Li's Fusion is the east-end option in this guide. Its website lists dim sum first on the menu and says the restaurant takes reservations, which helps for a weekend table in Orleans. We could not confirm a dish list or prices, so check the current menu before you go.

What Makes It Unique: It is the one place in this guide that saves Orleans residents the drive to Chinatown or Merivale Road.

Best For: Orleans and east-end diners, groups who want to reserve

Dim Sum by Neighbourhood

Find the best dim sum near you across Ottawa

Deep Dive: Chinatown Dim Sum

Ottawa's Chinatown is where most of the city's menu-order dim sum is found. Four restaurants in this guide sit on Somerset Street West within a few blocks of each other: Yimin (662), Jadeland (625), Cafe Orient (808) and Ha's Dim Sum Noodle House (870).

Why Chinatown for Dim Sum:

• Choice - Four dim sum restaurants on one street, with different hours and menus
• Culture - Combine a meal with Asian grocery shopping and bubble tea
• Variety - Hong Kong café dining, a priced online menu and all-day service are all within walking distance

Suggested Chinatown Dim Sum Route:

1. Start at Yimin (662 Somerset) for all-day dim sum
2. Browse Kowloon Market (712 Somerset St W) for groceries
3. Get bubble tea at nearby shops
4. Walk along Somerset Street past the shops and restaurants
5. Stop at Cafe Orient (808 Somerset) for a second round, but check that it is not a Wednesday, when it is closed

Explore our complete Chinatown Ottawa Guide for more things to do in the neighbourhood.

Deep Dive: Merivale Road Corridor

Three restaurants in this guide sit on Merivale Road in Nepean: Ng's Cuisine (1499), Sea King Seafood (1558) and Shanghai One (1872). Sea King is the only one that serves dim sum from push carts.

Why Merivale Road:

• Cart Service - Sea King is the only Ottawa restaurant still serving dim sum from push carts, according to 613today
• Choice - Cart service, an upscale dining room and a Cantonese and Szechuan menu within a short drive of each other
• Groups - Sea King has five private rooms, and 613today recommends reserving at Shanghai One

The Merivale Route:

1. Sea King for traditional cart service (call 613-228-8819 to confirm cart times)
2. Shanghai One for an upscale meal, or on a Tuesday for its All Day Dim Sum Fest
3. Ng's Cuisine for dim sum and a Cantonese and Szechuan dinner menu (closed Wednesdays)

Orleans and the East End

Orleans residents can try Li's Fusion at 200 Vanguard Drive instead of driving to Chinatown or Merivale Road. It is open daily from 11:30 AM to 10 PM, lists dim sum first on its menu and takes reservations.

Best Dim Sum by Category

Different occasions call for different dim sum experiences

Best for Traditional Experience

1. Sea King Seafood - The only Ottawa restaurant still serving dim sum from push carts, according to 613today
2. Cafe Orient - Hong Kong café dining in Chinatown since 1993
3. Beijing Legend - Cantonese cooking and handcrafted dim sum, 14 years on Bank Street, according to its website

What to Expect: Cart service means dishes roll past your table. Point at what looks good, with no need to decipher a menu. Menu-order restaurants such as Yimin and Ha's let you pick each dish from a list.

Best for Special Occasions

1. Shanghai One - Fine-dining room that 613today recommends reserving, with an All Day Dim Sum Fest on Tuesdays
2. Sea King - Cart service plus five private rooms for up to 150 guests
3. Li's Fusion - Takes reservations in Orleans

Perfect For: Birthdays, anniversaries, impressing out-of-town guests, date nights, family celebrations.

Best for Families with Kids

1. Sea King - Kids tend to enjoy pointing at the passing carts
2. Ha's Dim Sum Noodle House - Priced menu online and plates that are easy to share
3. Li's Fusion - A sit-down option in Orleans

Kid-Friendly Tips:

• Order char siu bao (BBQ pork buns) early, since they are a mild, familiar choice
• Avoid spicy items and stick to steamed dishes
• Share egg tarts for dessert if they are on the menu

Best Value/Budget Options

1. Cafe Orient (Chinatown) - Rated $ on 613today's price scale
2. Ha's Dim Sum Noodle House - Plates from $6.75 on its online menu, before HST
3. Yimin - Open until late, so you can pick the quietest hour

Budget Strategy: Order steamed items (cheaper than fried), skip fancy seafood dumplings, drink tea instead of soft drinks, share congee as a filler.

Best for Groups (8+ people)

1. Sea King - Five private rooms that hold up to 150 guests in total
2. Shanghai One - Reservations recommended, especially on weekends
3. Li's Fusion - Takes reservations

Group Ordering Tips:

• Call ahead to reserve—most restaurants can push tables together
• Designate one person to order to avoid duplicates
• Order 2-3 dishes per person as a baseline
• Ask for a variety: steamed, fried, rice dishes, vegetables

Best for Authentic Hong Kong Experience

1. Cafe Orient - A cha chaan teng with congee, rice plates, Hong Kong milk tea and Yin Yang
2. Beijing Legend - Cantonese cuisine and dim sum, according to its website
3. Sea King - Hong Kong-born chef and cart service, according to its website

Best Late Morning and Lunch

Most Ottawa dim sum restaurants open at 11 AM. For the longest window:

1. Yimin - Open daily 11 AM to 11 PM (some listings say midnight)
2. Li's Fusion - Open daily 11:30 AM to 10 PM
3. Sea King - Open 11 AM to 10 PM, closed Tuesdays

Best for Solo Diners

Solo dim sum is perfectly acceptable. Menu-order restaurants suit it best, because you can order a few plates instead of waiting for carts:

1. Cafe Orient - A casual café format that suits quick meals
2. Ha's Dim Sum Noodle House - Priced menu online, with noodle soups and congee beside the dim sum
3. Yimin - Open all day, so you can pick a quiet hour

Complete Dim Sum Glossary

Understanding the menu makes dim sum more enjoyable. Here's your guide to common dishes:

Steamed Dim Sum (蒸點心)

Fried/Pan-Fried (煎/炸點心)

Rice & Noodles (飯/麵)

Desserts (甜點)

Seasonal Dim Sum Considerations

Winter Dim Sum (December - March)

Hot tea, congee and steamed buns suit an Ottawa winter, and holiday weekends tend to be busy.

Winter Tips:

• Call ahead for Chinese New Year (late January or February), when restaurants tend to fill up
• Hot congee is perfect for cold days
• Arrive early to avoid waiting outside in the cold
• Consider Winterlude weekend crowds

Winter Favourites:

• Sticky rice in lotus leaf (warming, substantial)
• Hot congee (comforting on cold mornings)
• Steamed buns (warm and satisfying)
• Hot tea (endless refills)

Summer Dim Sum (June - August)

Summer brings patio season to Ottawa, but dim sum remains an indoor pursuit.

Summer Tips:

• Lighter items like cheung fun feel better in the heat
• Check hours before you go, since several restaurants close one day a week
• Combine with a patio drink afterward

Special Occasions

Chinese New Year (January/February):

• Call ahead for a table, especially for groups
• Special menus may be offered, so ask when you book

Mother's Day and Father's Day:

• Call ahead, since many families go out for brunch
• Restaurants that take reservations (Sea King, Li's Fusion, Shanghai One) are the safest bets

Easter Weekend:

• A good alternative to a traditional brunch
• Check holiday hours before you go

Price Comparison Guide

What to expect to pay at Ottawa's dim sum restaurants

Most Ottawa dim sum restaurants do not publish a full dim sum price list online, so this guide quotes prices only where a restaurant's own website shows them. Ha's Dim Sum Noodle House is the one that does, and its prices are before HST:

Cost Notes: 613today rates Cafe Orient $ on its price scale. For every other restaurant, check the current menu or call before you go, because prices change.

Tips for Ordering Dim Sum in Ottawa

Make the most of your Ottawa dim sum experience

Know Your Essentials

Must-Try Classics:

• Har Gow (蝦餃) - Crystal shrimp dumplings
• Siu Mai (燒賣) - Pork and shrimp dumplings
• Char Siu Bao (叉燒包) - BBQ pork buns
• Cheung Fun (腸粉) - Rice noodle rolls
• Lo Bak Go (蘿蔔糕) - Turnip cake

For Adventurous Eaters:

• Feng Zao (鳳爪) - Chicken feet in black bean sauce
• Pai Gwat (排骨) - Steamed spare ribs
• Fu Pei Guen (腐皮卷) - Bean curd rolls

Ordering Strategy

1. Start with steamed items - Har gow, siu mai, cheung fun
2. Add fried items second - Turnip cake, spring rolls
3. Order congee if hungry - Filling and comforting
4. End with desserts - Egg tarts, mango pudding

Best Times to Visit

Peak Hours to Avoid

• Weekend late morning to early afternoon
• Mother's Day and Father's Day
• Chinese New Year period

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the best dim sum restaurant in Ottawa?

It depends on what you want. Sea King Seafood on Merivale Road is the only Ottawa restaurant still serving dim sum from push carts, according to 613today. Yimin Dim Sum House (662 Somerset Street West) serves dim sum every day until late. Cafe Orient is the Hong Kong-style pick in Chinatown.

Q: Where can I find cart service dim sum in Ottawa?

Sea King Seafood Restaurant, at 1558 Merivale Road, is the only Ottawa restaurant still serving dim sum from push carts, according to 613today's 2026 guide. It is open Monday and Wednesday to Sunday from 11 AM to 10 PM and closed Tuesdays. Call 613-228-8819 to confirm when the carts are out before you drive over.

Q: What happened to Yangtze dim sum in Ottawa?

Yangtze Restaurant, a Somerset Street institution in Chinatown, served its last meal in mid-November 2024 after 42 years under the Ng family. A successor called "Yangtze – Modern Chinese Dining" was announced for 700 Somerset Street West in 2026 and, as of mid-October 2026, its website still says "Coming Soon". Meanwhile, Yimin, Cafe Orient, Ha's and Jadeland all serve dim sum nearby.

Q: Where is the best all-you-can-eat dim sum in Ottawa?

We could not confirm an all-you-can-eat dim sum restaurant in Ottawa, so none is listed in this guide. The restaurants here either serve from push carts (Sea King) or let you order from a menu. If you want to set a budget, Ha's Dim Sum Noodle House publishes its prices online, including two dim sum combinations at $30 each.

Q: What is the cheapest dim sum in Ottawa?

613today rates Cafe Orient in Chinatown (808 Somerset Street West) $ on its price scale. Ha's Dim Sum Noodle House lists plates from $6.75 plus HST on its online menu. Other restaurants do not publish dim sum prices online, so call to compare.

Q: Is there dim sum in Orleans?

Yes. Li's Fusion at 200 Vanguard Drive, Unit 1, lists dim sum first on its menu, is open daily from 11:30 AM to 10 PM and takes reservations. Call 613-841-8889 to check the current dim sum menu.

Q: What should I order for my first time at dim sum?

Start with the classics: har gow (shrimp dumplings), siu mai (pork dumplings), char siu bao (BBQ pork buns), and cheung fun (rice noodle rolls). Add turnip cake (lo bak go) and finish with egg tarts. This gives you a well-rounded introduction to dim sum without anything too adventurous.

Q: Do I need reservations for dim sum in Ottawa?

Sea King, Li's Fusion and Shanghai One take reservations, and 613today recommends reserving at Shanghai One, especially on weekends. Ng's Cuisine takes booking requests through its website. For the other restaurants, phone ahead if you are bringing a group on a weekend.

Q: What time does dim sum start in Ottawa?

Most restaurants in this guide open at 11 AM or later. Yimin and Cafe Orient open at 11 AM, Sea King opens at 11 AM (closed Tuesdays), and Li's Fusion opens at 11:30 AM. Yimin serves dim sum all day, which suits late risers.

Q: Where is the best dim sum in Chinatown Ottawa?

Four restaurants in this guide serve dim sum on Somerset Street West: Yimin at 662 (open daily until late), Jadeland at 625, Cafe Orient at 808 (Hong Kong café style, closed Wednesdays) and Ha's Dim Sum Noodle House at 870 (priced menu online). The "best" depends on whether you want all-day hours, a café meal or a priced menu to plan around.

Q: Can I order dim sum for takeout in Ottawa?

Ha's Dim Sum Noodle House takes online orders through its website. For the other restaurants, call and ask. Steamed items may lose some quality during transport, so request items packaged separately and eat soon after pickup.

Q: Is dim sum gluten-free friendly?

Dim sum is challenging for gluten-free diners. Most dumplings contain wheat flour wrappers, and soy sauce (used in many dishes) typically contains wheat. Steamed rice (congee), some rice noodle rolls (cheung fun), and plain vegetables may be safe, but cross-contamination is common. Always ask staff about ingredients.

Q: Is dim sum good for vegetarians?

Traditional dim sum is meat-heavy, but options exist. Look for vegetable dumplings, stuffed peppers, rice noodle rolls with vegetables, and tofu dishes. 613today describes Jadeland as known for vegetarian options, and it is worth calling ahead at any restaurant. Note that many seemingly vegetable dishes contain shrimp paste or oyster sauce.

Q: What's the difference between dim sum and yum cha?

Dim sum refers to the small dishes themselves, while yum cha (literally "drink tea") refers to the act of eating dim sum while drinking tea. When someone says "let's go for yum cha," they mean going to a dim sum restaurant for the full experience—the social gathering, the tea, and the food.

Q: How much should I tip at dim sum in Ottawa?

Standard Ottawa tipping applies: 15-20% of the pre-tax bill. At cart service restaurants like Sea King, tip based on the total regardless of how many carts served you.

Planning Your Dim Sum Experience

Complete Dim Sum Day in Ottawa

Make a full experience of your dim sum outing with this suggested itinerary:

Chinatown Route (Morning to Afternoon):

1. 11:00 AM - Arrive at Yimin (662 Somerset) when it opens for dim sum
2. 12:30 PM - Browse Kowloon Market (712 Somerset St W) for Asian groceries
3. 1:30 PM - Get bubble tea at a nearby shop
4. 2:30 PM - Walk Somerset Street past the shops and restaurants
5. 4:00 PM - Head to the ByWard Market for the rest of the afternoon

Merivale Road Route:

1. 11:00 AM - Arrive at Sea King for cart service (call 613-228-8819 first to confirm the carts are out, and remember it is closed Tuesdays)
2. 1:00 PM - Walk off the meal nearby
3. Another day - Try Ng's Cuisine or Shanghai One on the same strip

What to Wear to Dim Sum

Dim sum restaurants in Ottawa are generally casual. Here's what to expect:

• Casual restaurants (Cafe Orient, Jadeland, Ha's): Jeans and t-shirts are perfectly acceptable
• Upscale spots (Shanghai One): 613today calls it fine dining, so dress up a little for a celebration
• Cart service (Sea King): Casual is fine

Pro Tip: Avoid white clothing. Soy sauce stains are real, especially if you're new to chopsticks.

How Much to Order

Ordering the right amount can be tricky. Here's a rough guide:

At Ha's, where plates run $6.75 to $11.00 before HST, a table of four ordering 10 to 14 dishes would pay between about $68 (ten of the cheapest plates) and $154 (fourteen of the dearest) before HST and tip. Other restaurants will differ.

Remember: Start with fewer dishes and order more as you go. Dim sum is meant to be a leisurely meal, and fresh dishes from the kitchen beat cold dishes any day.

Dim Sum Etiquette

Tea Protocol:

• When someone refills your tea, tap two fingers on the table to say thanks
• Leave the teapot lid open when you need a refill
• Pour for others at the table before yourself

Ordering:

• At cart service, point clearly at what you want
• Don't be shy about flagging down carts
• It's okay to peek inside steamers before ordering

General:

• Dim sum is meant to be shared—don't hoard dishes
• Pace yourself; more carts are coming
• It's normal to have empty dishes stacked on the table
• Lift your bowl close to your mouth when eating rice or noodles—this is proper Chinese dining etiquette
• Don't stick chopsticks upright in rice (resembles incense at funerals)

Final Summary

Ottawa's dim sum scene in October 2026 is smaller than it was before Yangtze closed, but there is still a clear choice for each kind of meal: push carts on Merivale Road, menu-order dim sum along Somerset Street in Chinatown, and an option in Orleans.

Our Top Recommendations:

• Best for Cart Service: Sea King Seafood (the only push-cart dim sum in Ottawa, according to 613today)
• Best for Late Hours: Yimin Dim Sum House (daily 11 AM to 11 PM per its website)
• Best for Hong Kong Café Style: Cafe Orient (in Chinatown since 1993, closed Wednesdays)
• Best for Planning a Budget: Ha's Dim Sum Noodle House (full prices on its website)
• Best for a Celebration: Shanghai One (reserve, and ask about Tuesday's All Day Dim Sum Fest)
• Best in the East End: Li's Fusion (Orleans)

The Yangtze closure in November 2024 left a gap in Chinatown. A successor is planned for 700 Somerset Street West, but until its website shows an opening date, plan around the restaurants above.

Traditionalists should make the trip to Sea King for cart service, and call first to confirm the carts are out. For an everyday Chinatown meal, walk Somerset Street and pick between Yimin, Cafe Orient, Ha's and Jadeland.

Whatever your preference, arrive hungry, order the har gow first, and save room for egg tarts. That's the Ottawa dim sum way.

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• Best Date Night Restaurants - Romantic spots for special occasions
• Best Indian Food in Ottawa - Curries, biryanis, and more
• Best Pizza in Ottawa - Neapolitan, NY-style, and local favourites
• Best Ramen in Ottawa - Japanese noodle soup spots
• Best Sushi in Ottawa - Omakase to AYCE Japanese
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• Best Coffee Shops in Ottawa - Third wave and classic cafes

Last Updated: October 13, 2026

Sources: Ottawa Citizen, 613today, Yelp Ottawa and the restaurants' own websites. Confirm hours and prices with each restaurant before you go.