Sum Dim Sum - Creative Dim Sum With Stunning Tiffany Blue Har Gow

If there's one stretch in Singapore where the dim sum competition runs fierce, it's Jalan Besar. Nestled among seasoned players like Swee Choon Tim Sum Restaurant is Sum Dim Sum — a modern shophouse concept that's carved out its own loyal following thanks to a menu full of creative twists on Cantonese classics and an interior that's as photogenic as its food. With its iconic Tiffany blue facade, warm bamboo-lit interiors, and dishes that go beyond the usual dim sum playbook, Sum Dim Sum is the kind of place that makes diners come back for "just one more basket."

What sets Sum Dim Sum apart from the neighbourhood pack isn't just its prettier digs or its welcoming two-storey setting with a mix of indoor and al fresco seating — it's the thoughtful reinvention of familiar favourites. The menu spans steamed, pan-fried, deep-fried, baked, rice rolls, noodles, porridge, and desserts, paired with refillable Chinese teas like Pu Er, Tie Guan Yin, and Chrysanthemum. Whether it's a quick supper or a leisurely yum cha session, Sum Dim Sum delivers.

Fresh Prawn Tiffany Blue XL Har Gow — $6.30+

This is Sum Dim Sum's most Instagrammable dish, and it earns every bit of that title. The Fresh Prawn Tiffany Blue XL Har Gow arrives in a stunning shade of blue that perfectly mirrors the restaurant's iconic facade — no coincidence there. The striking hue comes entirely from butterfly pea flowers, making it a natural colouring that also brings a gentle antioxidant boost to the table.

Beyond the visual drama, each XL-sized dumpling is generously filled with plump, naturally sweet fresh prawns that deliver a satisfying, juicy bite, with a speckle of green onions adding a pop of colour contrast inside. The skin has a slightly nutty undertone from the blue pea flower infusion and a pleasant chew that holds the filling together beautifully.

Signature Pandan Crispy Pork Bun

For those who love a local spin, the Pandan Crispy Pork Bun takes the beloved original and wraps it in a fragrant pandan-infused pastry. The aromatic green hue and subtle pandan sweetness play off the savoury pork filling in a way that feels uniquely Singaporean — it's a creative flourish that diners have praised as an unexpected but spot-on pairing.

Golden Custard Bun — $4.50+

A dim sum essential done right. Sum Dim Sum's Golden Custard Bun features a fluffy steamed bun with a molten salted egg custard centre that flows out warm and lusciously with every bite. The balance of sweet and savoury is bang on — exactly what a good custard bun should be.

Moonlight Hor Fun - $12

A sleeper hit that regulars swear by. The Moonlight Hor Fun arrives as a plate of silky, wok-charred flat noodles crowned with a runny egg yolk that coats every strand beautifully when stirred through. The smoky breath-of-the-wok flavour is dialled up just right, making this one of the most comforting dishes on the menu.

Wolfberry with Mushroom Siew Mai — $5+

Sum Dim Sum's take on the siew mai is where tradition gets a thoughtful upgrade. Instead of the usual pork-and-prawn combination topped with a lone wolfberry as garnish, this version weaves wolfberry and mushroom right into the flavour profile of the dumpling itself — adding a gentle earthy depth to every bite. Each piece arrives plump and generously filled, bursting with juicy, well-seasoned goodness the moment you bite in. The mushroom lends a subtle umami richness while the wolfberry adds a mild natural sweetness that keeps things balanced and interesting. At $5 for three pieces, it's one of the better-value items on the menu and consistently earns its spot as one of the more recommended steamed dishes in the house. A must-order for siew mai fans who appreciate a little something extra beyond the ordinary.

Pan Fried Carrot Cake

Sum Dim Sum takes the classic chai tow kway and gives it a glow-up. Topped with ikan bilis, fried shallots, sesame seeds, and slices of bird's eye chilli, each portion arrives beautifully golden-brown with paper-thin crispy edges. The umami-packed interior is soft and yielding, making this one of the most visually striking and delicious versions of pan-fried carrot cake around.

Crispy Prawn Rice Roll

One of the most talked-about dishes at Sum Dim Sum, the Crispy Prawn Rice Roll is a textural masterpiece that takes the humble chee cheong fun to a whole new level. Where most rice rolls go for a uniform silky softness throughout, this version wraps a deep-fried crispy prawn roll inside the smooth, delicate rice noodle sheet — so every bite delivers a satisfying crunch hidden beneath that silky exterior. The prawn roll stays impressively crispy even as it sits within the steamed rice roll, which is no mean feat. It's a dish that consistently earns top favourite status among Burpple and Instagram regulars, and it's easy to see why — the contrast of textures and the generous prawn filling make it one of the most craveable items on the entire menu. A must-order for anyone who loves their chee cheong fun with a little extra oomph.

Deep Fried Salted Egg Sesame Ball — $4.50

A dessert-adjacent bite that hits all the right notes. The glutinous sesame ball comes with a chewy skin speckled with nutty sesame seeds, concealing a salted egg custard filling that's thicker and stickier than the usual lava bun format — but no less addictive. It's a great note to end any dim sum session on.

Sum Dim Sum is the kind of place that makes Jalan Besar worth the detour. It brings together thoughtful modern touches, a creative menu rooted in Cantonese tradition, and an atmosphere that's comfortable enough for a long, leisurely meal — without the queues typically associated with the area's more famous neighbours. Whether the goal is a pandan pork bun fix, a supper run, or a proper yum cha with the family, Sum Dim Sum earns its spot as one of Singapore's most approachable and enjoyable dim sum destinations. Budget around $15 per person for a solid spread.

Address: 161 Jalan Besar, Singapore 208876 (Additional outlets at Hometeam NS Bedok and 50 Punggol East)
Contact: 8818 9161
Opening Hours: Mon–Fri 11:30am–11:30pm | Sat 10:30am–11:30pm | Sun 10:30am–11pm
Instagram: @sumdimsumsg
Note: Sum Dim Sum is not a halal-certified eatery.