Best Handmade Dim Sum Spots in Johor Bahru

While many establishments rely on machine-made dim sum for consistency and efficiency, there are still a few hidden gems that take pride in handcrafting each delicate bite. These places not only serve fresh, handmade dim sum, but they also have unique offerings that make them worth the visit.

Restoran Gim Cheng Handmade Dim Sum

This family-run eatery has been crafting dim sum by hand for decades. Their attention to detail ensures that every bite is perfectly textured and packed with fresh ingredients.

Must-Try Dim Sum:

• Lava Custard Bun (流沙包) – A silky, molten salted egg yolk filling encased in a fluffy bun.

• Handmade Siew Mai (烧卖) – Unlike the factory-made versions, their siew mai is loaded with chunky, well-seasoned minced meat and prawns.

• Charcoal Chee Cheong Fun (竹炭猪肠粉) – A twist on the classic rice roll, using bamboo charcoal-infused skin for a unique flavor.

Fun Fact: The restaurant steams their dim sum fresh to order, ensuring each dish arrives piping hot at your table.

• Address: 5, Jalan Pertama 1, Pusat Perdagangan Danga Utama, 81300 Skudai, Johor

• Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)

Chang Man Handmade Dim Sum

Chang Man prides itself on its old-school approach, where dim sum is meticulously prepared by hand to preserve the original flavors and textures.

Must-Try Dim Sum:

• Teochew-Style Crystal Dumplings (潮州水晶饺) – Translucent, chewy skin filled with a savory mix of vegetables and peanuts.

• Homemade Egg Tarts (蛋挞) – Buttery, flaky crust with a silky egg custard center.

• Steamed Chicken Feet (蒸凤爪) – Braised to perfection in a flavorful black bean sauce.

Fun Fact: The head chef has over 30 years of experience in traditional dim sum-making and insists on hand-folding each dumpling for consistency.

Address: 25, Jalan Ros Merah 2/6, Taman Johor Jaya, 81100 Johor Bahru

Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM Daily

Hock Chiang Hin Handmade Dim Sum

An old-school dim sum shop that has been around for decades, Hock Chiang Hin is known for its simple yet flavorful handmade dim sum.

Must-Try Dim Sum:

• Salted Egg Yolk Pau (咸蛋黄包) – A perfectly balanced mix of sweet and savory flavors.

• Handmade Glutinous Rice Dumplings (糯米糍) – Soft, chewy, and packed with a fragrant lotus paste filling.

• Homemade Beancurd Rolls (腐皮卷) – Crispy on the outside, juicy and flavorful inside.

Fun Fact: The restaurant still uses traditional bamboo steamers to maintain the authenticity of their dim sum flavors.

Address: 18, Jalan Siu Nam, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta'zim

Opening Hours: 7.30am - 2pm Daily (closed on Sundays)

New Hong Kong Handmade Dim Sum

This restaurant focuses on classic dim sum with a slight Hong Kong twist.

Must-Try Dim Sum:

• XO Sauce Prawn Dumplings (XO酱虾饺) – Packed with umami flavors from their house-made XO sauce.

• Steamed Radish Cake (蒸萝卜糕) – An alternative to the fried version, with a softer, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

• Steamed Mushroom Dumplings (蘑菇饺子) – A vegetarian option bursting with earthy flavors.

Fun Fact: Founded in 1954 by Ma Jie’s from Hong Kong, The New Hong Kong Restaurant started with Wan Tan noodles in a coffee shop before expanding to Hong Kong delicacies.

Address: 69a, 69b & 69c, Jalan Ibrahim Sultan, Stulang Darat, 80300 Johor Bahru, Johor

Opening Hours: Temporarily closed for renovations

Jiah Xiang Dim Sum

Jiah Xiang Dim Sum is known for its extensive menu, offering a mix of traditional and innovative handmade dim sum.

Must-Try Dim Sum:

• Shanghai Xiao Long Bao (上海小笼包) – Soup dumplings bursting with rich broth and tender pork filling.

• Steamed Scallop Dumplings (带子蒸饺) – A delicate dumpling filled with fresh scallops for a luxurious touch.

• Golden Fried Prawn Rolls (黄金炸虾卷) – Crispy on the outside, packed with succulent prawns inside.

Fun Fact: Jiah Xiang offers over 80 varieties of dim sum, preserving the traditional favourites from the main menu while also introducing many new flavours.

Address: 63, Jalan Austin Heights 8/4, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru

Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM Daily