Top 14 Best Dim Sum Restaurants in Portland (tried and tested)

Meaning ‘touch the heart’ in Chinese, these perfectly portioned doughy buns can be steamed, baked, or fried and they’re personally one of my favorite foods. Portland is a great city to try Dim Sum as there are plenty of restaurants dotted all over the city serving the dish. From my many hours scouting out the best, from vegan and gluten-free to more classic dishes, here are my personal favorite spots to eat Dim Sum dumplings in Portland, Oregon…

Our Top 3 Best Dim Sum Restaurants in Portland
1.
HK Cafe l Global Grasshopper – travel inspiration for the road less travelled
Best For Great Value
HK Cafe
2.
Jade Rabbit l Global Grasshopper – travel inspiration for the road less travelled
Best For Vegan Dining
Jade Rabbit
3.
Kung Pow l Global Grasshopper – travel inspiration for the road less travelled
Best For Casual Vibe
Kung Pow
Best For Great Value

HK Cafe

HK Cafe - a spacious dim sum restaurant in Portland

Hong Kong Cafe is a local restaurant in Portland that features a variety of Asian cuisines to choose from.

With all the different options, I find there’s always something very tasty on the menu, whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a banquet feast. Every day, you can find people of all backgrounds at the HK Cafe in Portland.

Walk in, and you might find a father and son sharing a plate of noodles for lunch or a group of women gossiping over their bubble tea. Located in the Eastport Plaza shopping center, this cafe serves authentic Hong Kong dishes with an a la carte menu.

Pros

Convenient location in Eastport Plaza

A welcoming atmosphere and spacious area

Authentic Asian and Chinese Cuisine

Extensive Dim Sum selection

Cons

The parking area is small

Potential crowds during peak hours

The wait time is a little long

Best For Vegan Dining

Jade Rabbit

Din Tai Fung Dumplings

Jade Rabbit is a fantastic Chinese restaurant in Portland, Oregon that offers various vegan and gluten-free dim sum. The inside is quaint with a cool edge. 

They provide restaurant seating and takeout options and offer rice noodles, and vegetarian dumplings, and I’d definitely suggest trying the ma po tofu which is seriously tasty. 

Jade Rabbit’s other menu items include vegetarian stir fry with fresh vegetables, vegetarian potstickers, and vegetarian fried rice.

Pros

Quaint and swanky ambiance

Unique plant-based Dim Sum options

Offers a wide range of Chinese dishes

Offers gluten-free options

Cons

It may not appeal to meat lovers

Reservations are required at peak times

Best For Casual Vibe

Kung Pow

Kung Pow Portland Oregon

Portland is known for many things, including its emphasis on healthy living. Whether you live in Portland or are visiting, it can be hard to find good vegetarian options.

However, Kung Pow offers a great selection of vegetarian dishes. Kung Pow is a restaurant in downtown Portland with delicious vegetarian dishes like Cambodian “Crab” Cakes and the Vegan Fried Rice Bowl.

The chef ensures that no animal products are used in the dishes, so vegetarians will find something they like. 

Pros

Abundant veggie and vegan options

Innovative dim sum selection

Trendy decor and a relaxed vibe

Downtown location for convenience

Cons

Limited non-veg options

Hard to find a table at peak times

Best For Hip Vibe

Boke Bowl

Boke Bowl Dumplings

The Boke Bowl Chinese restaurant in Portland is a traditional Cantonese-style restaurant focusing on noodle dishes. The menu includes traditional and contemporary dishes, ranging from salads and steamed buns to famous Japanese ramen. I would definitely suggest trying their incredible steamed buns! 

The dishes are served in an atmosphere reminiscent of old China, with dark tables and servers in white shirts. In this popular Portland restaurant, you can enjoy a traditional Chinese meal or order something more Americanized, such as their chicken dish.

The restaurant in SE Water Avenue is open to dine-in, curbside pickups, and takeaways.

Pros

Freshly made steamed buns

A unique fusion of Chinese and Japanese cuisine

A traditional and contemporary menu

Cool and funky casual vibe

Curbside pickup

Cons

Parking nearby is challenging

It can be noisy at peak times

Best For Organic

Blossoming Lotus

Blossoming Lotus Dim Sum Portland Oregon

This new vegan restaurant in Portland, Oregon, is expanding the food options for vegan and vegetarian consumers by serving delicious meals free of animal products.

The manager of this new restaurant has created a menu with many mouth-watering dishes, including some vegan versions of classic foods like chicken wings and cheeseburgers.

They’re locally sourcing ingredients to provide customers with fresh, organic ingredients. From their beautiful storefront location on 15th Avenue to their expansive menu, the restaurant has been drawing in droves of patrons ever since it first opened. 

Pros

Sources fresh organic produce locally

Features vegan versions of classic dishes

Offers diverse and tasty plant-based dishes

Cool retro-chic decor

Cons

It is not for die-hard meat fans

The wait time can be extended at peak times

Best For Taiwanese

Din Tai Fung

Din Tai Fung Dumplings

Din Tai Fung is one of the most popular Chinese restaurants in the World. It was opened in 1972 by the Zhang family and has quickly gained popularity for its authentic Asian cuisine.

The menu includes dumplings, noodles, rice dishes, and appetizers. They have been known for their modern fusion cuisine and are renowned for their quality and consistency.

Din Tai Fung is an international chain restaurant with branches open worldwide. Its main headquarters are located in Taiwan.

The Portland branch on Washington Square Road offers dine-in and takeaway options. 

Pros

Known globally for their delicious Xiao Long Bao

Offers a wide range of authentic Asian dishes

Fantastic high-food quality with a reputation to match

Cons

Some dishes are pricey

Some portions are small

Chain restaurant

Best For Authentic Chinese Cuisine

East Harbor Restaurant

East Harbor dim sum Restaurant in Portland

Located on the east side of Portland, Maine, East Harbor Restaurant is the perfect place to eat delicious breakfast, lunch, or dinner seafood.

This is the spot if you’re looking for a special occasion Chinese restaurant with beautiful views. The restaurant has everything from steamed buns to rice noodles and fried rice.

The restaurant’s success can be attributed to its innovative menu, which features local, seasonal ingredients sourced from small farms and fisherman’s markets.

Their dedication to sustainability ensures that the future of this eatery will be just as prosperous as its past.

Pros

Stunning views for special occasions

Innovative menu with local ingredients

Authentic Chinese cuisine

Delicious variety of dim sum

Cons

Closed on Tuesdays

The flavor profile might not suit all

Best For Families

XLB

XLB - family-friendly comfort food providing restaurant in Portland

When you’re in Portland craving a different cuisine, there’s a place to satisfy your cravings. XLB Chinese Restaurant is an Asian restaurant that offers delicious Chinese cuisine. They have something for every taste, from BBQ pork buns to drunken chicken.

The restaurant is known for its exquisite building and delicious food. To make the location more appealing, they installed glass windows to allow customers to see inside as they walked by.

XLB is located on William’s Avenue and opens daily at 11 AM. The place also serves wine and beer alongside Chinese soup and dumplings.

Pros

Convenient location on William's Avenue

Also offers wine and beer

Provides a diverse range of Chinese dishes

Transparent kitchen

Cons

Have to order at the counter

Limited menu

Best For Beijing-style Cuisine

Chen’s Good Taste

Chen's Good Taste restaurant in Portland

Chen’s Good Taste is a popular Chinese restaurant in downtown Portland. They specialize in Beijing-style cooking and serve up the most authentic cuisine around.

Their traditional dishes have garnered praise from diners with diverse palates. Chen’s Good Taste is famous for its dumplings, which are served every day.

But they also have other items on their menu, including fried rice, lacquered beef, eggplant salad, sesame pancakes, and more. The restaurant has been voted one of the best Thai restaurants in the area because of its delicious dishes and pleasant atmosphere.

Chen’s opened its doors for business in 2010 and has quickly become a popular spot for families, travellers, and locals alike to come together to eat well. 

Cons

The interiors are very casual

The seating is compact

Best For Budget-friendly

Master Kong

Master Kong dim sum restaurant IN Portland

Walk into a Master Kong restaurant in Portland, and you’ll first notice the delicious aromas of Mandarin and Szechuan cuisine.

This unassuming eatery offers some of the best Chinese food in town, and it’s no wonder it’s a local favourite. From noodles to yummy dumplings, there’s something for everyone at Master Kong.

The atmosphere is cosy and charming, and the food is delicious. So, if you’re looking for a fantastic meal without breaking the bank, check out this hidden gem.

Pros

Cozy and charming atmosphere

Generous portions at a reasonable price

Authentic cuisine and a wide variety of dishes

Great prices

Cons

The seating capacity is small

Limited menu

Outdoor seating is subject to the weather

Best For Cantonese Cuisine

Good World | Chinese Restaurant

Good World dim sum restaurant in Portland

Good World is one of the latest arrivals on the Portland Chinese food scene, and it’s quickly winning over fans with its traditional flavours and affordable prices.

The restaurant offers various dishes, from classic favourites to more modern options. The atmosphere is cosy and inviting – perfect for a casual dinner with friends or family.

The excellent dim sum restaurant is in Parkrose Plaza on 122nd Avenue in Portland. The specialities of the Good World restaurant include Cantonese dishes and Mandarin dishes that every person, whether Asian or not, loves to eat.

Pros

Authentic Cantonese and Mandarin cuisine

A cozy and inviting atmosphere

Ideal place for hanging out with friends

Convenient location in Parkrose Plaza

Cons

The restaurant lacks a vibe

Lacks fine dining elements

Closed on Tuesdays

Best For Laid-back Atmosphere

Bao Bao

Bao bao dim sum restaurant in Portland

Located in downtown Portland, Bao Bao offers a variety of dumplings and other Chinese delicacies that will wow any guest. The chef has been featured on Food Network for his dumplings, which have become so popular.

His creative dishes have brought in longstanding regulars and newcomers who can’t resist trying a new, innovative dish. This eclectic eatery is a gem among its many competitors.

If you’re looking for a quick bite or a more leisurely dinner, you’ll find something on the menu for everyone. The restaurant is in Central Eastside Lofts at 545 NE Couch St in Portland.

Cons

The parking spaces are compact

The wait time can be long

Best For Contemporary Chinese

Dragonwell Bistro

Contemporary Chinese bistro Portland

A local favourite is in the heart of Portland, Oregon, Dragonwell Bistro. One that has been drawing customers for over 20 years with its famous Shanghai Dumplings and Lighthouse Soup.

It is one of the few places in town that still serves dim sum, a Chinese style of food, typically breakfast or lunch.

Customers can choose from many dumplings, buns, noodles, and rice dishes. They serve traditional Chinese dishes with an emphasis on Sichuan cuisine.

The food is made fresh daily with ingredients sourced from local farms and markets. You can walk in or call for reservations.

Pros

Fresh and locally sourced ingredients

Famous for the Shanghai Dumplings

Serving traditional dim sum

Cons

Closes early at 8 pm

Closed on Sundays

Best For Vietnamese Cuisine

Thiên Hoàng

vermicelli bowl Portland

Thiên Hoàng has been a Vietnamese and Chinese restaurant in the Portland area for the past 20 years. It has become a favourite not only among Asians but also among other people who love Asian food.

The restaurant’s menu offers many popular dishes, such as vermicelli bowls, pad Thai, and curry dishes.

Located on Powell Street, this family-owned restaurant is only two blocks from the Lloyd District, making it very convenient for those living or working nearby.

With a full menu containing traditional Vietnamese dishes and Chinese favourites, there are plenty of dim sum options.

Pros

Authentic Vietnamese and Chinese cuisine

Convenient location near Lloyd District

Inviting homely dining experience

Cons

The wait time can be long

The food is relatively expensive

Was this helpful?

Good job! Please give your positive feedback ⚡

How could we improve this post? Please Help us.✍