The Best Chinese Soups to Pair with Dim Sum

Dim sum is a delightful culinary experience, often enjoyed with an array of delectable small dishes. To enhance your dim sum outing, pairing it with the right Chinese soups can take the meal to another level. Here are some of the best Chinese soups that complement the flavors of dim sum perfectly.

1. Hot and Sour Soup
Hot and sour soup is a classic choice that offers a perfect balance of spicy and tangy flavors. The rich, savory broth is filled with ingredients like tofu, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots, which provide a satisfying texture. This soup not only warms up the palate but also prepares it for the variety of flavors in dim sum.

2. Wonton Soup
A favorite among many, wonton soup features delicate dumplings filled with seasoned meat or seafood, served in a flavorful broth. The simplicity of wonton soup allows it to complement dim sum without overshadowing its taste. The light yet savory broth enhances the overall dining experience.

3. Egg Drop Soup
Egg drop soup is known for its smooth consistency and comforting nature. With silky strands of egg swirled into a savory chicken broth, this soup is both light and satisfying. Its subtle flavors pair excellently with the various tastes found in dim sum dishes.

4. Seafood Soup
For those who enjoy seafood, a light seafood soup made with fresh fish, shrimp, and scallops adds a burst of ocean flavors to your dim sum feast. The fresh ingredients and aromatic broth create a delicious backdrop that enhances the seafood dim sum options, like shrimp dumplings and scallop siu mai.

5. Chinese Herbal Soup
Chinese herbal soups, often made with a blend of herbs and nourishing ingredients such as goji berries, ginseng, and red dates, provide not just flavor but also health benefits. These soups are hearty and rich, making them perfect for pairing with heavier dim sum items like char siu bao or deep-fried dumplings.

6. Vegetable Soup
Aromatic vegetable soup can be a fantastic choice for vegetarians looking to enjoy a warm start to their meal. Packed with fresh vegetables and fragrant herbs, this clear broth is light and refreshing. The clean taste of vegetable soup complements the diverse flavors of dim sum and provides a lovely balance.

7. Congee
While technically not a soup, congee is a comforting rice porridge that can be enjoyed alongside dim sum. This versatile dish can be flavored with various toppings, including pickled vegetables, shredded chicken, or century eggs. Its creamy texture and mild taste make it a great addition to your dim sum experience.

In summary, the best Chinese soups to pair with dim sum enhance the overall dining experience, providing a balance of flavors and textures. Whether you prefer something spicy like hot and sour soup or a light option such as vegetable soup, there's a perfect match for everyone. Next time you indulge in dim sum, try one or more of these delicious soups for an unforgettable meal.