Dim Sum Day
October 9 every year
The story
Dim sum is the Cantonese art of small shared dishes—har gow, siu mai, cheung fun, bao, spare ribs, and dozens more—served with tea in the yum cha ritual. Bamboo steamers arrive in waves; carts or check sheets keep the table moving from savory bites to lightly sweet finishes. Each item is a miniature of technique: translucent wrappers, open-topped dumplings, and silky rice rolls cut with care at the table.
Guangzhou, Hong Kong, and diaspora Chinatowns made dim sum a global weekend language of gathering across generations. Variety matters more than any single plate; the meal is a tasting tour paced by conversation and endless hot tea refills. Chefs chase consistency across dozens of items at once—an athletic kitchen performance behind the steamers and busy pastry benches.
On Dim Sum Day, order a spread of steamers and share everything family-style. Sip tea between bites and keep the table lively. Celebrate dim sum as China's small-plate feast culture—many dishes, one long, happy table.
About Dim Sum Day
- When is Dim Sum Day?
- Dim Sum Day is October 9 every year. In 2026, Dim Sum Day falls on Friday, October 9, 2026.
- When is Dim Sum Day in 2026?
- In 2026, Dim Sum Day is Friday, October 9, 2026 (October 9 every year).
- Which country is Dim Sum Day from?
- Dim Sum Day is on the China Food Holidays calendar.
- Is today Dim Sum Day?
- No. Today is not Dim Sum Day. It returns on October 9 every year. In 2026, that is Friday, October 9, 2026.
- How do you celebrate Dim Sum Day?
- There isn’t a single official way to celebrate. Read the story on this page, then cook or order dim sum. The iOS app’s Where to Eat can help you find dim sum nearby — this website does not list restaurants.
- Does Dim Sum Day happen every year?
- Yes. Dim Sum Day recurs on October 9 every year.