Charlotte CampbellDeciding where to eat with friends can be one of the most time-consuming and frustrating ordeals. We never have the same cravings—one wants pasta, another wants sushi, and I’m just over here hoping for anything other than fish and chips.
But over the years, we’ve found a compromise. Whenever we can’t agree on a place, we go to our favorite dim sum spots, and luckily, Halifax has a few spots that have never failed us.
So, if you’re in the same boat (or just love dumplings as much as we do), I made a little guide to help. I’ve rounded up the best dim sum restaurants in Halifax, serving traditional bites and well-loved Chinese-Canadian fare.
1. Canton Garden Restaurant
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Website: https://www.cantongardenns.com/
Location: 30 Farnham Gate Rd
Operating hours:
Tuesday-Thursday, 11:30 AM–9 PM
Saturday, 3 PM–10 PM
Sunday, 12 PM–9 PM
Phone: +19024067788
Must-have: Sweet and Sour Pork
Canton Garden has an all-day menu made up of authentic Chinese dim sum plates and fusion dishes. They have everything from duck, chicken, beef, pork, and even vegetarian options.
If you’re coming here for lunch on a weekday, don’t miss out on their specials. These combo meals usually consist of three to four dishes and, of course, rice for no more than $16. Plus, it comes with a cup of coffee or tea of your choice.
| Pro Tip: The restaurant is located in a strip mall so there’s plenty of parking space. You can even park right in front of the restaurant. |
2. The Great Wall Restaurant
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Website: http://www.thegreatwall.ca/
Location: 1649 Bedford Row
Operating hours:
Saturday-Sunday, 3 PM–10 PM
Monday-Friday, 11:30 AM–10 PM
Phone: +19024226153
Must-have: Salt and Pepper Squid
The Great Wall Restaurant is a Halifax classic. Nestled in Bedford Row, it’s conveniently located near the waterfront and the Citadel, making it easy to reach on foot from anywhere downtown.
What I like the most about this spot is its extensive menu, which features Cantonese, and Sze Chuan specials. They’ve got great dim dum options as well, such as Chow Mein, Spring Rolls, Wontons, and more.
I recommend getting their combination plates, so you can have a balanced meal for an affordable price. But if you’re eating out with others, you can choose their set meals, which are tailored for two to four people.
| Pro Tip: Parking isn’t allowed on Bedford Row on weekdays from 8 AM to 6 PM. If you’re driving, you can park along Sackville Street right across Bedford. |
3. May Garden
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Website: http://www.maygarden.ca/
Location: 829 Sackville Dr, Lower Sackville
Operating hours:
Sunday-Wednesday, 11 AM–10 PM
Thursday-Saturday, 11 AM–11 PM
Phone: +19028652226
Must-have: Steamed Shrimp Dumplings
May Garden has four locations in the Halifax Regional Municipality—the Downtown Core, Lower Sackville, Bedford, and Dartmouth. Although the restaurant near the waterfront is convenient, it only opens from 4 PM onwards.
If you want dim sum for lunch, I suggest going to the spot in Lower Sackville. It might be a 20-minute drive, but it’s worth the trip as they offer traditional options that most restaurants don’t have like Lotus Buns, Turnip Cake, and Chicken Feet.
Oh, did I mention that they serve tea? While waiting for your dishes, you can sip on hot, relaxing tea such as Oolong, Chrysanthemum Flowers, Jasmine, and so much more.
Dim sum is only available on weekends and holidays from 11:15 AM to 3 PM so plan your visit accordingly!
| Pro Tip: They have a small patio space outside with views of the harbor. It’s usually open throughout the warmer months so grab a table while you can. |
4. Red Asian Fusion Restaurant
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Website: http://redasianfusion.com/
Location: 5169 South St
Operating hours:
Monday-Friday, 1 PM–9 PM
Saturday-Sunday, 4 PM–9 PM
Phone: +19024258276
Must-have: Signature Spare Ribs
The Red Asian Fusion Restaurant is a family-run business in the Downtown core of Halifax. They cover all the dim sum classics but are well-known for their fusion dishes, inspired by the cuisine of different regions in China and beyond.
You can order delicious plates of Gyoza, Handmade Spring Rolls, Spare Ribs, and more. It isn’t the most traditional, but their fresh take on the cuisine is very refreshing.
What makes this spot stand out is its portions, which are definitely more generous than other places. One of my favorite dishes to pair with their dim sum is the BBQ Duck, but you have to order at least three days in advance to enjoy it.
| Pro Tip: Try their refreshing fruit smoothies. Depending on what’s available and in season, they might offer pineapple, blueberry, mango, or strawberry. |
5. YiLan Chinese Halal Restaurant
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Location: 1335 Barrington St
Operating hours: Tue-Sun 12 PM to 9 PM
Phone: +19024311234
Must-have: Chives and Egg Dumplings
Everything on the menu at YiLan Halal Restaurant consists of traditional Chinese Muslim dishes. It’s one of the best places to eat hot pot in Halifax, but it’s also one of my go-to dim sum spots.
I’d come here just for the dumplings. Whether I’m getting the Chives and Egg or the Beef and Green Onions, I can always expect the dumplings to be generously stuffed and extra flavorful.
Apart from the dumplings, the steamed buns are a crowd favorite, all of which are handmade in-house. Although I love their savory options, I also indulge in their sweet Red Bean Bao ever so often.
| Pro Tip: You can park right in front of the restaurant. However, you’ll have to pay on weekdays from 8 AM to 6 PM. |
6. Fan’s Chinese Restaurant
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Website: http://fansrestaurant.ca/
Location: 451 Windmill Rd, Dartmouth
Operating hours:
Wednesday-Monday, 11 AM–9 PM
Phone: +19024699165
Must-have: Egg Tarts
Another must-try dim sum spot is Fan’s Chinese Restaurant, which is right across the harbor. Everyone loves the shrimp and pork dumplings, but this spot has so much more to offer that is worth the try.
You can start with Taro Puffs, or Taro Cakes as they call them—crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and satisfying with every bite. If you prefer something steamed, get the sticky rice chicken wrapped in lotus leaf, which is quite a hefty meal.
They open 6 days a week, excluding Tuesdays, but dim sum is only available on the weekends from 11 AM to 3 PM.
| Pro Tip: The restaurant is in Shannon Plaza, a small strip mall with free parking. On the weekends, they are busiest during lunch hours so arrive early to secure a good parking spot. |
7. Silver Dragon Restaurant
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Location: 2827 Robie St
Operating hours:
Saturday-Tuesday, 4 PM–10 PM
Wednesday-Friday, 11:30 AM–10 PM
Phone: +19024552800
Must-have: Wonton
Silver Dragon is a small, cozy Chinese restaurant in North End, Halifax. They serve classic dim sum dishes like Pan-fried Dumplings, Ribs in Black Bean Sauce, and a variety of Chow Mein.
Here, you can indulge in authentic dishes alongside Chinese-North American fusion dishes. Some of their house specialties include Ginger Beef, General Tao Chicken, and Kung Pao Shrimp, which are a great introduction to Chinese cuisine.
Like other Chinese restaurants, they have combination meals tailored for groups of up to 8 people. It’s the perfect place for small get-togethers that won’t break the bank.
| Pro Tip: You can park for free right in front of the restaurant. However, spots are very limited so arrive early, especially during dinner. |
8. Beyond Pho
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Website: http://www.beyondphohalifax.com/
Location: 5518 Spring Garden Rd
Operating hours:
Sunday-Friday, 11 AM–9 PM
Saturday, 11 AM–10 PM
Phone: +19024253133
Must-have: Lily & Garlic Chicken Feet
Right smack in the middle of Spring Garden Road, you’ll find Beyond Pho, a Vietnamese restaurant that serves pho alongside delicious dim sum dishes.
They aren’t afraid to experiment with flavors and ingredients to give your favorite comfort meals a new spin. Instead of the usual Shrimp and Pork Siu Mai, they add Black Truffles to give it extra umami.
However, my favorite from this spot is their Chicken Feet—chewy, savory, and flavorful. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s worth the try.
| Pro Tip: Get their desserts. You can choose savory and sweet options like Sesame Balls and Honeycomb Cakes to cap up your meal. |
