"To Touch The Heart" Dim Sum is the generic name for hundreds of bite-size delicacies. First created for the Imperial Court of Sung Dynasty nearly 1000 years ago, food reserved for the elite - emporer, courtesans and the very rich. The idea is to harmonise flavors to enable a variety of tastes to be enjoyed at the same meal. As the emporer fled from Mongols, the concept was spread to each Chinese province on the way to Canton. By the 1900, Canton became "The Place" in China to have Dim Sum. The culinary art of Dim Sum took several centuries of development, eventually becoming inextricably linked to the Chinese custom of "Yum Cha" - meaning "Drinking Tea". Travelers journeying along the Silk Route needed a place to rest, resulting in Tea Houses springing up along the roadside. The local Tea House eventually became the place for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and relaxing conversation. Seizing an opportunity for business, Tea House proprietors began serving a variety of snacks, giving birth to Dim Sum as we know it today. What is Dim Sum? Dim Sum, bite size delicacies, are created using a wide range of Wrappings, Pastries, Dough, Fillings, Cooking Methods and Marinades to produce a variety of texture and taste. Dumpling and croquettes, simply translated, fails to describe the degree of skill involved in preparing a range of traditional Dim Sum Dishes, not to mention the scope for creativity. "The proof of the pudding is in the eating!". Start with the more delicate steamed dishes and progress to fired dishes and buns to fill the gaps. Be sure to make room for the mouth watering desserts .... We hope you'll enjoy the experience. |