If you and your partner share a love for dumplings, buns, and steamy bamboo baskets, dim sum might just be the perfect centerpiece for your next date night. While most people think of dim sum as a weekend brunch tradition, it can easily be reinvented into a fun, flavorful, and romantic evening with a few creative pairings.
Here are some unique date night ideas that go beyond the typical sit-down and turn your shared love of dim sum into an experience.
- Dim Sum + Jazz Club
Set the mood with a mix of savory bites and smooth tunes. Start with dumplings at a cozy dim sum spot, then head to a local jazz lounge for live music and cocktails.
- NYC: Try Dim Sum Palace, then walk to Smalls Jazz Club
- SF: Start at City View Restaurant, then head to Black Cat Jazz Supper Club
Jazz clubs with table service are perfect for extending the night with a drink in hand and great ambiance.
- Dumplings + Rooftop Views
Nothing says “romantic” like dumplings with a view. Pick up dim sum takeout from your favorite spot and find a scenic rooftop—public terrace, rooftop bar, or even your own apartment building.
- Don’t forget to bring a cozy blanket and reusable chopsticks
Pro tip: Pick bao buns or cheung fun for easier rooftop eating—no soup dumplings unless you’ve got a table.
- Bao Buns + Wine Bar Crawl
Swap the usual charcuterie for pillowy bao buns. Some wine bars now offer pan-Asian small plates—or let you bring in your own takeout.
- Choose wines that pair well with your food: try Riesling with pork bao or sparkling rosé with fried dim sum
- Ask the bar if outside food is allowed, or look for wine bars with Asian-fusion menus on OpenTable
This is ideal for couples who love experimenting with flavor pairings and ambiance.
- DIY Dim Sum at Home + Movie Night
Skip the crowds and turn your kitchen into a mini dim sum house. Steam frozen dumplings, warm up bao, and create a dipping sauce station. Pair with your favorite romantic comedy or international film.
- Find frozen dim sum from places like Trader Joe’s or H Mart
- Set the mood with dim lighting, jazz playlists, and hot tea
Want to make it from scratch? Try recipes from The Woks of Life for an interactive culinary bonding experience.
- Dessert-Only Dim Sum + Night Stroll
End your evening with sweet dim sum like egg tarts, sesame balls, or custard buns from a late-night Chinese bakery. Grab a box to go and enjoy them while strolling through Chinatown or your favorite nighttime neighborhood.
Many bakeries are open late, and desserts travel well—just be sure to pack napkins and share bites.
Elevate Your Next Date with Dim Sum
Whether you’re grabbing shrimp dumplings before a jazz set or pairing pork buns with pinot noir, dim sum makes for a playful, delicious date night foundation. It’s the perfect cuisine for sharing—and sharing is the heart of any good date.
