Dining on a Dime: Dim Sum Feasts Under $15
Dim sum might look like a luxury with all those tiny plates adding up fast—but a well-strategized order can leave both your stomach and your wallet satisfied. Whether you’re dining solo or sharing a table with friends, it’s possible to build a flavorful, filling dim sum feast for under $15. With a bit of planning and help from cashback apps like Ibotta, you can make every bite count.
Here’s how to get the most dumplings for your dollar.
- Prioritize the Filling Favorites
To stay within budget, focus on dishes that are both hearty and low in cost. These items typically offer the most value:
- Sticky rice in lotus leaf: Dense, savory, and easily shareable
- Pan-fried turnip cakes: Crispy, satisfying, and usually priced under $5
- Steamed BBQ pork buns: Soft, fluffy, and packed with protein
- Vegetable dumplings or chive pockets: Often among the cheapest, but still deeply flavorful
Look for these staples on menus when browsing through Yelp or The Infatuation to find budget-friendly dim sum in your area.
- Skip the Tea Charge
Many dim sum restaurants automatically include a tea fee per person—sometimes up to $3. If you’re trying to stay under $15, opt out politely if allowed, or ask if hot water is available instead. You can also visit dim sum spots that don’t enforce a tea charge or offer it complimentary with takeout.
- Choose Takeout to Avoid Service Fees
Ordering your meal to go can help cut additional costs like table service charges or tipping beyond what’s typical for counter service. You also avoid the temptation to over-order while watching carts pass by your table.
- Use Ibotta for Cashback on Grocery Dim Sum
If you’re taking your feast home, Ibotta has cashback offers on popular frozen and ready-to-eat dim sum brands. For instance:
- Bibigo dumplings
- Ling Ling potstickers
- Trader Joe’s steamed pork buns
Browse your local grocery deals in the Ibotta app, activate the offer, and scan your receipt after purchase to earn cash back. It’s a great way to build your own dim sum meal for under $15 at home.
- Watch for Lunch Specials or Happy Hour Deals
Some dim sum restaurants, especially those with larger menus, offer weekday lunch specials where you can score three or more dishes for one bundled price. Others host happy hours with small plates starting at $2 or $3.
Search local deal offerings on Yelp or menus on The Infatuation to spot promos near you.
Stretch Your Dim Sum Budget Further
Dining well doesn’t have to mean spending big. With the right menu picks, some smart savings tools like Ibotta, and an eye for value, you can enjoy a full dim sum experience without crossing the $15 mark.
