Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month with Dim Sum

Traditional food. Dumplings manta in a bamboo steamer. On black rustic background

With May being Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, families across the nation will be celebrating the rich cultural tapestry of the AAPI community. One way to participate with your family is to learn about dim sum, which not only offers a culinary experience, but a journey into the heart of Asian culture and community.

First, what is dim sum? Dim sum is a cherished tradition in Cantonese cuisine, consisting of foods served on small plates. In translation, dim sum means touch the heart. Here are some of my favorite ways to dive in to dim sum culture.

Have a family feast. Gather loved ones for a delightful dim sum feast at a local restaurant (see suggestions below) or eat a dim sum meal at home by trying a variety of pre-made foods and frozen dumplings from your neighborhood Asian market.

Learn about dim sum culture. Educate your family about the rich history and cultural significance of dim sum. Share stories about its origins in tea houses, the etiquette of sharing dishes, and the symbolism behind popular dim sum foods.

Read picture books about AAPI culture, or written by an AAPI author. Take time to learn about different cultures together. Exploring traditions, cuisines or fun facts is a memorable, fun and educational experience. Consider reading Asian Adventures Delicious Foods A-Z with your kids. Get more kid-friendly book suggestions at www.sandiegofamily.com/for-the-kids/book-multimedia-reviews/asian-american-pacific-islander-books-for-kids.

Support an AAPI small business, store or restaurant. Enjoy a meal at a local AAPI-owned restaurant and try Asian foods that are new to your family.

Traditional Dim Sum Foods (partial list)

Har Gow -- dumplings with shrimp and sweet bamboo shoots
Shumai -- open dumplings stuffed with garlic, ginger, shrimp and pork
Char Siu Bao -- barbecue pork buns. Usually the bun is steamed, but there are baked bun versions as well.
Deep Fried Vegetable Spring Rolls – traditionally include carrots, glass noodles, cabbage and dried shiitake mushrooms
Steamed Bean Curd with meat and vegetables in a savory sauce
Coconut Jelly Cubes/Coconut Milk Pudding -- chilled cubes of coconut milk, cow’s milk, sugar and gelatin

Fun fact: It’s traditional to drink tea from tiny cups (which requires lots of refilling) during the dim sum meal. Since there is so much chatting during this communal dining experience, it’s customary to express gratitude to someone refilling your tea by tapping two fingers near the cup so there’s no need to pause the conversation.

Book author and educator Yobe Qiu is helping develop a Dim Sum Push Cart for toddlers, due for release this year. To pre-order the push cart or learn more about her books, connect via FB or IG @byyobeqiu.