Definitions for "Dim sum"
tasty dumplings served literally a la carte, on carts wheeled table-to-table in Chinese restaurants.
The Chinese phrase translates literally to "touch heart" or more figuratively to "endear", but in culinary terms it of course refers to sweet or savoury dumplings of various fillings that are steamed, deep-fried or baked. What better way to do so.
A Cantonese term for "heart's delight," dim sum is made up of a number of small dishes which may include steamed/fried dumplings, shrimp balls, steamed buns and Chinese pastries.