Fluffy steamed bun with sweet barbecue pork and caramelized fat inside
Tips from diners
Freshly steamed batches come around every 15-20 minutes; wait for warm ones, not lukewarm
Fluffy exterior means they don't stay fresh long; prioritize early in meal
Silky steamed rice sheet rolled with whole shrimp and drizzled with soy sauce
Tips from diners
Chewy texture is intentional; should be barely set, not rubbery
Shrimp should be visible inside; if obscured, ask for better piece from trolley
Open-top steamed dumpling with pork and prawn filling, topped with fish roe
Tips from diners
Open top means filling flavour is immediate; add chili sauce if you want spice kick
Fat-to-meat ratio varies batch to batch; pork belly makes it richer
Delicate wheat starch wrapper, juicy whole shrimp, visible through translucent skin
Tips from diners
Texture degrades after 10 minutes; eat immediately when cart passes your table
Request extra if only 3 visible in basket; sometimes they're stacked with smaller one hidden
Chicken feet braised in black bean sauce until gelatinous and rich
Tips from diners
Sucking between the joints releases the collagen-rich meat; technique matters
Acquired taste; gelatinous skin takes practice to appreciate. Pairs well with rice.
Iconic Hong Kong dim sum fixture on the second floor of City Hall with panoramic harbour views, Maxim's Palace operates traditional pushcart trolley service all through lunch (11am-3pm) with no reservations. Arrive by 11:15am on weekends to avoid 1+ hour waits.
No reservations for lunch service; arrive by 11:15am to avoid 1+ hour wait on weekends. Dim sum trolleys 11am-3pm.
Dinner service available 5:30pm-11pm (reservations accepted); dim sum trolleys NOT available at dinner.
Harbour views are spectacular; request window seating when checking in, though not guaranteed without reservation.
Check on trolleys as they pass; slower to order via menu. Each plate adds up over meal; budget HK400-600 per person for full lunch.
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