# Dim Sum in Downtown Core

Dim sum in Singapore ranges from nett-priced hawker and coffeeshop baskets to hotel Cantonese restaurants charging "++". Hotel yum cha is mostly a lunch affair, often with weekend sittings that need booking days ahead. Expect tea, peanuts and wet towels to be charged per person at sit-down restaurants.

## Key facts
- Listings: 8
- Median years in business: 8

## How to choose
- Book weekend lunch at hotel Chinese restaurants early – many run two fixed sittings.
- Ask about per-person charges for tea, condiments and wet towels; these are common at Cantonese restaurants.
- Check MUIS certification if dining with Muslim guests – a few Chinese restaurants are halal-certified, using chicken or beef in place of pork.
- Hawker and 24-hour dim sum chains are nett-priced and good for small groups; hotels suit celebrations.

## Listings (top 8)
- [Crystal Jade Singapore](https://lookup.sg/biz/crystal-jade-singapore), Bugis · 200 Victoria St B1 04A · 1 min walk from Bugis MRT · registered 2018
- [Tim Ho Wan](https://lookup.sg/biz/tim-ho-wan-downtown-core), Downtown Core · OP - Citylink Mall, 1 Raffles Link · 1 min walk from City Hall MRT · registered 2012
- [Chao Yue Xuan Dim Sum](https://lookup.sg/biz/chao-yue-xuan-dim-sum), Clarke Quay · 13 Stamford Rd, B2-51 & 52 Capitol Singapore · 1 min walk from City Hall MRT · registered 2021
- [Tim Ho Wan PEAK](https://lookup.sg/biz/tim-ho-wan-peak), Marina Bay · B2-02/03/04, Canal Level, The Shoppes 2 BayFront Ave, Marina Bay Sands · 2 min walk from Bayfront MRT
- [Hong Kong Zhai Dim Sum Restaurant](https://lookup.sg/biz/hong-kong-zhai-dim-sum-restaurant), Downtown Core · 6 Raffles Blvd, #02-234/ 235/ 236 Marina Square · 3 min walk from Promenade MRT
- [Dim Dim](https://lookup.sg/biz/dim-dim), Downtown Core · 6 Raffles Boulevard · 3 min walk from Esplanade MRT
- [Shou Handmade Dim Sum Restaurant](https://lookup.sg/biz/shou-handmade-dim-sum-restaurant), Chinatown · 5 Kadayanallur St, #01-02/03 · 1 min walk from Maxwell MRT
- [天景閣](https://lookup.sg/biz/business-25), Downtown Core · 5 min walk from Promenade MRT

## FAQs
### What does "++" mean on a Singapore menu?
"++" means a 10% service charge and 9% GST will be added. GST is charged on the service charge too, so the multiplier is 1.1 × 1.09 = 1.199 – a $50++ meal costs about $59.95. IRAS lets restaurants that levy a service charge show pre-GST prices, but they must state prominently that prices are subject to GST and service charge.

### Is there halal dim sum in Singapore?
Yes, some Chinese restaurants serving dim sum are MUIS halal-certified. Check the specific outlet on the MUIS Certified Eating Establishments list or the MuslimSG app and look for the original certificate displayed on the premises.

### What happened to the A, B, C, D hygiene grades in Singapore?
From 19 January 2026 SFA replaced the annual A–D hygiene grade with the SAFE framework. Outlets now get A (more than three years with no major lapse), B (one to three years), NEW (operating under a year) or C (a court conviction for a food-safety offence or a licence suspension under the demerit-points system). Scan the QR code on the SFA licence at the counter to see the current grade.

## Sources
- IRAS – Displaying and quoting prices (GST): https://www.iras.gov.sg/taxes/goods-services-tax-(gst)/basics-of-gst/invoicing-price-display-and-record-keeping/displaying-and-quoting-prices
- MUIS – Certified Eating Establishments: https://muis.gov.sg/Halal/Halal-Certification/Certified-Eating-Establishments
- SFA – New Safety Assurance for Food Establishment (SAFE) framework: https://www.sfa.gov.sg/news-publications/newsroom/new-safety-assurance-for-food-establishment--safe--framework--to-strengthen-food-safety

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Source: Lookup (https://lookup.sg) · Data as of October 2026 · Listings compiled from Singapore government open data (data.gov.sg), OneMap and Overture Maps places. Free listings never show contact details; featured listings are labelled.