How to Host a Dim Sum Party

Invite guests over to mingle, dine and dive into the preparations with a DIY dumpling and dim sum party.

By: Camille Styles

Related To:

Party in Five: Dim Sum Party

There’s no better way to get guests mingling than encouraging them to cook a meal together.

To host this dim sum party, you'll need five essential ingredients: floating peonies (or another seasonal hot-pink flower), chopsticks, wonton wrappers, tapioca favors and Asian cocktails.

Set the Scene

Roll out a bamboo mat or set up individual cutting boards to provide a clean workspace, then arrange all the things you’ll need to make dumplings: wonton wrappers, fillings and a couple small bowls of water.

Round Out the Picture

Scatter floating peonies in low bowls for decor that won't get in the way of cooking and be sure to have cocktails on hand to quench your guests' thirst while they work.

Crowd-Friendly

Making dumplings is simple enough for novices, yet exotic enough that you'll be able to teach your friends a culinary skill they haven’t yet mastered.

Filling Station

Mix two different fillings and have them ready to go when guests arrive. We created two original recipes for this dim sum party: Green Curry Shrimp Dumplings and Shiitake and Napa Cabbage Dumplings.

Place a tablespoon of filling in the center of each wonton wrapper.

Get the Recipes:

Green Curry Shrimp Dumplings

Shiitake and Napa Cabbage Dumplings

Sealed with a Pinch

Use your index finger to dab a ring of water around the perimeter of the wrapper and fold it in half, pinching the edges to seal.

Taste of the Tropics

Transport your guests to the beaches of the Far East with freshly made Lychee Mojitos. Muddle lime wedges, lychees and mint and mix with rum to create a slightly exotic beverage brimming with Asian flavors.

Get the Recipe: Lychee Mojito

Cool to the Core

Serve over crushed ice for a drink that's refreshing no matter how hot things get in the kitchen.

Get the Recipe: Lychee Mojito

Chill Out

For a nonalcoholic option, offer a pitcher of chilled Ginger and Cucumber Juice that's sure to awaken the senses. The combination of ginger, cucumber and lime is the perfect palette cleanser and nicely complements the light flavors of an Asian meal.

Get the Recipe: Ginger and Cucumber Juice

Wrap It Up

To carry on the interactive theme of the meal, serve these Green Papaya Lettuce Wraps that guests can assemble themselves as an appetizer or alongside the main course. Make things super simple by using a julienne peeler to slice green papaya and cucumber into thin strips. Then, mix all the ingredients together and pile them onto a white serving platter for a professional-looking presentation.

Get the Recipe: Green Papaya Salad in Lettuce Wraps

Use Your Noodle

A veggie-filled pasta salad is always a great, substantial side dish option. This Radish and Sesame Soy Noodle Salad is filled with colorful, refreshing mix-ins like cucumber and radish and a spicy soy and vinegar sauce.

Get the Recipe: Radish and Sesame Soy Noodle Salad

Simply Steamy

Cook the two varieties of dumplings separately so they don't get mixed up. Simply steam them for 10 minutes in a bamboo or other type of steamer, and then your hard-earned main course will be ready to be devoured.

The Fruits of Your Labor

Serve the dumplings with dipping sauce (in individual bowls for each guest if you have them). There's no better feeling than enjoying a dish you've made from scratch, and your guests will be able to share in this satisfaction.

Casual Quarters

Why not keep the party going in the kitchen –– and the atmosphere laid-back –– by setting up an eating area at the bar or breakfast nook?

Bring Your Appetite

Keep the steamed dumplings within arm's reach for when cravings for seconds come along.

A Sweet Touch

End the party on a sweet note with these delicious Egg Custard Tarts with Bananas and Caramel. Hand-held desserts are always a great idea when entertaining (fewer dishes to clean!), and these bite-size treats are decadent enough to satisfy after a light and healthy meal.

Get the Recipe: Egg Custard Tarts with Bananas and Caramel

Pearls of Wisdom

Since this party is all about learning a new culinary skill, send guests home with favors that encourage them to get back in the kitchen. Package tapioca pearls in small glass containers and attach this fan-folded recipe with brightly colored string for an adorable homemade gift.

Click here for the Coconut Tapioca Pudding foldable fan recipe template.