Mei Sum Chinese Dim Sum Restaurant - Honolulu Restaurant Image
#310 of 1,736 Restaurants in Honolulu Chinese

Mei Sum Chinese Dim Sum Restaurant

3.8(170 community reviews)
Moderate ($$)

About

Discover Mei Sum Chinese Dim Sum Restaurant, offering the best Asian experience in Kalihi / Nu'uanu. Enjoy Moderate ($$) meals, explore their menu, and read reviews from the community on TasteHi.

Morning Rituals in Downtown Honolulu

Stepping into Mei Sum is an exercise in no-frills, traditional dim sum culture. Tucked away within the bustling urban grid of Honolulu, this spot functions as a time capsule for those who prioritize flavor over high-end aesthetics. The air is perpetually heavy with the scent of steaming bamboo baskets and jasmine tea, punctuated by the sharp, rhythmic clatter of porcelain dishes against metal tables.

The Art of the Cart

The experience here is defined by the classic, fast-paced trolley service. Servers maneuver through the narrow aisles with speed, offering classics that hold up under scrutiny: think translucent har gow with plump, snap-fresh shrimp and chicken feet braised to a precise, gelatinous tenderness. Regulars know the drill—don't hesitate when you see the turnip cake hit a nearby table; it disappears quickly. The menu leans into Cantonese staples, favoring preparation techniques that haven't shifted much in decades.

Local Nuances

While the pace is brisk and the seating arrangement is unapologetically crowded, it captures the genuine energy of a mid-morning gathering. Expect a cacophony of chatter and the occasional clatter of a dropped spoon—it is part of the local character. If you are prone to claustrophobia, the tight spacing might feel intense during the busy Sunday brunch rush, but for those seeking a sincere, straightforward meal in the heart of the city, it delivers a level of authenticity that remains rare. It is an ideal stop for a quick, filling breakfast or a casual group lunch where the focus stays strictly on the bamboo steamers stacked high in the center of the table.

Photos

Mei Sum Chinese Dim Sum Restaurant - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Mei Sum Chinese Dim Sum Restaurant - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Mei Sum Chinese Dim Sum Restaurant - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Mei Sum Chinese Dim Sum Restaurant - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Mei Sum Chinese Dim Sum Restaurant - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Mei Sum Chinese Dim Sum Restaurant - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Mei Sum Chinese Dim Sum Restaurant - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Mei Sum Chinese Dim Sum Restaurant - Honolulu Restaurant Image

Location

1170 Nuuanu Ave Ste 102, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96817-5142

Directions

Reviews

Showing 7 of 170 community reviews
D

Daniel theNerdGoogle Maps

Recently

Great dim sum here at Mei Sum. Everything was fresh, and they have a great selection of ready to eat dim sum. They Xiao long bao was made fresh, took about 10 minutes for them to cook them, but where worth the wait. Black bean spare ribs are also amazing. Parking is okay, can be found on the street or the parking lot across the street.

C

Cody JGoogle Maps

Recently

We have been to this restaurant here and there for the last 10 years, the service is always the same, fast and straight forward. The location has looked pretty much the same over all the years, which is pretty cool to us. The food is good authentic tasting dim sum and they have great entrees too. Will continue to return here and there when we are in the area, definitely our favorite place to eat in that area.

S

Sam EgglestonGoogle Maps

Recently

Be patient when coming here. But the wait is worth it. I had a couple of different dumplings and some dim sum as well as some little custard pies. Really friendly folks, just not a real fast-paced environment. I really enjoyed my stop here and wish I had been just a little more hungry because everything looks fantastic.

C

C LGoogle Maps

Recently

Place is decent and looks old. But me and the family does not mind that. People ask me why I still go for Chinese food anywhere I go. Of course, the ingredients are different. So here we are at Mei Sum. The pork siewmai was a bit salty. No more soy sauce needed. Pair it with white rice and it balances the saltiness. We also ordered shrimp hargao and that is my recommendation. Love the crunchiness added in it. The other one I will recommend is the turnip cake. Look fan with chasiu is ok. Beef balls is also good. I can hear our servers are speaking Cantonese so I feel I am back like a spacious Hong Kong dimsum house.

R

Rock JocelynGoogle Maps

Recently

Fast and fresh food. The garlic chicken wings were exceptionally good. We came early in the morning to ensure we got the most fresh baked goods as well Look Fun with shrimp had nice big pieces of deliciousness. We also got the sweet coconut sesame ball which was hot and fresh! Everything was super good and the place opened extra early! Sunday was our best early morning visit so far.

S

Stephanie SuarezGoogle Maps

Recently

This was quite the experience! We recommend you come with patience and the mentality that there may be a wait due to limited seating and very busy staff. We waited about 20 minutes but once seated we quickly began flagging down waitresses to get our orders in. The food was very good and came out fairly quick once you got your orders in. The garlic chicken wings with the chili paste was very nice as well!! Get the egg tarts before they’re gone, they’re sweet and are perfect to eat with tea.

T

Tari MoralesGoogle Maps

Recently

We love the food here. Great selections on Dim sum, made fresh and great food and the prices are affordable. Very little English is spoken here. But they do a great job. Party of 3 for lunch we got their around 11am. We were served immediately, it wasn't too busy yet. Our food came out very quickly. We were disappointed in their recommendation for their house special noodles. It had no flavor and it was the only thing that we didnt like. Here are a few of the great dishes we ordered. Highly recommended.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Mei Sum Chinese Dim Sum Restaurant

Common questions from diners about Mei Sum Chinese Dim Sum Restaurant in Honolulu.

They specialize in Chinese Dim Sum.

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