Loong Dim Sum Menu: Halal Dim Sum Singapore – Prices, Etiquette

Walking into a dim sum restaurant can feel like stepping into a secret society—there are carts, steam baskets, and a whole etiquette you didn’t know existed. Loong Dim Sum at Clarke Quay Central offers a rare blend: authentic Cantonese dim sum that’s fully halal and Muslim-owned. This guide walks you through its menu, pricing, dining customs, and health considerations so you can order with confidence on your first visit.

Halal certified: Yes (Muslim-owned) ·
Daily hours: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM ·
Signature dish price: Loong’s Spicy Fried Rice $14.90 ·
Location: Clarke Quay Central, Singapore ·
Cuisine type: Authentic Chinese dim sum & fine dining

Six key facts, one pattern: Loong Dim Sum anchors itself on halal authenticity while keeping prices competitive for a halal fine-dining dim sum spot in Singapore.

What makes Loong Dim Sum unique?

Halal certification and Muslim ownership

Loong Dim Sum states on its official website halal commitment page that it is “committed to providing fully halal dishes.” The restaurant is Muslim-owned, making it the first halal Chinese restaurant in Singapore that specialises in both authentic dim sum and fine dining, according to TripAdvisor travel platform description. This combination – Cantonese tradition with halal certification – fills a gap for Muslim diners who previously had few options for dim sum.

Signature dishes and pricing

The menu features Loong’s Spicy Fried Rice at $14.90, Char Kway Teow Beef at $15.90, and Baby French Beans with Salted Egg – all halal. According to Eatbook.sg food guide with menu prices, smaller dim sum items start from $4.80++ (Lor Mai Kai at $4.80++) and range up to the Premium Beef Siew Mai with Caviar at $20.80++. There is also a Curated Course Menu priced at $38.80++ for those who want a tasting experience.

The implication: Loong Dim Sum has carved a specific niche — halal Cantonese fine dining — that previously didn’t exist in Singapore’s food scene.

What is included in a dim sum menu?

Typical dim sum categories

A classic dim sum spread includes har gow (shrimp dumplings), siu mai (pork dumplings, here halal), char siu bao (barbecue pork buns), rice rolls (cheung fun), and fried items like spring rolls. Dim sum is traditionally served in small bamboo steamers meant for sharing – each order typically has 3 to 4 pieces.

Loong Dim Sum menu highlights

Loong Dim Sum offers halal versions of these classics, plus signature creations. Confirmed items from Eatbook.sg menu listing include Lor Mai Kai ($4.80++), Stuffed Beancurd Roll ($5.80++), Siew Mai with Caviar ($7.80++), Har Gow ($7.80++), and Loong’s Signature Juicy Bao ($9.90++). On TripAdvisor’s menu, you’ll find Tiger Prawn Beancurd Roll (SGD 7.20), Lobster Broth Pumpkin Dumpling (SGD 8.80 for 3 pieces), and Loong’s Handmade Egg Tart (SGD 7.80 for 3 pieces).

What’s the best time of day to eat dim sum?

Traditional dim sum hours

In Cantonese culture, dim sum is a breakfast or lunch affair – the term *yum cha* means “drink tea,” and it’s a morning-to-early-afternoon ritual. Restaurants traditionally serve dim sum from about 7 AM to 3 PM. Loong Dim Sum, however, keeps longer hours.

Loong Dim Sum operating hours

Loong Dim Sum is open daily from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM, as reported by Eatbook.sg operating hours page and confirmed on the official site. That means you can get dim sum for late lunch, dinner, or even supper – not bound by the traditional timeline.

The pattern: by extending hours into the evening, Loong Dim Sum breaks the breakfast-only dim sum mold, making it accessible to working diners and dinner crowds.

What is the etiquette when eating dim sum?

Table manners and dipping

Basic dim sum etiquette includes tapping your index and middle fingers on the table to thank someone who pours your tea – a tradition from the Qing dynasty. Use chopsticks to pick up dumplings; dipping sauces (chilli, soy) are fine but dip sparingly to avoid overpowering the delicate flavour. Don’t turn the teapot lid over to signal you need more tea – at Loong Dim Sum you simply ask staff.

The 20 minute rule explained

Some sources suggest a “20-minute rule” – eating slowly, taking at least 20 minutes for a meal, to aid digestion. It’s not a strict dim sum tradition but aligns with mindful eating principles. For beginners, this is good advice: savour each steam basket, pace yourself, and you’ll enjoy the meal more.

The catch: dim sum is inherently social — rushing through bamboo baskets defeats the purpose of conversation and shared discovery.

Is dim sum healthy or unhealthy?

Calorie considerations

A typical dim sum meal can range from 600 to over 900 calories, depending on what you choose. Fried items like spring rolls and char siu bao (the baked version) are heavier. Steamed har gow (shrimp dumplings) and siu mai are lighter – around 40-60 calories per piece. Loong Dim Sum’s menu includes both steamed and fried options, giving you control.

Tips for healthier dim sum choices

Pick steamed over fried: har gow, siew mai, and rice rolls are your friends. Avoid sweet buns and fried dumplings if you’re watching calories. Share a variety of 4-5 items rather than eating a full order per person – that’s how dim sum is traditionally enjoyed anyway.

The implication: diners who want the halal benefit without the calorie penalty can build a steamed-focused meal that feels indulgent but stays lighter.

Loong Dim Sum menu – spec table

These six key specs, one takeaway: Loong Dim Sum positions itself as a mid-range halal dim sum restaurant with most dishes between $4.80 and $15.90, and a premium course option for those who want more.

How to eat dim sum for beginners – step by step

1. Start with tea. Order a pot of pu-erh or jasmine tea – it’s part of the yum cha experience. Pour for others before yourself.
2. Choose 4-6 dishes to share. If you’re new, pick a mix: one har gow, one siew mai, one rice roll, one fried item, and one bao. At Loong Dim Sum, ask about halal versions.
3. Use chopsticks correctly. Pick up each piece from the steamer. Dip lightly into chilli or soy – don’t drown it.
4. Eat in order of intensity. Steamed first, then fried, then dessert – this lets you taste the subtler flavours first.
5. Don’t rush. The 20-minute rule is real: put down your chopsticks between items, sip tea, and chat. Dim sum is social.
6. End with something sweet. Try Loong’s Handmade Egg Tart ($7.80 for 3 pieces) or a mango pudding if available.

The catch: following these steps turns a potentially overwhelming first visit into a structured, enjoyable meal — the social rhythm matters as much as the food.

“Loong Dim Sum is committed to providing fully halal dishes, from appetisers to desserts, ensuring every diner can enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine without compromise.”

— Loong Dim Sum official website (about page)

“The har gow had a nice bounce, and the siew mai with caviar felt like a treat. Worth the trip to Clarke Quay.”

— TripAdvisor reviewer (July 2024)

The implication for Muslim diners in Singapore is clear: Loong Dim Sum gives you a legitimate halal dim sum option that doesn’t compromise on Cantonese technique. For non-Muslim dim sum lovers, it’s a fresh take with different protein profiles. For the restaurant itself, the challenge will be maintaining consistency as it grows its audience. For a beginner in Singapore, the choice is simple: go during lunch, order the Har Gow and the Spicy Fried Rice, and let the tea flow – that’s dim sum done right.

For a contrasting take on budget-friendly options, check out Singapores affordable dim sum scene for more hawker-style dim sum recommendations.

Frequently asked questions