Top Frozen Dim Sum Recommendations in the UK

For many of us, the thought of a weekend dim sum brunch is a comforting one. The steam, the chatter and the array of delicate parcels arriving at the table. But recreating that authentic experience at home can feel daunting. If you're looking to buy dim sum online, the sheer number of choices can be overwhelming. How do you find quality frozen Chinese food that delivers on flavour without a trip to your favourite restaurant?

As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, my role is to help you navigate the options. This guide is designed to highlight some excellent choices for enjoying dim sum at home, focusing specifically on the satisfying and versatile world of glutinous rice dishes. We'll explore what makes a great frozen dim sum and share some standout products available for delivery across the UK.

A Quick Guide to Choosing Your Frozen Dim Sum

Before we get to our recommendations, here are a few practical points to consider when selecting steamable asian food for your freezer.

1. Understand the Different Types of Sticky Rice Dim Sum

Glutinous rice, known for its sticky and chewy texture when cooked, is the star of many beloved dim sum dishes. Key varieties to look for include:

• Lo Mai Gai: A complete meal in itself. Savoury glutinous rice is mixed with ingredients like chicken, mushrooms and Chinese sausage, then wrapped in a lotus leaf and steamed. The leaf imparts a subtle, earthy aroma.
• Glutinous Rice Shumai: A variation on the classic pork and prawn shumai. These dumplings feature a filling of seasoned sticky rice, sometimes with additions like salted egg yolk or cured meats, all encased in a thin wheat wrapper.
• Glutinous Rice Roll: Often wrapped in a sheet of bean curd, this roll combines sticky rice with a savoury mix of ingredients like dried shrimp and mushrooms, offering a delightful contrast in textures.

2. Check the Filling Ingredients

The quality of a frozen dim sum item often reveals itself in the ingredients list. For an authentic taste, look for traditional components. The presence of shiitake mushrooms, Chinese sausage (lap cheong), dried shrimp and genuine salted duck egg yolk are all good indicators of a recipe that honours its roots. These ingredients provide the deep, savoury and umami flavours that define classic dim sum.

3. Note the Recommended Cooking Method

The best way to prepare most traditional dim sum is by steaming. Products that specify "steam from frozen" are typically designed to achieve the soft, moist and perfectly chewy texture you'd expect. While microwaving might be an option for some products, steaming consistently yields superior results for dishes like lo mai gai and shumai.

Our Top Recommendations for Glutinous Rice Dim Sum

Here are a few carefully selected products that bring authentic flavours and convenience to your kitchen.

Delico Sticky Rice Chicken 320g (Lo Mai Gai)

Why It Stands Out: This is a fantastic representation of the classic lo mai gai. The Delico version stays true to tradition, with seasoned glutinous rice, tender chicken, shiitake mushrooms and savoury Chinese sausage all neatly bundled and steamed inside a large lotus leaf. The leaf isn't just for presentation; it infuses the rice with a distinctive, fragrant aroma during cooking.

Pros:

• Authentic Flavour: The combination of ingredients provides a rich, savoury and slightly sweet taste profile.
• Convenient Meal: At 320g, it's a substantial portion that works as a hearty breakfast, lunch or satisfying snack.
• Simple Preparation: Steams directly from frozen in 15-18 minutes, making it a quick and effortless meal.

Who is it for? This is ideal for anyone who loves the traditional sticky rice dim sum experience. If you're looking for a single, self-contained and flavourful meal that feels truly authentic, this is an excellent choice.

View Delico Sticky Rice Chicken on Joybuy UK

FRESHASIA Handmade Glutinous Rice Siu Mai with Salted Duck Egg Yolk 300g

Why It Stands Out: FRESHASIA offers a premium twist on shumai by incorporating two highly-prized ingredients: glutinous rice and salted duck egg yolk. Each handmade glutinous rice shumai contains a generous filling of sticky rice and a piece of rich, savoury yolk, which provides a unique, sandy texture and a deep umami flavour that sets it apart from standard shumai.

Pros:

• Gourmet Ingredient: The inclusion of real salted duck egg yolk elevates this from a simple snack to a more luxurious item.
• Handmade Quality: The handmade nature of the product is apparent in its texture and substantial filling.
• Great for Sharing: The pack of six is perfect for including as part of a larger dim sum spread with family or friends.

Who is it for? This is for the dim sum aficionado who appreciates a more complex flavour profile. If you enjoy the taste of salted egg yolk and are looking for a unique, high-quality shumai to impress guests or treat yourself, this is a standout option.

View FRESHASIA Glutinous Rice Siu Mai on Joybuy UK

Honor Glutinous Rice Roll 400g

Why It Stands Out: The glutinous rice roll is a less common but equally delicious dim sum staple. Honor's version features seasoned sticky rice packed with savoury ingredients like dried shrimp, mushrooms and Chinese sausage. The mixture is formed into a log and wrapped, often in a thin bean curd sheet, which adds another layer of texture. When steamed, the roll becomes soft and chewy and it can be sliced for easy sharing.

Pros:

• Unique Texture: The combination of the sticky rice and the soft outer wrapper provides a satisfyingly chewy bite.
• Versatile Serving: Can be served as a main component of a meal or sliced into smaller pieces as part of a dim sum platter.
• Rich, Savoury Flavour: The dried shrimp and mushrooms give it a deep, umami-rich taste.

Who is it for? This is a great choice for those looking to expand their dim sum at home repertoire beyond the usual dumplings. If you enjoy chewy textures and the savoury flavours of traditional Chinese preserved ingredients, this roll is a must-try.

View Honor Glutinous Rice Roll on Joybuy UK

Looking for More Options?

While these are some of our top recommendations for glutinous rice-based dishes, the world of dim sum is vast. If you're interested in exploring other varieties or simply want to browse more choices, you can view our full selection of glutinous rice food.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I cook frozen dim sum without a bamboo steamer?

You can easily improvise. Place a metal colander or a heat-proof rack inside a large pot with an inch or two of boiling water at the bottom, ensuring the water doesn't touch the colander. Arrange the dim sum in the colander, cover the pot with a lid and steam as per the package instructions.

Is frozen dim sum as good as fresh from a restaurant?

While the lively atmosphere of a dim sum restaurant is part of the experience, today's high-quality frozen dim sum can be remarkably close in taste and texture. Brands that use authentic recipes and quality ingredients offer a level of flavour and convenience that makes enjoying dim sum at home a genuinely satisfying alternative.

How should I store frozen dim sum?

For optimal quality, all frozen products should be stored in your freezer at or below -18°C. Keep them in their original packaging until you are ready to cook them. Always refer to the "Best Before" date on the package and avoid refreezing any items that have been thawed.