Dim Sims: Australia’s Take on a Chinese Classic

South Melbourne Market dim sim store

Many countries have adapted traditional Chinese dishes to suit local tastes, and one of the most prominent examples is shumai. Originally a Cantonese dumpling featuring a thin wrapper filled with pork, shrimp, and other seasonings, shumai has inspired a variety of adaptations across the globe. In Australia, this beloved dim sum dish took on a unique identity and became what is now known as the dim sim.

The Arrival of Dim Sims in Australia

fried dim simsDim sims were introduced to Australia in the 1940s by William Chen Wing Young, a Chinese-Australian businessman and restaurateur. Looking to create a more substantial version of the delicate shumai to appeal to Australian appetites, he developed a larger, meatier dumpling filled with a combination of minced meat, cabbage, and seasonings, all encased in a thick, doughy wrapper. Originally intended to be steamed, these dim sims quickly became a hit.

The Accidental Invention of the Deep-Fried Dim Sim

One of the most famous stories surrounding the dim sim’s rise to popularity is how the deep-fried variety came to be. It is said that Young gave some of his newly created dim sims to a Greek friend who owned a fish and chip shop. Instead of steaming them as intended, the friend decided to deep-fry them, leading to the crispy, golden version that has since become an Australian takeaway staple. Today, deep-fried dim sims are found in fish and chip shops nationwide, often served with tomato sauce or soy sauce.

Standard Style vs South Melbourne Market Style

South Melbourne dim simsWhile the standard dim sim, commonly found in fish and chip shops and supermarkets, is typically a 1 inch by 2 inch cylindrical variety with a tight and firm texture and dense filling, the South Melbourne Market style dim sim has gained its own cult following. This variety is larger, rounder, and features a more rustic, handmade appearance. The South Melbourne Market dim sim is known for its juicy, flavourful filling and a chewier, more textured wrapper, making it a favourite among dim sim enthusiasts.

Today, South Melbourne Market dim sims have carved out a niche in upscale restaurants and takeaway outlets, while also gaining widespread popularity in major supermarkets across Australia.

Inspired Adaptations: Spring Rolls and the Chico Roll

Dim sims are not the only Chinese-inspired snack to undergo an Aussie transformation. Other popular foods such as spring rolls and the iconic Chico Roll were inspired by traditional Chinese egg rolls and spring rolls. The Chico Roll, developed in the 1950s, was designed to be a hearty, portable snack that could withstand the rugged conditions of sports events and outdoor gatherings. Like the dim sim, it quickly became a fixture in Australian takeaway culture.

From humble beginnings as an adaptation of the Chinese shumai, dim sims have grown into an iconic Australian snack. Whether steamed or deep-fried, they remain a testament to Australia’s multicultural culinary landscape, blending Chinese heritage with local ingenuity to create something truly unique. Want to have a go at making your own dim sims? Check out our recipe for our version of tasty South Melbourne style dim sims here.

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