Indulging in the Art of Dim Sum Eating in France
Dim sum, originating from southern China, is a widely popular cuisine all over the world. In France, the tradition of dim sum has been slowly growing and gaining popularity. If you are a food lover, then indulging in the art of dim sum eating in France is an experience that should not be missed. Here are some interesting tips and recommendations to make your dim sum experience in France even more memorable.
The History of Dim Sum
Before indulging in this delicacy, let us first take a glimpse of its history. Dim sum was first introduced over 2,500 years ago in China, where people would frequently gather in tea houses to enjoy small plates of food along with tea. These small plates of food were designed to compliment the tea, and the practice was slowly developed to become the modern-day dim sum.
Finding Authentic Dim Sum in France
Do not let the abundance of fusion and fusion-style restaurants in France deter you from seeking authentic dim sum. One of the best ways to find authentic dim sum is to go for a restaurant that is heavily recommended by local Chinese communities. For instance, the 13th district of Paris, known as the “Chinatown”, is an excellent place to find authentic and traditional Chinese cuisines, including dim sum.
Dim Sum Dishes to Try
For starters, prawn dumplings, pork bun, and siu mai are the dim sum dishes you do not want to miss. The prawn dumplings are small pouches filled with shrimp that have been steamed to shrimpy perfection. The pork bun is a slightly sweet bun filled with BBQ pork that is steamed to give off a savory and chewy flavor. Lastly, the Siu Mai is a pork-based dumpling made to perfection and garnished with carrots, peas, and shiitake mushrooms. These dishes are considered as the quintessential dim sum dishes and servers as a great starting point for those new to the cuisine.
Pairing Dim Sum with Tea
The practice of pairing dim sum cuisine with either Chinese green tea, Japanese tea, or Taiwanese oolong tea stands as old as tea and dim sum itself. In France, the art of pairing delicate flavor profiles of dim sum with fine teas has been gathering pace for a few years now. Jasmine tea compliments seafood dishes like dumplings quite well while roast oolong tea pairs beautifully with pork-based dishes such as shu mai.
Dim Sum Etiquette
Dim sum has an interesting etiquette, which makes them stand out from other Chinese cuisines. For one, you mainly share dim sum dishes between people and not solely treated as an individual dish. Secondly, it is vital to share the platter equally by offering them to the people you are sharing the meal with first. Lastly, never flip over the little bowl aimed at your table’s center. Doing this implies that you have completely finished eating, which can lead to misunderstandings.
Conclusion
Exploring different cultures through their cuisine can bring in a unique perspective to your world that you never even knew existed. Dim sum in France is a prime example, where you indulge in the culinary delights of different tastes, aromas, and textures brought by dim sum dishes and tea pairing. With the tips mentioned above, experiencing the art of dim sum eating in France is not only easily accessible, but it also becomes an adventure that is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone’s taste buds.
FAQ(h2)
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References
- "History of Dim Sum." dimsumcentral.com, Dim Sum Central, https://www.dimsumcentral.com/history-of-dim-sum/. Accessed 23 Sept. 2021.
- "Finding Best Dim Sum in France." nehow.com, Nee How, https://nehow.com/magazine/finding-the-best-dim-sum-in-france/. Accessed 23 Sept. 2021.
- "Pairing Tea and Dim Sum." teavivre.com, Teavivre, https://www.teavivre.com/info/pairing-tea-and-dim-sum.html. Accessed 23 Sept. 2021.
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