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Dim Sum King - Seattle
Photo from Dim Sum King
Dim Sum King at a glance
Seattle Chinatown
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 104 of the guests
#619 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#31 Chinese Restaurant out of 53 in Seattle
Good
6.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
570
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Quality Dim Sum
- Great Value
- Quick Service
Frequently criticized
- Rude Staff
- Poor Ambiance
- Hidden Fees
The restaurant Dim Sum King in Seattle’s vibrant Chinatown neighborhood is your go-to spot for an authentic Chinese dining experience. You’ll find a casual atmosphere perfect for enjoying delicious small plates.
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a full meal, this Chinese restaurant offers a taste of tradition right in the heart of the city. Its convenient location makes it a popular choice for locals and visitors alike.
Overview: Introducting Dim Sum King
Dim Sum King offers a compelling experience, primarily driven by its highly regarded food quality, which many find both unique and authentic. Customers frequently praise the affordable nature of the offerings, making it a popular choice for those seeking good value.
However, the dining experience at Dim Sum King isn’t without its challenges. Some patrons have noted issues with the staff demeanor, describing interactions as less than welcoming.
The overall atmosphere also receives mixed feedback, with comments suggesting it can be quite basic or even uncomfortable for some.
Good
6.8
out of 10
570
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
151
negative
60
neutral
359
positive
Dim Sum King earns a respectable overall score of 6.8, placing it firmly in the good range, reflecting a generally positive reception. This is supported by a substantial volume of feedback, with 359 positive remarks compared to 151 negative ones out of 570 total customer comments.
However, customer satisfaction stands at 63%, indicating a mixed sentiment where some aspects clearly delight while others fall short. Diving into specifics, the Food (7.7) is a clear highlight, consistently praised for its quality and authenticity.
Value (6.8) also performs well, suggesting that customers feel they get a fair deal for their money. In contrast, Ambience (5.6) and Service (5.2) receive more moderate ratings, indicating areas where the experience could be more consistent or refined.
What people like
- Authentic, tasty dim sum
- Excellent overall value
- Fast, efficient service
What people don't like
- Inconsistent staff attitude
- Uncomfortable dining atmosphere
- Extra charges for essentials
For those prioritizing authentic, well-prepared dim sum at a fair price, Dim Sum King is a solid choice. Be prepared for a no-frills experience, as the focus is clearly on the food rather than the dining environment or overly attentive service.
With a recommendation score of 7.4, it’s clear many find the culinary rewards outweigh the operational quirks. If you’re seeking a quick, satisfying dim sum fix and can overlook some rough edges, it’s certainly worth considering.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Dim Sum King
Food (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 91% of the guests
The food here generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 7.7 and a strong customer satisfaction of 76.3%. With 241 positive remarks out of 316 total, many rave about the authentic Cantonese style dim sum, delicious dim sum, and the great variety of options, especially the egg tarts. However, not every bite is perfect.
There were 39 negative comments, with some mentioning issues like lukewarm food temperature, questionable meat quality, and skimpy fillings. A few even reported hygiene concerns like hair in their shui mai, which is definitely something to consider.
Food
316
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
39
negative
36
neutral
241
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Dim Sum
- Delicious Dim Sum
- Great Variety
What people don't like
- Questionable Meat Quality
- Hygiene Concerns
- Skimpy Fillings
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was overwhelmingly positive, primarily due to the food. I love this place so much; the food is so good and unique, and it’s prepared very well! It's one of the few places where you can actually find really good and unique food.
- dim sumMy experience at this restaurant was very positive, especially regarding the food. They offer authentic tasty dim sum at decent prices. The serving size of each piece is quite generous nowadays, and you can order enough food for a great meal for under $10.
- FoodMy experience at this restaurant was incredibly positive. I found the food to be so good, so very good. The egg tarts were the best I've ever had, and the baked BBQ pork bun was exactly what I was hoping for.
- custard bunI also liked the custard bun and egg tart because they were super cheap
- egg tartI also liked the custard bun and egg tart because they were super cheap
- egg tartsThe egg tarts though, they were better than anything I'd tasted outside of Asia
- shrimp dumplingsThe shrimp dumpling is really soft and stuffed with shrimp, which I absolutely loved
- sticky ricesticky rice, pot stickers, egg rolls, and red bean sesame balls are my favorites
- siu maiThis takeout-style dim sum spot allows you to order by the piece for an affordable price, which is hard to come by in Seattle. I got 3 har gow, 2 siu mai, a turnip cake, and a pork steamed rice all for less than $12 during my most recent trip but have tried other items on the menu. Don’t expect mind-blowing dim sum, but it’ll certainly satisfy your craving.
- Dim SumPerfect place for Dim Sum
Frequently criticized
- chow meinGo check it out for yourself next time you're in town or looking for a place to go! The chow mein was not my favorite, but everything else was flavorful.
- foodas if the food is any good to make up for it.
- BBQ pork fillingHowever, it turned out to be a mix of 4 Char Siu and 2 Custard-filled baos, and I didn't notice the slight difference in looks at the time. The photo shows just a skimpy smear of BBQ pork filling, which was incredibly disappointing – the worst I’ve ever had. They should be embarrassed to sell these hom baos.
- Baked Char Siu Hom BaoHowever, it turned out to be a mix of 4 Char Siu and 2 Custard-filled baos, and I didn't notice the slight difference in looks at the time. The photo shows just a skimpy smear of BBQ pork filling, which was incredibly disappointing – the worst I’ve ever had. They should be embarrassed to sell these hom baos.
- SuiMaiI also enjoyed the mochi and fried sesame ball. However, I was not a big fan of the shrimp dumpling and SuiMai. I support local biz!
- beef roll dumplingsWe both really enjoyed the comforting Congee; it was mild and savory, and I can't fault it. The beef roll dumplings were tasty and served with a really good soy sauce, though they are a little difficult to eat without falling apart. The pork/shrimp shumai were a bit over-stuffed.
- congeeIf that were truly the reason, then none of my congee should have been handed out later. What actually happened: I ordered two congees and four rice cakes; when I arrived, one congee was missing because it had been sold to another customer. If the issue was food safety timing, keeping one congee for me while saying the other couldn’t be kept doesn’t add up.
- diarrheagenuinely gave me and my friend diarrhea
- dim sum platterI would advise against getting the dim sum platter
- dollar teadollar tea is gone
If you're craving authentic, delicious dim sum with plenty of variety, this spot is worth a visit. Just be mindful of potential inconsistencies in food temperature and filling portions, and perhaps double-check for hygiene.
Service (5.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 62% of the guests
When it comes to service, there are definitely some bright spots! Many customers appreciate the quick and convenient experience, especially the early morning opening and pickup options. Folks also highlighted great communication and personal touches from staff, making for a smooth ordering process.
With 55 positive remarks out of 130, theres a good foundation, even if the overall score sits at an average 5.2. However, the service isnt without its challenges, reflected in a mixed 42.3% customer satisfaction. A significant number of the 66 negative comments point to issues like rude staff and an unpleasant attitude, with some finding the ordering process hectic and noting a lack of itemized receipts.
It seems there's room for improvement in consistency and customer interaction.
Service
130
Reviews
42%
Satisfaction
66
negative
9
neutral
55
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Quick turnaround
- Great communication
- Convenient hours
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Unpleasant attitude
- No itemized receipt
Often praised
- servicegreat to know you are looking to be rid of the plastic!
- ServiceAmazing service that was fast
- convenientIt's convenient and cheap.
- call aheadI love how I can just call ahead of time
- cateringI would highly recommend doing catering with them.
- communicationCommunication with Alan via email was super easy
- dedicationBlown away by the execution and dedication from this team.
- eagerness to resolveI am updating my review to 5 stars. Initially, my order was mishandled, but I was absolutely taken aback by the owners' sincerity and eagerness to resolve the situation. They demonstrated an incredible willingness to put themselves in the customer's shoes and followed up promptly with an unconditional promise to "make it right for you.
- early morning openinghow they open up very early in the morning
- executionBlown away by the execution and dedication from this team.
Frequently criticized
- serviceDim Sum King is affordable and not only that, but delicious. The service wasn’t great but who cares, the food is cheap and good. You fill out a paper form and hand it to the person behind the counter.
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was the single most awful customer experience I have ever had. There were 4 people working at the register, and they were all insanely rude! It was my first time there, and when I asked how I ordered from the lady who seemed to be the manager, she freaked out and shouted at me, saying, "Go and pick up the menu and do it yourself.
- attitudehad very bad attitude
- customer serviceDisappointing customer service experience.
- ladyone of the lady gave an angry face
- managerThere were 4 people working at the register, and they were all insanely rude! It was my first time there, and when I asked how I ordered from the lady who seemed to be the manager, she freaked out and shouted at me, saying, "Go and pick up the menu and do it yourself. " When I finally did that and wanted to pay, they said it was under $10, so they couldn't take a card and insisted I buy more items in a very rude way.
- orderMy bill was $36, which I thought was high, especially since I didn't receive an itemized receipt or any receipt when I paid cash, even though I left a tip in the jar. I always feel rushed to order here, like I'm on the stock trader floor just before the bell rings. I won't be going back.
- utensilsI had a large order and provided a good tip. However, I was missing utensils. When I asked for them, one of the staff members gave me an angry face.
- $20 billSnatched my 20 Dollar bill
- HungryPanda confirmationHungryPanda confirmed the platform did not authorize giving my paid item to someone else
If youre looking for a quick, grab-and-go experience with convenient hours, youll likely be pleased. However, be prepared for potentially inconsistent interactions, as some customers have encountered less-than-friendly service. It's a trade-off for speed and convenience.
Ambience (5.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 38% of the guests
Many customers appreciate the restaurants unique vibe, often described as a charming hole in the wall with a casual aesthetic and a cozy atmosphere, especially a beautiful spot by the window. With 22 positive opinions out of 58, theres a definite appeal to its local, unpretentious feel. However, the ambience gets an average score of 5.6, while customer satisfaction is quite low at 37.9%, indicating a poor experience for many.
Concerns frequently arise about limited seating, the use of plastic containers, and a generally uncomfortable atmosphere, sometimes due to staff shouting, with 27 negative opinions highlighting these issues.
Ambience
58
Reviews
37%
Satisfaction
27
negative
9
neutral
22
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Hole-in-the-wall charm
- Casual aesthetic
- Spotless bathroom
What people don't like
- Limited seating
- Uncomfortable atmosphere
- No parking
Often praised
- atmosphereatmosphere:5
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- locationThe location is conveniently near the train station
- GEMAbsolute GEM in Seattle.
- Spot by the windowsuch a beautiful little spot by the window
- aestheticI honestly enjoyed the aesthetic of the place
- bathroomthe bathroom was SPOTLESSLY....AND... I...MEAN... SPOTLESSLY CLEAN
- casualI love how casual and piece-wise it is.
- customersthere were lots of people going in an out, lots of customers
- hole in the wallIt’s a little hole in the wall
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereThe entire atmosphere was uncomfortable because they were yelling the entire time.
- parkingSomewhat difficult to find parking
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:2
- seatinginside there's about three table for seating
- ParkingParking is street parking and in Chinatown it is really hard to find
- appearanceThis creepy looking place
- clamshellson account of them using clamshells for both dine in and carry out
- eat standing outsidebe prepared to eat standing outside the restaurant
- eating insideIf there is a next time, we will order a pickup. It didn’t feel comfortable eating inside. The good taste of the food was kind of wasted by the way we were talked to, like in a rush even though there wasn’t any waiting line.
- fancy decorationMy experience at this restaurant was centered around its tasty dim sum offered at a bargain price. While the place itself is small with no fancy decoration and a limited menu, the food was quite decent. They serve everything in boxes, which is a practical approach.
If youre looking for a no-frills, casual spot with a unique hole-in-the-wall charm and dont mind potential parking or seating challenges, this place might be for you. However, if comfort, ample seating, and a quiet dining experience are priorities, you might find the atmosphere disappointing.
Value (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 44% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits a good note, earning a solid 6.8. Many customers rave about the reasonable prices, affordability, and excellent value, often finding meals for under $10. With 41 positive remarks out of 66 total, it's clear many feel they get a lot for their money. However, customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 62.1%, indicating some areas for improvement.
A few of the 19 negative comments point to things feeling expensive for what you get, especially with extra charges for packaging and being nickel and dimed for things like soy sauce. It seems the total cost can sometimes add up unexpectedly.
Value
66
Reviews
62%
Satisfaction
19
negative
6
neutral
41
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable prices
- Excellent value
- Worth the money
What people don't like
- Extra packaging charges
- Nickel and dimed
- Can feel expensive
Often praised
- pricesI particularly enjoyed the meaty siu mai, bouncy har gao, and excellent turnip cake. The portions of chow mein were also generous, all offered at extremely affordable prices. However, it's important to note that Dim Sum King is a counter-service style establishment with absolutely no frills, service, or atmosphere to speak of.
- priceI especially liked the chicken feet. This is Dim Sum with all the effort put into the food, with NO fancy service or price. I enjoyed it so much that it was my 2nd visit in 3 days.
- reasonable priceauthentic food at a reasonable price
- Amazing valueAmazing value
- PricePrice is really cheap.
- affordabilityThis is probably the best and most affordable dim sum I’ve had. My favorite used to be Honking Bistro, but this place has definitely taken the top spot in the International District!
- affordableDim Sum King is affordable and not only that, but delicious
- affordable lunchPerfect affordable lunch
- affordable pricefor an affordable price
- bargain priceMy experience at this restaurant was centered around its tasty dim sum offered at a bargain price. While the place itself is small with no fancy decoration and a limited menu, the food was quite decent.
Frequently criticized
- expensiveMy experience at this restaurant was rather disappointing. The food was just average and quite expensive for what it was. Furthermore, the staff were not friendly and came across as a little rude.
- priceIt's the same old hole in the wall dim sum place that I remember, complete with the authentic smell and sounds of Hong Kong. However, I noticed that the price has gone up considerably since my last visit before the pandemic, and the dollar tea is no longer available. Despite these changes, the food quality remains excellent, as reflected in the 5/5 rating for food.
- soy sauceNo soy sauce with any dim sum you buy unless you pay .25 each
- bags and boxesyou do have to pay extra for bags and boxes
- billI also ordered a couple of sticky rice, which I haven't tried yet. My bill was $36, which I thought was high, especially since I didn't receive an itemized receipt or any receipt when I paid cash, even though I left a tip in the jar. I always feel rushed to order here, like I'm on the stock trader floor just before the bell rings.
- containerscharge for containers
- insisted buying moreinsisted me buying more items in a very rude way
- large ordersadds another $100-$150 for big orders
- nickel and dimedfeel like you're getting nickel and dimed
- packagingForcing customers to pay for packaging they don’t want is unacceptable.
If youre seeking genuinely affordable dim sum and dont mind a no-frills experience, this place offers great value. Just be mindful of potential extra charges for takeout items, which might slightly affect your overall bill.
How are the prices at Dim Sum King?
On average, you’ll spend around 19 per person – from 104 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $11–$20 category. For a Chinese Restaurant, that’s comfortably mid-range.
Looking at what people usually spend, most diners find themselves in this $11–$20 bracket, though there are plenty of options for those looking to spend a bit less or a bit more, showing a good mix around the average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 104 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value compares to similar spots in Seattle.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Chinese restaurant in Seattle. It offers a good balance, making it accessible for many while still allowing for a slightly more indulgent meal if you choose.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Dim Sum King
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
7
Good food, minimal pork bun filling
My experience at the restaurant was generally positive, with good food. However, I found the filling in the pork bun to be minimal and pretty dry. For convenience, ordering online would be best.
- food7
- ordering online6
- pork bun filling3
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
1
Awful Customer Service Experience
My experience at this restaurant was the single most awful customer experience I have ever had. There were 4 people working at the register, and they were all insanely rude! It was my first time there, and when I asked how I ordered from the lady who seemed to be the manager, she freaked out and shouted at me, saying, "Go and pick up the menu and do it yourself.
" When I finally did that and wanted to pay, they said it was under $10, so they couldn't take a card and insisted I buy more items in a very rude way. I would not recommend it to anyone 🤢.
- customer experience1
- staff1
- manager1
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
De-lish dumplings, worth the move!
My experience at this restaurant was exceptional, primarily due to the de-lish dumplings. They were so good that they were the only reason I would ever consider moving to Seattle, even though I don't want to move there. The food, service, and atmosphere all received a perfect 10/10 rating.
- dumplings10
- food10
- service10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Unique and Delicious Food!
My experience at this restaurant was overwhelmingly positive, primarily due to the food. I love this place so much; the food is so good and unique, and it’s prepared very well! It's one of the few places where you can actually find really good and unique food.
While the location isn't the best, it's still one of my favorite places.
- food10
- food preparation9
- unique food10
- location3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Surprising 8 AM Brunch Spot
I was surprised to see many people already in the restaurant at 8 AM. It really has that hole-in-the-wall feel. I will return again.
- restaurant7
- hole-in-the-wall feel8
What Dim Sum King offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options and meal times are available at Dim Sum King?
Dim Sum King offers a comprehensive range of dining options, including catering services for your events. You can enjoy meals throughout the day, as they serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with a selection of desserts.
What service and parking facilities can you expect at Dim Sum King in Seattle?
At Dim Sum King, you have flexible service choices like dine-in, takeout, delivery, and no-contact delivery. For your convenience, parking options include a paid parking lot, free street parking, and paid street parking nearby.
How does Dim Sum King rate overall?
Based on customer feedback, Dim Sum King has an overall score of 6.8. Its Food (7.7) and Value (6.8) are well-regarded, while Ambience (5.6) and Service (5.2) receive more moderate ratings.
What are the main reasons customers enjoy Dim Sum King?
Customers frequently praise Dim Sum King for its authentic and tasty dim sum, often highlighting items like egg tarts and shrimp dumplings. The restaurant is also appreciated for its affordable prices and good value.
What are some common complaints about Dim Sum King?
Common complaints include inconsistent or rude staff interactions and an often uncomfortable or basic dining atmosphere. Some customers also express frustration over extra charges for items like packaging or soy sauce.