A Guide to Denver's Dim Sum Scene: From Traditional to Contemporary
Quick Answer: Denver's dim sum scene offers both traditional and modern experiences. For authentic cart service, visit Star Kitchen or Empress Seafood Restaurant on Federal Boulevard. For a unique fusion experience, try Colorado Sake Co.'s weekend dim sum brunch (Sat 12-3:30PM, Sun 10AM-4PM) in RiNo, featuring innovative dishes paired with craft sake. Newer spots like Nana's Dim Sum & Dumplings offer contemporary takes on classics.
Table of Contents
- Denver's Evolving Dim Sum Scene
- Traditional Dim Sum Destinations
- Contemporary Dim Sum Innovations
- The Colorado Sake Co. Experience
- Signature Dim Sum Offerings
- Dim Sum Ordering Tips
- Planning Your Visit
- Frequently Asked Questions
Denver's Evolving Dim Sum Scene
The Mile High City is experiencing an unprecedented boom in its dim sum scene, with more new dim sum establishments opening in the past year than ever before. This expansion reflects Denver's growing appreciation for diverse Asian cuisines and the city's maturing culinary landscape. What was once a handful of traditional establishments along Federal Boulevard has blossomed into a citywide phenomenon, with new concepts emerging from Highland to RiNo.
Traditional Dim Sum Destinations
Denver's reputation for authentic dim sum has been built by several long-standing establishments:
Star Kitchen (2917 West Mississippi Avenue) stands as one of Denver's most beloved dim sum destinations. Known for its extensive variety of traditional dishes, from perfectly crafted fried turnip cakes to delicate egg custard tarts, Star Kitchen offers both cart service and menu ordering for a classic dim sum experience.
The Empress Seafood Restaurant (2825 West Alameda Avenue) has been serving Denver since 1993, offering daily dim sum with weekend cart service. Their BBQ buns and seafood specialties have made them a staple in Denver's dim sum community.
Contemporary Dim Sum Innovations
As Denver's culinary scene evolves, new interpretations of dim sum have emerged:
Nana's Dim Sum & Dumplings in the Highland neighborhood brings a modern approach to dim sum, featuring standout dishes like Xiao Long Soup Buns and Red Sea Chili Wontons.
Colorado Sake Co.'s Weekend Dim Sum Brunch (3559 Larimer St.) represents the newest evolution in Denver's dim sum scene, offering a unique fusion of traditional dim sum with craft sake pairings. Open Saturdays (12:00 PM - 3:30 PM) and Sundays (10:00 AM - 4:00 PM), this innovative concept bridges Chinese dim sum traditions with Japanese sake culture in a contemporary American setting.
The Colorado Sake Co. Experience
What sets Colorado Sake Co.'s dim sum brunch apart is their groundbreaking approach to pairing dim sum with craft sake. Each dish is thoughtfully crafted to complement their craft sake selections, creating unique flavor harmonies you won't find anywhere else in Denver.
Signature Dim Sum Offerings
Soup Dumplings (Xiao Long Bao) Delicate parcels of hand-wrapped dough filled with rich, warming broth. Pair with our American Standard Junmai Ginjo to complement the dumpling's savory depth with bright citrus notes.
Bao Buns Pillowy-soft steamed buns with various fillings, showcasing the perfect marriage of texture and flavor. The creamy Horchata Nigori sake makes an unexpectedly perfect partner, its vanilla notes enhancing the bao's subtle sweetness.
Fried Potato Croquettes A creative fusion dish that brings Western comfort to the dim sum format, these crispy-exterior, creamy-interior croquettes offer a delightful textural contrast. Try them with our seasonal sake selections for an ever-evolving pairing experience.
Pan-Seared Shrimp Dumplings First steamed then pan-seared, these dumplings offer the best of both worlds: the tenderness of traditional har gow with a crispy bottom sear. The clean finish of our American Standard provides the perfect counterpoint to the rich seafood flavors.
Planning Your Dim Sum Adventure
Colorado Sake Co. Dim Sum Experience
- Saturdays: 12:00 PM - 3:30 PM
- Sundays: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Located in RiNo's art district
- Perfect for those seeking a unique twist on traditional dim sum
- Ideal for sake enthusiasts and culinary adventurers
Frequently Asked Questions
How does your dim sum service differ from traditional restaurants? While traditional dim sum restaurants focus on cart service and Cantonese classics, Colorado Sake Co. offers a contemporary fusion experience with carefully curated sake pairings. Our approach combines the best of Chinese dim sum traditions with Japanese sake culture in a modern American setting.
What if I'm new to sake and dim sum? Our knowledgeable staff excels at guiding newcomers through both the dim sum menu and sake selections. We're happy to explain dishes, suggest pairings, and ensure you have a memorable dining experience. Whether you're a sake enthusiast or trying it for the first time, we make the experience approachable and exciting.
What's the best way to experience your dim sum brunch? Come with friends! Dim sum is traditionally a shared experience, and our sake flights and varied menu are perfect for groups. Let our staff guide you through sake pairings, and don't hesitate to try both traditional dim sum items and our creative fusion dishes.
Experience Denver's most innovative dim sum brunch at Colorado Sake Co. Contact us at 720.449.6963 or info@coloradosakeco.com to learn more about our weekend offerings.