Category: Dim Sim History

September 3, 2025

Who Invented the Dim Sim?

The dim sim’s inventor was William Chen Wing Young, a Chinese restaurateur in 1940s Melbourne. He designed the hearty dumpling to suit Australian tastes—larger, peppery, and easy to fry or steam. His creation spread across markets and sporting venues, shaping how Aussies came to embrace Chinese-inspired food.

June 3, 2025

Why Are Dim Sims Popular in Melbourne?

Dim sims are popular in Melbourne thanks to their 1940s invention by William Chen Wing Young, their role in bridging cultures, and their nostalgic value. From South Melbourne Market queues to suburban gems like Moon Palace or Seven Stars, dimmies remain a beloved food ritual across the city.

March 12, 2024

Dim Sims vs Dim Sum: What’s the Difference?

Though their names sound similar, dim sims and dim sum are worlds apart. Dim sum is a traditional Cantonese dining experience, while dim sims are an Australian invention from the 1940s—larger, peppery, and sold at markets and takeaways. Both are delicious, but only one is a true Aussie icon.

November 8, 2023

History of Dim Sims in Australia

The dim sim was created in 1940s Melbourne by William Chen Wing Young. Larger and heartier than traditional dumplings, it quickly spread from Chinatown to fish and chip shops, markets, and footy grounds. The history of dim sims in Australia is a story of migration, adaptation, and cultural acceptance.

May 20, 2023

South Melbourne Market Dim Sims History

The South Melbourne Market dim sim stall, founded in 1949 by Ken Cheng, is a Melbourne institution. Known for giant peppery dimmies, the stall grew so popular it spawned a commercial brand. Today, fresh from the fryer, they remain a must-try and part of Melbourne’s rich dim sim history.