Sauces for Dim Sims

Sauce or No Sauce?

One of the biggest dim sim debates is whether they even need sauce at all. Purists argue that a good dimmie should stand on its own. Juicy, peppery, and satisfying without any extras. But plenty of us can’t imagine eating one without a splash of something on top. For many, sauce isn’t optional; it’s part of the ritual.

The Soy Standard

If there’s one sauce most people agree on, it’s soy. A drizzle of light soy brings out the savoury notes in the filling without overpowering it. Some fans prefer mushroom soy, which adds a richer, slightly sweet depth that works especially well on steamed dim sims. Either way, soy is the go-to classic.

Chili Lovers Unite

For others, it’s all about the heat. Sweet chili is the most common choice. Sticky, tangy, and easy to find at any fish and chip shop. Then there’s Sriracha, the fiery red favourite that gives fried dimmies an extra kick. Hardcore chili fans even make their own sauces, experimenting with everything from bird’s eye chilies to fermented blends. The spicier, the better.

Aussie Oddities

Beyond soy and chili, Aussies have developed their own unique dim sim pairings. Tomato sauce is controversial, but plenty of people secretly dunk fried dimmies in it. Kecap manis, the Indonesian sweet soy, adds caramel-like flavour and is gaining popularity. Some adventurous eaters swear by satay, hoisin, or even barbecue sauce.

The Final Drizzle

At the end of the day, sauce is about personal choice. Whether you stick with a splash of soy, smother your dimmie in chili, or experiment with something left-field, there’s no wrong answer. The only rule? A dim sim should taste like a dim sim. The sauce is just the finishing touch.