When in search of the perfect steamed Chinese dumplings, Binondo is often the most authentic and wallet-friendly place to go. But if you’re stuck in the city or dreading the traffic of heading to Chinatown just for a dim sum fix, here’s a list of places to visit in the metro that are equally authentic and just as good. 

Din Tai Fung

Despite (or maybe because) of its affordable price tag, Taiwanese chain restaurant Din Tai Fung has received a nod from Michelin several times over. Its only outlet in the Philippines, at SM Megamall, offers all the goodies that made it famous, namely its Pork Xiao Long Bao (PHP160 for 5 pieces; PHP315 for 10 pieces). These juicy steamed gems are deliciously succulent and savory with a gorgeous tasty broth encased in its fine dumpling skin. Apart from this signature dish, also worth popping in your mouth is the Green Squash and Shrimp Xiao Long Bao (PHP160 for 5 pieces; PHP315 for 10 pieces) as well as the Shrimp and Pork Pot Sticker (PHP220 for 6 pieces). G/F Mega Fashion Hall, SM Mega Mall, Mandaluyong. +63 2 9971935, www.dintaifung.ph. Mon-Sun 11am-10pm.

Shang Palace

Makati Shangri-La’s Shang Palace has some of the best Cantonese fare in town, including live seafood, noodle dishes, and Peking duck. But a meal here isn’t complete without ordering a few baskets of piping hot steamed dumplings. To get your fill of chef Richard Thong’s excellent dim sum, come for lunch for Dim Sum Plus (PHP1,094). Available from 11:30am-2:30pm every Monday to Saturday, the spread includes unlimited dim sum, appetizers, soups, noodles, rice dishes, and a main course of your choice. 2/F Makati Shangri-La Manila, Ayala cor Makati Avenues, Makati; +63 2 8138888. www.shangri-la.com,

Tim Ho Wan

Another Michelin-approved eatery is Tim Ho Wan. This chain hails from Hong Kong and offers the most value for your peso when it comes to dim sum. The menu here isn’t limited to steamed goodies, but their must-order Big 4 Heavenly Kings are. This foursome consists of Baked Bun with BBQ Pork (PHP145 for 3 pieces), Pan Fried Radish Cake (PHP145), Steamed Egg Cake (PHP85), and Vermicelli Roll with Pig’s Liver (PHP150). If you’re still pining for more, order the light Steamed Spinach Dumpling with Shrimp (PHP120) which is fresh, vibrant, and crunchy on the inside. G/F Mega Fashion Hall, SM Mega Mall, Mandaluyong; +63 2 6335042,  www.facebook.com/TimHoWanPH, Call for operating hours.

Hai Shin Lou Seafood King

This massive two storey Cantonese restaurant in San Lorenzo Village has been serving up consistent and tasteful dishes since 2003. The specialty here is seafood, so it’s no surprise that their dim sum made with fruits of the sea is exceptional. Make your way here for steamed shrimp dumplings (PHP148), which are filled with morsels of sweet, pink prawns, as well as the the deep fried seafood puff (PHP148). But for something more familiar to the palate, try the crispy spring rolls (PHP128) and the pork siomai (PHP138), which are great too. 810 Arnaiz Avenue, San Lorenzo Village, Makati; +63 2 7527433, www.haishinlou.com. Daily 11am-3pm, 6pm-10pm.

Lugang Cafe

Lugang Cafe, which now has four branches at some of the metro’s most high-traffic malls, has perfected the Chocolate Xiao Long Bao (PHP288). This saccharine creation is made with a slightly doughy dumpling skin which gives way to a molten center of warm bittersweet chocolate. There are more interesting and off-kilter dim sum creations to be had here too, such as the Steamed Kimchi Xiao Long Bao (PHP228) and Steamed Vegetables Dumplings with Truffle Oil (PHP288). But if you’re a true blue traditionalist when it comes to Chinese dumplings, there are options like Steamed Pork Xiao Long Bao (PHP248) and Pan Fried Siopao (PHP268). G/F 136-137 Main Mall South Wing, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City; +63 2 5550219, www.lugangcafe.com.ph.

Jasmine

The expert skills of dim sum chef Wong Sing To, of New World Makati’s Jasmine, always has us coming back for more. The dim sum menu here reads long and includes their signature shao mai (PHP200) which comes topped with either crab roe or quail egg; simple but flavorful bean curd skin rolls with oyster sauce (PHP180); as well as sweet and robust BBQ pork buns (PHP180). Stretch your dime come lunchtime and opt in for the lunch buffet (PHP988 per person) which includes a good selection of dim sum paired with soup, rice porridge, noodles, desserts, and fragrant Chinese tea. 2/L New World Makati Hotel, Esperanza St cor Makati Avenue, Makati City; +63 2 8116888, www.manila.newworldhotels.com. Daily 11:30am-2:30pm, 6pm-10:30pm.