The Top 5 Spots for All-You-Can-Eat Dimsum in Belfast
There’s something deeply comforting about dimsum–small bites that come steaming from the kitchen, each one perfectly crafted, soft, savory, and impossible to stop at just one. Traditionally served in Cantonese teahouses, dimsum was designed for slow afternoons and long conversations over tea.
In Belfast, the tradition takes on a modern twist. While the city isn’t overflowing with Chinese teahouses, it boasts a handful of restaurants that do dimsum justice–with all-you-can-eat menus that make indulgence not just encouraged, but expected.
Whether you’re in it for the har gow (shrimp dumplings), char siu bao (barbecue pork buns), or a mountain of crispy spring rolls, these Belfast spots serve up an unlimited experience that blends Asian flavor with Northern Irish hospitality.
1. Zen Belfast
Media credit: zenbelfast
Website: https://www.zenbelfast.co.uk/
Address: Enterprise House, Adelaide St, Belfast BT2 8FE, United Kingdom
Contact Details: +44 28 9023 2244
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 12 to 2 PM, 5 to 10:30 PM
- Friday – 12 to 2 PM, 5 to 11 PM
- Saturday – 5 to 11:30 PM
- Sunday – 2 to 10 PM
The moment you walk in, you’re greeted by dark wood interiors, low lighting, and a sleek bar that feels more Hong Kong high-rise than Belfast city center.
Their all-you-can-eat dimsum menu offers a refined take on the classics–from delicate shrimp dumplings to perfectly fluffy pork buns.
Everything is freshly prepared and served in rounds, so you’ll never face the dreaded lukewarm buffet tray. The menu also includes sushi and small plates, making it ideal for those who want to mix and match Asian flavors.
The atmosphere is elegant without being stiff, and while it’s pricier than other options, Zen’s presentation and service justify the cost. It’s the kind of place where you can make an evening of it–order slow, sip tea or cocktails, and let the bamboo steamers keep arriving.
| Pro tip: Visit early evening for a quieter ambience. |
2. Lee Garden
Media credit: Lee Garden
Website: http://www.leegardenbelfast.com/
Address: 14-18 Botanic Ave, Belfast BT7 1JQ, United Kingdom
Contact Details: +44 28 9027 8882
Operating Hours:
- Daily – 12 to 10 PM
Lee Garden is one of Belfast’s longest-standing Chinese restaurants, beloved for its traditional recipes and family-style hospitality.
The all-you-can-eat dimsum experience here feels closer to a Hong Kong teahouse than a modern buffet–you simply mark your choices from a menu, and the kitchen prepares them fresh.
Their spread includes over 30 dimsum dishes, from classic cheung fun (rice rolls) and siu mai to golden turnip cakes and sesame balls.
Décor-wise, it’s old-school–red lanterns, patterned carpets, and a comforting sense of nostalgia. But what Lee Garden may lack in modern polish, it makes up for in heart. The portions are generous, the flavors authentic, and the service attentive.
| Pro tip: Visit early evening for a quieter ambience. |
3. Macau Restaurant
Media credit: macaubelfast
Website: https://www.macaubelfast.com/
Address: 271 Ormeau Rd, Belfast BT7 3GG, United Kingdom
Contact Details: +44 28 9069 1800
Operating Hours:
- Thursday to Sunday – 5 to 11 PM
Macau is a modern restaurant that takes inspiration from the unique culinary blend of Cantonese and Portuguese influences. The result? A menu that’s familiar but with subtle surprises–like custard buns that taste like heaven or dumplings filled with peppery pork and shrimp.
Their all-you-can-eat setup is smaller in scope than others, but what it lacks in volume, it makes up for in execution. Each basket feels intentionally crafted, and the staff encourage a slower, more mindful pace of dining.
The interiors are clean, minimalist, and softly lit–perfect for a relaxed lunch or low-key dinner.
While it’s not the biggest buffet in town, Macau earns its spot for offering a thoughtful, modern twist on traditional dimsum.
| Pro tip: Try their Portuguese egg tarts for dessert. They’re flaky, creamy, and a perfect end to a dumpling marathon. |
4. COSMO Authentic World Kitchen
Media credit: cosmorestaurants
Website: https://www.cosmo-restaurants.co.uk/
Address: Level 2, 1 Victoria Square, Belfast BT1 1QG, United Kingdom
Contact Details: +44 28 9023 6660
Operating Hours:
- Sunday – 12 to 9:30 PM
- Saturday – 12 to 10:30 PM
- Monday to Thursday – 3:30 to 9:30 PM
- Friday – 1:30 to 10 PM
Technically, COSMO isn’t just Chinese–it’s an international buffet–but its Asian section easily competes with dedicated dimsum spots. You’ll find bamboo baskets of dumplings, crispy duck pancakes, and even sushi rolls under the same roof.
The space is sleek and modern, built to handle big crowds with efficiency. Dishes are constantly refilled, and the dessert bar (complete with chocolate fountain) makes it a hit with families.
It’s not a specialist’s dimsum destination, but if you’re dining with a mixed group, it’s the perfect compromise: Chinese classics for you, curry for your friends, and pizza for your indecisive cousin.
| Pro tip: Book ahead on weekends. COSMO fills up fast during family hours. |
5. The Welcome Restaurant
Media credit: thewelcomebelfast
Website: https://www.welcomebelfast.co.uk/
Address: 22 Stranmillis Rd, Belfast BT9 5AA, United Kingdom
Contact Details: +44 28 9038 1359
An institution in Belfast’s Chinese dining scene, The Welcome is known for hearty Cantonese dishes and weekend dimsum that feels like home.
Their all-you-can-eat option runs during select hours, and regulars swear by the cheung fun and crispy taro puffs.
The setting is spacious yet cozy, with round tables that practically invite over-ordering. Service is friendly, if occasionally brisk, but staff are quick to accommodate special requests and refills.
It’s one of the few places in Belfast where you can find both classic and less common dimsum dishes, like chicken feet or lotus-leaf sticky rice. For those craving authenticity without the frills, The Welcome delivers.
| Pro tip: Book ahead for weekend lunch slots. It’s when their dimsum menu is at its fullest. |