Forget those polished dim sum palaces in Central that charge HK$80 for three har gow. Real Hong Kongers hit neighborhood tea houses where old uncles unfold newspapers over jasmine tea and argue about horse racing. Look for places packed with locals who clearly aren't tourists — Bonus points if there's a queue of grannies outside.

Essential orders that separate tourists from locals: har gow (shrimp dumplings with translucent skin that shouldn't tear), siu mai (pork and shrimp dumplings topped with crab roe), char siu bao (BBQ pork buns that should be fluffy, not dense), cheung fun (silky rice noodle rolls), and those perfect egg tarts for dessert. Order jasmine tea — It's not optional, it's how you digest all this.

Where locals actually go: Lin Heung Ku on Wellington Street (chaotic trolley service, prepare to elbow for dumplings), One Dim Sum on Nathan Road (Michelin-rated but still HK$40 per basket), or any Maxim's Palace location if you want the full trolley theater. Weekend mornings are mayhem but most authentic — That's when three generations show up together.

Budget HK$180-280 per person for a proper feast, and yes, you're supposed to share tables with strangers. Pointing at what you want is perfectly acceptable dim sum etiquette.