Why Do Restaurants Always Serve Dim Sums In Sets Of Three?

If you’ve ever found yourself sitting in an Asian restaurant, staring at a bamboo basket with exactly three dim sum inside and thinking, “Why three? Why not four? Why not five?” trust me, you are not alone. It’s a running joke at many tables: two people? Awkward. Four people? Even more awkward. Because who wants to cut a delicate har gow in half? But here’s the fun part – that trio of dumplings isn’t an accident or a sales attempt. It’s tradition, symbolism, and precision.

The Mystery Of The ‘Three Dim Sum Rule’

Numbers are never just numbers in Chinese culture. They are significant, sometimes even superstitious. Since three stands for heaven, earth, and humanity, it is regarded as fortunate and hopeful. As a result, you are receiving more than just food when you are served three dim sum. You’re receiving a small symbol of harmony and positive energy.

Traditionally, Chinese culture favours odd numbers. They’re thought to bring movement, energy, and good fortune. So, 1, 3, 5, 7, and so on are all good. However, 4? Certainly not. Why? Because the word for “four” sounds a lot like “death” in Mandarin and Cantonese. Serving someone four dumplings is essentially the culinary equivalent of sending negative energy. Naturally, no restaurant wants to do that.

This superstition goes so deep that many Chinese buildings skip the 4th floor. In fact, some airlines skip row number 4, and even parking spaces avoid using 4. So, restaurants avoid serving four pieces, especially in fine dining, where traditions matter even more.

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Here’s Why It Makes Perfect Sense

There’s also a practical reason behind this tradition. Dim sum baskets are small and circular. And three dumplings fit evenly, ensuring that they steam properly. It even looks neat, without overcrowding the basket.

The whole idea of dim sum comes from yum cha, the tradition of drinking tea with small nibbles. Because these dishes were designed to be small and delicate, they are ideal for sharing with loved ones. When three are served, people are more likely to try multiple varieties than just one. It makes the meal more than just a quick snack.

This specific serving size of dim sum is a sign of good luck, a nod to centuries-old traditions, and a mark of authenticity in fine Asian dining, all wrapped into one soft dumpling.

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva/Samathi