Light, bright, airy and fun – the atmosphere at Myers + Chang will have you in the right spirit for trying as many dishes as you and your dining companions can possibly consume from the moment you step inside. And with dim sum options that run the gamut from Asian pickles and green papaya slaw to wok-charred baby octopus and thai pork kabobs the choices are vast and delightfully surprising.

For the true Chinatown experience, Hei La Moon offers one of the best – a diverse menu, expansive and well appointed seating and authentic tastes. While it is technically on the outskirts of Chinatown – more within the Leather District – wandering away from the pack of greasy late night weekend only dim sum spots in the heart of Chinatown is certainly worth the extra paces.

With a regular menu of 35 to 45 dim sum items to choose from, the selection is certainly not limited at this suburban restaurant. A staple in the community, Yangtze River specializes in four styles of Chinese cooking: Peking, Shanghai, Szechwan and Cantonese. Should your appetite be particular voracious when you visit, Yangtze offers an all you can eat dim sum and buffet special on the weekends that will more than satisfy.

Chau Chow City in Chinatown is more than just fun to say. With cart upon cart passing you by with dim sum treats to try, the experience is a foodie’s version of a kid in a candy store. It can be a particularly adventurous experience here if you are not fluent in Chinese as many servers do not speak English and descriptions of what you are about to try are generally unavailable. Just remember the last time you were abroad without a translator and blindly select that which looks best.

Cambridge, particularly Inman Square, is abuzz with fusion restaurants and East by Northeast may be one of the most adventurous with a mix of Chinese, French and American cuisine for a refreshing take on dim sum as well as their main dishes. Freshness is the key to their success here with all noodles, breads and dumplings made in house and all meats are from New England sustainable farmers.