From Buns to Broth: Eating Through Go Dim Sum’s Menu

If you’re looking for a cozy spot in Tucson to dive into the world of Cantonese-style small plates and tea, Go Dim Sum is worth a visit. Located at 3504 E. Grant Road in midtown Tucson, this fast-casual restaurant specializes in dim sum served outside the typical weekend brunch window.

What to love about it

• The environment: It’s airy, clean, and welcoming. A nice balance between casual and special.
• The menu focus: Instead of hundreds of items, Go Dim Sum offers a curated selection of steamed buns, dumplings, vegetarian options (salt & pepper tofu, for example) and refreshing teas.
• The customer service: The staff here are genuinely fantastic — warm, attentive, and quick to offer recommendations or answer questions about the dishes. It adds to the relaxed, friendly vibe and makes the whole experience feel personal.
• The accessibility: Open from 11 a.m. until around 8 p.m. (closed Tuesdays) so you don’t have to wake early like at some dim sum parlors.

My Meal & Highlights

Here’s a breakdown of what I tried — each with a little commentary and suggestion.

BBQ Pork Bun – Char Siu Bao

These buns arrived warm, the soft steamed dough encasing sweet-savory char siu pork. A comforting classic. If you’re sharing, one order might suffice as a starter before moving into other items.

Pork & Shrimp Siu Mai

The open-topped dumplings with pork and shrimp were nicely plump. For best flavor: dip in a bit of the house chili oil or a splash of black vinegar if available.
Tip: because they’re small, order two rounds if you’re with a group.

Pork Soup Dumpling – Xiao Long Bao

These are always fun to eat (and a little risky). At Go Dim Sum the wrapper held up well and there was that satisfying burst of broth inside. Pro tip: place on a spoon, nibble the top off, slurp the broth, then enjoy the rest. The dish is one of their must-orders.

Steamed Chicken Dumpling

Chicken wrapped in delicate dumpling skin, steamed so it stays moist. Great if you want something lighter or less pork-heavy.

Salt & Pepper Tofu

Vegetarian-friendly and crunchy: the tofu cubes were seasoned well and had good texture. If you’re sharing with someone who prefers plant-based, this is a strong pick.

Garlic Broccoli

A nice vegetable side to balance the richer dumplings and buns. The garlic brought a punch and the broccoli was crisp-tender.

Popcorn Chicken

Crispy, golden, and lightly seasoned, the popcorn chicken came out full of flavor. Each piece had a satisfying crunch without being greasy, and the portion was generous enough to share. It’s one of those comfort items that bridges street-food fun with the dim sum experience. It is simple, well-done, and easy to keep picking at between bites of dumplings.

Fruity Tea (Jasmine Passion Fruit)

A refreshing and colorful finish or companion to the savory bites: jasmine base with passion fruit flavor, light and thirst-quenching. Perfect if you’d like some contrast to all the dumplings.

Tips for Visiting

• Order at the front counter: Go Dim Sum uses a counter-service model (you place your order, pick a table, food comes to you) rather than the classic dim sum cart parading style.
• Share many small items: Dim sum shines when you and your group order a variety of dishes and share. It makes for a more fun, communal experience.
• Go earlier if possible: Although not using carts, the place can get busy; arriving earlier helps.
• Check vegetarian/vegan options: The salt & pepper tofu and some sides are vegetarian-friendly which is a plus for mixed dietary groups.
• Sauces matter: Don’t overlook the sauce station; a good chili oil, vinegar or soy sauce can elevate dumplings.
• Parking & location: The restaurant shares a shopping-strip setting so parking is available but may fill during peak times.
• Bring your appetite: You’ll want to sample across steamed, fried, buns, veggies…and have room for dessert or tea.
• Ordering takeaway: They offer online ordering too, if you want to take it home.

Worth the Stop? Absolutely

If you’re in Tucson and craving dim sum, Go Dim Sum is a standout option. While it might not replicate the huge carts of Hong Kong or San Francisco style dim sum houses, it delivers a clean, tasty, and friendly experience with enough authenticity to impress. My picks above cover some of the best bites I had — and I’d suggest making it a “small-plate marathon” and ordering more than you think you’ll eat (because sharing means you’ll want a little bit of everything).