If you’re chasing the best dim sum in DC and you want it unlimited, let me put you on to Chang Chang. This is Chef Peter Chang’s modern Chinese spot near Dupont Circle, and on weekends they run an all-you-can-eat dim sum brunch that’s $38 a person for unlimited small plates, served Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30 to 3.
I finally got to dine in here with a friend and had an absolute BLAST, the har gow and Peter’s peking duck buns alone were worth the trip. Quick disclosure up front: my agency works with a bunch of the Maryland Peter Chang restaurants, and the team hosted us this time, but you already know I’m giving you my real take. Short answer, if you’re in the DC area and love dim sum, this one’s outstanding.
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What Makes Chang Chang A Must
Here’s what sets Chang Chang apart. Peter Chang built a cult following across the DMV for his Sichuan cooking, and this is his first restaurant in DC proper (he actually cooked at the Chinese Embassy here years ago before blowing up). The DC menu leans more modern and seasonal than his Maryland restaurant!
So the dim sum here feels a little more polished and creative, and everything’s made to order instead of grabbed off a rolling cart. It’s earned a spot in the Michelin Guide and made Washingtonian’s 100 Very Best list, so it’s not just me hyping it up.
What to Order at Chang Chang
Since brunch is all-you-can-eat, the move is to order widely and repeat your favorites. These are the dishes that stole the show for me. The dim sum’s all included in the $38, so don’t be shy.
Har Gow
You can always judge a dim sum kitchen by its har gow, and Chang Chang’s passed with flying colors. These are the classic shrimp dumplings wrapped in a thin, translucent skin, and they were easily one of the standouts of the meal, so start your order here. The Chinese chives and shrimp dumplings were right up there too, so order both and thank me later.
Peter’s Peking Duck Buns
Peking duck tucked into a soft bun, and they were a clear highlight of the meal. It’s a smart way to get that classic duck experience in one tidy bite without committing to a whole bird. A must-order, full stop.
Scallion Bubble Pancake and Bamboo Fish
The scallion bubble pancake was a favorite too, and it lived up to its name. The bamboo fish was another one I’d order again, and the veggie dumplings absolutely held their own even next to the shrimp ones. Real talk, there wasn’t a dud in the bunch, which is exactly what you want when you’re paying one flat price to keep the plates coming.
Save Room: Desserts and Teas
The two desserts aren’t included in the brunch price, but they’re worth it. The matcha cake ($14) was my favorite, and if you like fruity, tart things over sweet ones, the passionfruit pie ($13) is your move (just know it leans more tart than sweet). They also pour rare cellar teas at $12 a pot, and the Emperor’s Golden Hojicha and Magnolia Blossom Oolong we tried were both lovely. A good pot of tea is honestly the perfect way to stretch out the meal.
How the Unlimited Dim Sum Brunch Works
Here’s the deal so you can plan: the weekend dim sum brunch is $38 per person for unlimited small plates and dumplings, served Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30 to 3. You mark what you want on an order sheet and the kitchen makes it fresh, so you’re not grabbing lukewarm plates off a cart.
Heads up that there’s a time limit on the table (around 75 minutes) because the brunch stays busy, so go in with a game plan and order a big first round. If Bethesda’s closer for you, Q by Peter Chang runs a similar weekend dim sum deal. Come hungry, pace yourself, and definitely book a reservation because these seats fill up.
The Vibe and Experience
Chang Chang is a great pick if you want a proper sit-down dim sum experience in DC, not a grab-and-go. The team was wonderful, especially for a busy weekend seating. It sits a quick walk from the Dupont Circle Metro, which makes it easy to get to without stressing over parking.
Good to Know
- 📍 1200 19th St NW Ste 110, Washington, DC 20036, near Dupont Circle
- Weekend dim sum brunch: $38 per person, unlimited, Saturdays and Sundays 11:30am to 3pm (plus tax and gratuity)
- There’s roughly a 75-minute table limit at brunch since it stays busy
- Reservations are highly recommended; book through their website
- Less than a 5-minute walk from the Dupont Circle Metro; street and garage parking nearby, no valet
- Vegetarian and vegan options are available, just flag it to your server
Is Chang Chang Worth It?
Yes, especially for the weekend dim sum brunch. For $38 of unlimited, freshly made dim sum from one of the DMV’s most celebrated chefs, it’s a genuinely great deal and an easy rec for anyone in the DC area. Go in hungry, book ahead, and order the har gow and duck buns first. If you’d rather stay closer to home, Mai Dragon in Hanover is still my go-to dim sum spot in Maryland.
Have you guys done the dim sum brunch at Chang Chang yet?! Tell me your must-order plates in the comments, Nomsters, because I’m already planning my next round. And if you’re a dumpling person like me, save this one and bring a hungry friend. You’re gonna want backup to make that $38 really count.
If you want more dumplings while you’re in the city, Dumplings and Beyond in Glover Park is worth adding to your DC dumpling tour, the pan-fried House Special Dumpling and the xiao long bao are both standouts.