This one’s for all my Nomsters who keep asking me where to get good dim sum in Baltimore. I got you! Nihao by Chef Peter Chang, over in Canton, runs an all-you-can-eat dim sum brunch that’s genuinely one of the better deals in the city. It’s $32 per person, available Friday through Sunday from 11:30 to 3, and you get 90 minutes to eat as much dim sum and Chinese tapas as your heart desires.
Reservations are a must, by the way, because this place gets SUPER busy on weekends. Quick disclosure before we get into it: the Nom Digital team handles social media for a few Peter Chang spots, but I’m keeping it real with you like always. If you love dim sum, or you’ve been hunting for a spot in Baltimore, this one’s worth putting on your radar.
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What Makes Nihao a Standout Dim Sum Spot in Baltimore
Baltimore doesn’t have a ton of dim sum, so a spot doing it well is a big deal. Nihao’s the Canton restaurant from Chef Peter Chang, whose Sichuan cooking’s kind of legendary around the DMV, so you know the kitchen’s got serious chops. The dumplings here are handmade in house, which you can absolutely tell, and the weekend brunch format lets you sample a whole spread instead of committing to one or two orders.
It all happens inside a cool three-story townhouse in Canton, so the setting’s got character too. Between the pedigree, the handmade dumplings, and that all-you-can-eat deal, it’s an easy pick when a dim sum craving hits. And if you fall for the place, there’s a full Sichuan dinner menu waiting for you to come back for the mains.
What to Order at Nihao
At an all-you-can-eat like this, you order a few plates at a time over your 90 minutes, so pace yourself and go for variety. Here’s what the spot’s known for and where I’d start.
Pork Soup Dumplings (Xiao Long Bao)
These are the ones to lead with. Soup dumplings are a Peter Chang signature, delicate wrappers filled with hot, savory broth and pork. Nip a little hole in one, sip the broth, then eat it in one bite. If you’ve never had them, this is your sign!
Scallion Bubble Pancake
Another Peter Chang classic and a total showstopper. It’s a puffed-up, crispy scallion pancake that looks wild and eats even better. It’s one of his signature dishes for a reason, so definitely grab one for the table.
Crystal Shrimp Dumplings (Har Gow)
A dim sum staple done right, these are plump shrimp dumplings in a thin, translucent wrapper. They’re a great gauge of any dim sum kitchen, and a solid must on your order here.
Once you’ve hit those, keep the plates coming. The lineup also includes shrimp and pork dumplings, crispy duck spring rolls, hot chili oil wontons, popcorn chicken with Szechuan chili, ma po tofu, and even a vegan cucumber salad, so there’s plenty to explore! Want to see how it stacks up against the rest of the city? Here’s where else to get dim sum in Baltimore City.
The Deal: 90 Minutes of All-You-Can-Eat Dim Sum
Let’s talk about why this is such a solid value IMO. For $32 a person, you get 90 minutes and you order in rounds, usually about four plates at a time, so you can keep going until you’re happy. That kind of value on dim sum this good is honestly hard to find, especially in Baltimore. Just know it’s dim sum and Chinese tapas during the weekend brunch window, Friday through Sunday 11:30 to 3, and you’ll want that reservation locked in. Heads up too, like most spots, tax and tip are on top of the $32, so plan for that.
What Is Dim Sum?
If dim sum’s new to you, here’s the rundown. It’s a style of Cantonese dining built around lots of small, shareable plates, think dumplings, buns, rolls, and little bites, traditionally enjoyed for brunch with tea. The whole point is variety and sharing, so you order a bunch of things and pass them around the table. That’s exactly why an all-you-can-eat format like Nihao’s works so well for it, you get to try a little of everything instead of filling up on one dish.
The Vibe and Experience
Nihao lives in a three-story townhouse in Canton, so it’s got more character than your average restaurant, and there’s a patio when the weather’s nice. It’s a full-service, sit-down spot with a bar, so you can grab a cocktail or a beer with your dumplings. The weekend brunch gets packed, which is exactly why reservations aren’t optional here. It’s a great pick for a group, a fun weekend hangout, or anyone who wants to make a whole afternoon of it, dumplings, drinks, and all.
Good to Know
- Location: 📍2322 Boston Street, Baltimore, MD 21224 (Canton)
- Dim sum brunch: Friday through Sunday, 11:30AM to 3PM
- Price: $32 per person, all-you-can-eat, 90-minute seating
- Reservations: a must, book through OpenTable via their website
- Regular dining: open for lunch and dinner too, with a full Sichuan menu
- Drinks: full bar with cocktails, wine, and beer
- Dietary: vegetarian and vegan options available, gluten-free on request
- Parking: mostly street parking in Canton, plus nearby paid lots, so give yourself time
- Also good to know: private dining upstairs for up to 30, and online ordering via Toast if you’d rather take it home
- Payment: cards and Apple Pay accepted, and the space is ADA accessible
- More info: nihaobaltimore.com
Is the Nihao Dim Sum Brunch Worth It?
Yes!!!! Especially if dim sum’s your thing, and you’re in Baltimore. Ninety minutes of all-you-can-eat dim sum from a chef with Peter Chang’s reputation, for $32? That’s a great deal in my book! Just come hungry, bring a crew so you can order a big spread, and lock in that reservation. And if you’re a Sichuan fan, another spot I love is Red Pepper in Towson.
Have you guys tried the dim sum at Nihao yet? LMK what you order in the comments, Nomsters, and tag your dim sum crew so you can plan a weekend visit. Save this one for the next time that craving hits.