Five Star Dim Sum – A Hidden Find in Shun Li Industrial Estate That Serves Great Dim Sum and Zichar

There’s something magical about finding great food in the most unexpected places. And tucked away on Level 7 of Shun Li Industrial Estate, Five Star Dim Sum is one of those hidden gems that’s worth every detour.

I’ve been here multiple times, but every return visit still excites me. To get there, I had to walk past a security counter, take a lift up to Level 7 of an old industrial building, and step into what feels like a secret dining club. For most F&B owners, high-street visibility is essential, but the fact that Five Star Dim Sum not only survives but thrives in this secluded spot speaks volumes about the food.

The kitchen is led by Chef Yiu Wah Tai, a seasoned dim sum master who has spent 30 years in the hotel circuit, including heavyweights like Shang Palace (Shangri-La) and Jiang Nan Chun (Four Seasons). After three decades in the hotel industry, he now lends his expertise as a consultant here — and it shows in every bite.

Let’s start with the dim sum — handmade daily, fresh, and full of heart.

Every time I return, I must order the Har Gao and Siew Mai — the two pillars of any good dim sum meal. The Har Gao here boasts a thin, delicate skin that holds up beautifully without breaking, encasing juicy, fresh prawns with a satisfying crunch. The Siew Mai is plump and meaty, studded with prawn bits and topped with a wolfberry. They’re juicy, well-seasoned, and exactly how a good siew mai should be — rich without being greasy.

I always come here for their Char Siew Bao. The bun was pillowy soft and absolutely packed with sweet-savoury char siew. Even after it sat out for a while, it remained moist and delicious. Hong Kong Style Steamed Mushroom Bun is a surprise standout. The truffle aroma hits you the moment you bite in, balanced beautifully by the earthy mushrooms.

If molten lava buns are your thing, do not miss this. The salted egg custard had a silky, rich texture, striking that perfect balance between sweet and savoury. The bun-to-filling ratio was spot-on, and when eaten warm, it was pure happiness in a bite.

Cheong Fun lovers, don’t miss their HK Crispy Shrimp Cheong Fun. Wrapped around a crispy layer that adds crunch to every bit and drenched in a fragrant soy dressing, each bite was light yet flavour-packed. And if you’re more old-school, the Shrimp Cheong Fun, Char Siew Cheong Fun and Mushroom Cheong Fun will hit the spot.

To pair with the dim sum, we had a comforting bowl of Ting Zai Porridge. It’s filled with goodies — century egg, pork slices, and fish. The consistency is spot on — not too thick, not too watery — and the flavour is subtle yet satisfying, allowing the ingredients to shine.

Now, beyond the dim sum, Five Star also serves a solid zichar menu — perfect if you’re dining with a group or want something heartier.

The Curry Fish Head came bubbling hot, with its gravy being thick and fragrant, mildly spicy, and deeply satisfying. The fish was fresh and soft, paired with vegetables like lady’s finger and brinjal, which added brightness to the dish. Best enjoyed with rice — you’ll definitely go for seconds.

And then came the La Zi Ji — spicy, addictive, and packed with numbing mala flavour. The chicken chunks were tender with a good crispy edge, tossed generously with dried chillies and Sichuan peppercorns. It’s the kind of dish you can’t stop picking at.

What I love most about dining at Five Star Dim Sum is how wallet-friendly the entire experience is. The quality is restaurant-standard, but the prices are reasonable, and the portions generous. Whether you’re popping by for breakfast, lunch or dinner, it’s always satisfying.

They’ve recently opened a new outlet in Clementi too, and here’s the bonus — seniors above 60 get 10% off their bill. Spend over $100 and you’ll even get a free mala grilled fish.

If you’re always on the hunt for good dim sum that won’t break the bank, make your way to Five Star Dim Sum. It may be tucked away in an industrial estate, but once you’ve been there, you’ll know exactly why people keep going back.
This isn’t just a hidden gem — it’s one of Singapore’s best-kept secrets.