Dim sum dish explainer

Egg Tarts (蛋挞 / 蛋撻)

Small custard tarts with a flaky or cookie-like crust. This page explains what it is, how to order it, how to eat it, and what dietary signals to check.

Quick definition

Egg Tarts (蛋挞 / 蛋撻 · dàn tà) is small custard tarts with a flaky or cookie-like crust.

What it is made of

Egg custard, sugar, milk or dairy, wheat crust, and fat.

Flavor and texture

Dimension What to expect
Flavor Mild egg custard sweetness with buttery or pastry notes.
Texture Smooth custard and crisp, flaky, or tender shell depending on style.
Category Sweet baked

How to order it

Order at the end, but take them when fresh if they pass by. Good egg tarts often sell quickly.

How to eat it

Eat warm if possible. They are delicate and may crumble.

Dietary and allergy signals

Contains egg, wheat, and usually dairy. Not vegan.

For serious allergies or religious dietary requirements, ask the restaurant about fillings, sauces, wrappers, broth, cooking wine, lard, shared steamers, shared fryers, and shared prep surfaces.

Quality signs

The custard should be smooth, not curdled. The shell should not be soggy.

Related dim sum dishes

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Steamed shrimp dumplings with a thin, translucent wrapper.

Siu Mai

Open-topped steamed dumplings, usually made with pork and shrimp.

Char Siu Bao

Steamed or baked buns filled with sweet-savory Cantonese barbecue pork.