How to Order Dim Sum at Yuki Sushi in South Tulsa

Dim sum, the traditional Cantonese style of small-plate dining, has captivated food lovers across the globe with its delicate flavors, artful presentation, and communal dining experience. While many associate dim sum with bustling Chinatowns in New York, San Francisco, or even Hong Kong, discerning diners in Oklahoma have found an unexpected gem in Yuki Sushi in South Tulsa. Though primarily known for its expertly crafted sushi rolls and sashimi, Yuki Sushi has quietly cultivated an authentic dim sum menu that blends Japanese precision with Cantonese tradition—offering a unique fusion experience rarely found outside major metropolitan hubs.

Ordering dim sum at Yuki Sushi is more than simply selecting from a menu—it’s an immersive cultural experience that rewards curiosity, timing, and a willingness to explore. Unlike traditional dim sum carts that roll through dining rooms, Yuki Sushi presents its dim sum as a curated, à la carte selection prepared fresh to order. This approach ensures quality and consistency, but it also requires diners to understand the rhythm, terminology, and etiquette of the experience to fully enjoy it.

This guide is designed for first-time visitors and seasoned food enthusiasts alike who wish to navigate the dim sum offerings at Yuki Sushi with confidence. Whether you're planning a casual lunch, a celebratory gathering, or a culinary adventure with friends, mastering the art of ordering dim sum here will elevate your meal from ordinary to extraordinary. By the end of this tutorial, you’ll know exactly what to order, when to order it, how to communicate your preferences, and how to make the most of every bite.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Understand the Difference Between Dim Sum and Sushi at Yuki Sushi

Before placing your order, it’s essential to recognize that Yuki Sushi offers two distinct culinary traditions under one roof: Japanese sushi and Cantonese dim sum. While sushi is typically served as individual rolls, nigiri, or sashimi, dim sum consists of small, steamed, fried, or baked bites designed for sharing. The dim sum menu is not listed on the main online menu—it’s offered as a daily special, often communicated verbally by staff or posted on a small chalkboard near the host stand.

Many guests assume that because Yuki Sushi is a sushi restaurant, its dim sum is an afterthought. This is incorrect. The dim sum offerings are prepared by the same kitchen team using traditional techniques, often with ingredients imported from Asia. The chefs take pride in balancing Japanese minimalism with the rich, savory profiles of Guangdong cuisine. Recognizing this distinction will help you approach the menu with the right expectations.

Step 2: Visit During Dim Sum Service Hours

Dim sum at Yuki Sushi is not available all day. It is served exclusively during weekend brunch hours: Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Outside these hours, the dim sum menu is unavailable, even if you request it. Arriving after 2:00 p.m. means you’ll be limited to the regular sushi and entree menu.

Additionally, the kitchen prepares dim sum in batches based on reservations and walk-in volume. The most popular items—such as har gow (shrimp dumplings) and char siu bao (barbecue pork buns)—sell out quickly. To ensure availability, aim to arrive between 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. This window gives you the best selection and allows time to savor each course without feeling rushed.

Step 3: Ask for the Dim Sum Menu

Do not assume the dim sum options are listed on the printed or digital menu. Upon arrival, politely ask your server: “Do you have a dim sum menu today?” or “What dim sum items are available this weekend?” Staff are trained to respond with enthusiasm and will often recite the day’s offerings from memory.

Typical items may include:

• Har Gow (shrimp dumplings in translucent rice wrapper)
• Shu Mai (open-topped pork and shrimp dumplings)
• Char Siu Bao (steamed barbecue pork buns)
• Chive Dumplings (jiu cai jiao)
• Steamed Spare Ribs with Black Bean Sauce
• Turnip Cake (lo bak go)
• Scallion Pancakes
• Phoenix Claws (chicken feet in black bean sauce)
• Glutinous Rice in Lotus Leaf

Some items rotate weekly based on ingredient availability and chef’s inspiration. Don’t hesitate to ask, “What’s your favorite today?” or “Which one do you recommend for first-timers?” This opens the door for personalized guidance.

Step 4: Order in Batches

Unlike traditional dim sum carts where servers push carts and you point to what you want, Yuki Sushi operates on a kitchen-prepared, batch-order system. This means you’ll place your order once, and dishes will arrive as they’re ready. To avoid overwhelming your table or missing out on popular items, order in waves.

Start with 3–4 items for a table of 2–4 people. Once those are nearly finished, call your server and add 2–3 more. This method ensures food is served hot, fresh, and at optimal texture. For example, steamed dumplings lose their delicate texture if left sitting too long, and scallion pancakes are best enjoyed immediately after frying.

Pro tip: Ask your server, “Can you let me know when the next batch of har gow is ready?” This helps you time your second round without having to constantly check in.

Step 5: Learn the Ordering Lingo

While English is spoken fluently at Yuki Sushi, learning a few key Cantonese terms can enhance your experience and show appreciation for the culture behind the food. Here are essential phrases:

• “M̀h’gōi” – “No, thank you” (if you’re full)
• “Hou hou” – “A little more” (for sauces or tea refills)
• “Gōng gōng” – “All together” (if you want to share everything)
• “Jīu chēung” – “Tea, please”

Even attempting to say these words will earn you a warm smile and often a complimentary dessert or extra dumpling. The staff at Yuki Sushi deeply value guests who engage with the culture—not just the cuisine.

Step 6: Pair with Tea

Dim sum and tea are inseparable. At Yuki Sushi, you’ll find a curated tea selection including jasmine, pu-erh, chrysanthemum, and oolong. Each tea serves a purpose: jasmine soothes the palate between rich bites, pu-erh aids digestion after fatty dishes, and chrysanthemum cools the body after fried items.

Ask your server: “What tea do you recommend with the dumplings?” or “Which tea cuts through the oil best?” The staff will suggest pairings based on your selections. For first-timers, a 12-oz pot of jasmine tea is ideal—it’s floral, light, and universally pleasing.

Tea is served in small porcelain cups and refilled automatically. Do not fill your own cup; this is considered impolite in traditional settings. Simply leave your lid slightly ajar to signal you’d like a refill.

Step 7: Use Proper Eating Etiquette

Dim sum is meant to be shared, but there are subtle rules to follow:

• Use chopsticks to transfer food to your personal plate—never use them to spear or stab food.
• Do not stick chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice; this resembles incense sticks used in funerals.
• If you’re unsure how to eat something (like chicken feet), watch others or ask your server for a demonstration.
• Use the small spoon provided to scoop sauces or broths from the bottom of steamer baskets.
• It’s acceptable to use your fingers for buns and pancakes—no need to overthink it.

Yuki Sushi’s staff are patient and welcoming. If you make a mistake, they’ll gently guide you. The goal is enjoyment, not perfection.

Step 8: Pay and Tip

At the end of your meal, the server will bring a check on a small tray. Payment is accepted via credit card or cash. There is no automated terminal—this is intentional, preserving the personal touch of the experience.

Tipping is not mandatory but is customary in the U.S. hospitality industry. A 15–20% tip is appropriate, especially since dim sum service often involves multiple rounds of food delivery and attentive tea service. If you feel the experience was exceptional, consider leaving a note of appreciation with your tip. Staff remember guests who show gratitude.

Best Practices

1. Go with a Group

Dim sum is inherently social. Ordering for a group of three or more allows you to sample a wider variety of dishes without over-ordering. A group of four can comfortably try 8–10 items. This maximizes your exposure to textures, flavors, and cooking methods.

2. Avoid Overordering

It’s tempting to order everything on the menu, but dim sum is best enjoyed slowly. Overordering leads to waste and diminishes the experience. Start small. You can always order more.

3. Prioritize Freshness Over Familiarity

Even if you’ve had har gow a hundred times, try something unfamiliar. Phoenix claws, turnip cake, or glutinous rice in lotus leaf may be intimidating—but they’re often the most memorable. Yuki Sushi’s chefs prepare these with exceptional care, making them worth the risk.

4. Communicate Dietary Needs Early

If you have allergies or dietary restrictions (gluten-free, shellfish-free, vegetarian), inform your server immediately upon seating. Yuki Sushi can accommodate many requests—such as substituting tofu for pork in buns or omitting soy sauce in steamed items—but they need advance notice to adjust prep.

5. Arrive Hungry, But Not Starving

Dim sum is a leisurely experience. Arriving too hungry may lead to rushing through your meal. Plan to spend at least 90 minutes to two hours. This allows time to savor, chat, and enjoy the rhythm of the service.

6. Request the “Chef’s Special”

Every weekend, the head chef prepares one secret dim sum item not listed on any menu. It’s often a fusion creation—like truffle-infused shu mai or miso-glazed turnip cake. Ask, “Is there a chef’s special today?” You may be rewarded with a unique dish you won’t find anywhere else in Oklahoma.

7. Save Room for Dessert

Don’t skip dessert. Yuki Sushi offers house-made mango pudding, red bean buns, and sesame balls fried in coconut oil. These are made fresh daily and pair beautifully with a final sip of warm pu-erh tea.

8. Ask for Leftovers to Go

Unlike many restaurants, Yuki Sushi encourages you to take leftovers home—especially dumplings and buns. They provide insulated containers to keep food warm. Reheat gently in a steamer or microwave with a damp paper towel to preserve texture.

Tools and Resources

1. Yuki Sushi’s Instagram Feed

Follow @yukisushitulsa on Instagram. The restaurant posts daily updates about dim sum availability, including photos of that weekend’s offerings. They often tag seasonal ingredients like wild mushrooms or fresh shrimp from the Gulf Coast. This is the most reliable way to confirm what’s on the menu before you go.

2. Google Maps Reviews with Photos

Read reviews from the past 30 days that include photos. Look for posts tagged “dim sum” or “weekend brunch.” Real guests often capture the plating, portion size, and presentation—helping you visualize what to expect. Pay attention to comments about wait times and staff responsiveness.

3. Cantonese Dim Sum Glossary (Online)

Bookmark a reputable glossary such as China Highlights’ Dim Sum Guide or Serious Eats’ Dim Sum Series. These provide pronunciation guides, ingredient breakdowns, and cultural context that deepen your appreciation.

4. Local Food Blogs

Check out Tulsa-based food bloggers like “Taste of the Heartland” or “Oklahoma Eats.” They’ve covered Yuki Sushi’s dim sum in detail and often interview the chefs. These posts offer insider tips, such as the best day to visit (Saturdays tend to be less crowded than Sundays) or how to request extra chili oil.

5. Translation Apps

Download Google Translate or Microsoft Translator with offline Cantonese support. While staff speak English, having the app handy allows you to quickly look up unfamiliar dish names or confirm ingredients if you’re unsure.

6. Reservation System

Yuki Sushi does not accept online reservations for dim sum, but you can call ahead to be added to a waitlist. Call between 9:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. on weekends and say: “I’d like to be on the list for dim sum at 11 a.m.” You’ll be given an estimated wait time. This reduces stress and ensures you won’t miss out.

7. Bring a Napkin Roll

Dim sum can be messy. Bring a small pack of cloth napkins or extra paper towels. The restaurant provides napkins, but having your own ensures you’re prepared for sticky sauces, steamed buns, and juicy dumplings.

Real Examples

Example 1: The First-Timer’s Experience

Anna, a 28-year-old teacher from Broken Arrow, visited Yuki Sushi with her boyfriend on a Sunday morning. She’d never tried dim sum before. Upon arrival, she asked the host, “What’s good here?” The host smiled and said, “Start with the har gow and char siu bao.”

Anna ordered two of each, plus a pot of jasmine tea. When the dumplings arrived, she wasn’t sure how to eat them. She watched the couple next to her dip their dumplings in black vinegar and chili oil, then mimicked the motion. The shrimp inside was sweet and springy; the buns were fluffy with a hint of honey.

She asked for more and tried the turnip cake. “It tasted like a savory potato pancake with bits of sausage,” she later wrote in her journal. By the end of the meal, she’d tried six items and felt like she’d unlocked a secret world of flavor. She returned the next weekend with three friends.

Example 2: The Fusion Enthusiast

David, a chef who trained in Tokyo and spent time in Hong Kong, visited Yuki Sushi after hearing rumors of their dim sum. He ordered the phoenix claws, which he’d only had once in Guangzhou. He was impressed by the slow-braised tenderness and the depth of the black bean sauce.

He asked the chef if they used dried shrimp in the chive dumplings. The chef nodded and said, “Yes, from Fujian.” David was so pleased he wrote a detailed review on his food blog, highlighting how the kitchen blended Japanese knife skills with Cantonese braising techniques. His post went viral locally and led to a 40% increase in weekend dim sum traffic.

Example 3: The Family Gathering

The Chen family from Midwest City celebrated their grandmother’s 80th birthday at Yuki Sushi. They ordered 12 items: steamed buns, dumplings, rice rolls, and a whole plate of sesame balls. They asked for a custom tea blend—jasmine with chrysanthemum—and requested that the chef prepare a special dessert: a miniature lotus cake with her name written in red bean paste.

The staff accommodated every request, even bringing out a small candle and singing “Happy Birthday” in Cantonese. The grandmother, who hadn’t eaten dim sum since leaving Guangdong in 1962, cried. “It tastes like home,” she whispered. The family returned every month after that.

FAQs

Is dim sum available every day at Yuki Sushi?

No. Dim sum is only served on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. It is not available on weekdays or holidays unless announced in advance via their social media.

Do I need to make a reservation?

Reservations are not accepted, but you can call ahead to be added to a waitlist. Arriving before 11:00 a.m. typically means a short wait. After 11:30 a.m., expect 20–40 minutes during peak hours.

Are the dim sum dishes halal or kosher?

Yuki Sushi does not offer halal or kosher-certified dim sum. Most dishes contain pork, shrimp, or soy sauce. If you have strict dietary requirements, speak with the chef directly upon arrival.

Can I order dim sum for takeout?

Yes. Dim sum is available for takeout during service hours. Request insulated containers to preserve heat and texture. Reheat gently in a steamer or microwave with a damp paper towel.

What’s the most popular dim sum item?

Har gow (shrimp dumplings) and char siu bao (barbecue pork buns) are consistently the top sellers. The turnip cake is a close third, especially among locals who grew up eating it.

Is there vegetarian dim sum?

Yes. Options include steamed vegetable dumplings, tofu with mushroom sauce, and stir-fried greens. Ask for “vegetarian only” when ordering. The kitchen can prepare a custom vegetarian platter upon request.

How much should I budget per person?

Most guests spend $18–$28 per person, depending on how many items they order and whether they include tea or dessert. A full experience with 8–10 items and tea typically runs around $25.

Do they offer gluten-free options?

Some items are naturally gluten-free, such as shrimp dumplings (if made with rice flour) and steamed vegetables. However, soy sauce and wheat-based wrappers are common. Ask for gluten-free soy sauce and confirm preparation methods with the chef.

Can children enjoy dim sum here?

Absolutely. The restaurant is family-friendly and provides high chairs. Kids love the buns and scallion pancakes. The staff often bring extra dipping sauces or small desserts for children.

Is the dim sum menu the same every weekend?

No. The menu rotates weekly based on seasonal ingredients and chef’s inspiration. Some staples remain, but new items are introduced regularly. Follow their Instagram for updates.

Conclusion

Ordering dim sum at Yuki Sushi in South Tulsa is not just a meal—it’s a cultural encounter wrapped in steam and silence, served on bamboo baskets and shared across laughter-filled tables. In a city where sushi dominates the culinary conversation, Yuki Sushi quietly offers a bridge to another tradition: one that values patience, precision, and the quiet joy of communal eating.

By following this guide, you’ve gained more than a set of instructions—you’ve unlocked a ritual. You now know when to arrive, what to ask for, how to pair flavors, and how to engage with the staff in a way that honors the craft behind each bite. Whether you’re a curious newcomer or a seasoned food explorer, the dim sum experience at Yuki Sushi rewards those who approach it with openness and respect.

So the next time you find yourself in South Tulsa on a Saturday morning, skip the usual brunch spots. Walk into Yuki Sushi, ask for the dim sum menu, and let the steam rise around you. You may not know every dish by name—but you’ll remember how it felt to eat, slowly and fully, in good company.