Little China in Charleston: Dim Sum, Roasted Meats, and Cantonese Cooking

What Little China offers and where to find it

Little China is a Cantonese restaurant in Charleston's downtown area that specializes in dim sum, roasted meats, and traditional Hong Kong–style cooking. The restaurant operates as both a sit-down dining space and a catering operation, making it a source for both everyday meals and events. You'll find them serving lunch and dinner most days, with dim sum service during specific hours when carts roll through the dining room.

The restaurant's catering menu draws from the same kitchen that produces its daily service—roasted duck, pork belly, noodle dishes, and rice plates that reflect Cantonese technique and flavor. If you're planning an event and want food that tastes like what you'd eat at the table, Little China's catering approach means the kitchen isn't switching gears or using a separate prep space.

Key Takeaways

• Little China serves dim sum during lunch hours with carts that come to your table, plus full Cantonese menu for dinner service.
• The catering menu includes roasted meats, noodle dishes, and rice plates prepared by the same kitchen that serves the restaurant.
• You can order catering for pickup or delivery depending on your event size and location within Charleston.
• Roasted duck and pork belly are signature items that appear on both the restaurant menu and catering offerings.

Dim sum service and how it works

Dim sum at Little China follows the traditional cart service model: you sit at a table, servers push carts of small plates past you, and you point to what you want. The plates are marked by color or design, and you're charged by the number and type of plates at the end of your meal. This format lets you try multiple dishes in one sitting without committing to full entrées.

Dim sum service runs during lunch hours, typically from late morning into early afternoon. The selection changes based on what the kitchen has prepared that day—you might find har gow (shrimp dumplings), siu mai (pork dumplings), char siu bao (barbecue pork buns), chicken feet, and various rice and noodle preparations. If you have dietary restrictions or strong preferences, you can also order from a printed menu rather than waiting for carts.

Roasted meats and signature dishes

Roasted duck and roasted pork are central to Little China's identity. The duck comes whole or in pieces, with skin that's been rendered until it crisps, served over rice or with noodles. Pork belly appears in several forms—as a standalone roasted dish, in noodle soups, or as part of rice plates. Both are cooked in-house, not sourced pre-made from elsewhere.

Beyond roasted meats, the menu includes chow mein, chow fun (wide rice noodles), congee (rice porridge), and stir-fried vegetables. Many dishes can be ordered with your choice of protein—chicken, pork, shrimp, or beef. The kitchen also prepares house-made sauces and uses techniques like high-heat wok cooking that define Cantonese food.

Catering for events and group orders

Little China's catering operates on a menu of family-style platters designed for sharing. You order by the dish rather than per person, which means you choose how much food arrives. Typical catering orders include roasted meats, noodle dishes, rice plates, and vegetables—the same items you'd order for yourself at the restaurant, but in larger quantities and plated for service.

Catering works best for groups of eight or more, though smaller orders are sometimes possible depending on the kitchen's schedule. You'll need to place orders in advance—usually at least a day or two before your event. Pickup is the standard option, though delivery within Charleston may be available depending on distance and order size. Pricing varies by dish and quantity, so contacting the restaurant directly gives you accurate numbers for your specific event.

How to order catering and what to expect

Start by calling Little China directly to discuss your event date, guest count, and any dietary needs. The restaurant will walk you through the catering menu and help you build an order that fits your budget and preferences. You'll confirm a pickup time or delivery window, and payment is typically collected when you place the order or at pickup.

Catering arrives in disposable containers ready to serve, or you can request it plated if you're handling service yourself. The restaurant can advise on quantities—how many dishes feed how many people—so you're not guessing. If you're unfamiliar with Cantonese food or unsure what to order, staff can recommend popular combinations or suggest a mix of proteins and vegetable dishes.

Location and hours

Little China is located in downtown Charleston, making it accessible for both dine-in visits and catering pickups. Hours vary by day and season, with dim sum service concentrated during lunch and full menu service at dinner. It's worth calling ahead to confirm hours before you visit, especially if you're planning a specific meal time or catering pickup.

The restaurant is closed on certain holidays and may have reduced hours during slower seasons. If you're planning an event weeks in advance, confirming availability early ensures the kitchen can accommodate your date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order catering for a small group or party of four?

Most catering operations have a minimum order, though Little China may accommodate smaller groups depending on the day and kitchen schedule. Call directly to ask about your specific party size—they can tell you whether it's possible and what the minimum order would be.

What if I have a dietary restriction like vegetarian or gluten-free?

The kitchen can prepare vegetable-based dishes and rice plates without meat. Gluten-free options are more limited since soy sauce and many traditional sauces contain gluten, but the restaurant can discuss what's possible. Mention restrictions when you order so the kitchen can plan accordingly.

How far in advance do I need to order catering?

At least one to two days is standard, though the restaurant may accommodate rush orders depending on the kitchen's workload. Larger events or specific requests benefit from longer notice—a week or more gives the kitchen time to prepare without stress.

Do I pick up catering or can it be delivered?

Pickup is the standard option. Delivery within Charleston may be available for larger orders, but you'll need to confirm with the restaurant. Delivery fees and distance limits vary, so ask when you call to place your order.

What's the difference between ordering dim sum at the restaurant versus catering?

Dim sum at the restaurant is individual service with carts coming to your table throughout the meal. Catering is a set order of dishes delivered in bulk for your group to share. If you want the dim sum cart experience, you'll need to visit the restaurant during dim sum hours.