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China Inn in Columbia — Cantonese Dim Sum and Roasted Meats

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

What China Inn serves and where to find it

China Inn is a Cantonese restaurant in Columbia that specializes in dim sum during lunch hours and roasted meats year-round. The restaurant operates from a storefront location in a strip shopping center and draws regulars for both the traditional cart service and the full dinner menu. If you arrive during dim sum service, servers push carts through the dining room; if you come for dinner, you order from the menu.

The roasted meats — Peking duck, roasted chicken, and char siu pork — are the signature items that keep people returning. The dim sum menu changes seasonally and includes har gow (shrimp dumplings), siu mai (pork dumplings), and less common items like chicken feet and tripe, depending on the day. The space is casual and straightforward, designed for eating rather than lingering, with parking available in front and to the side of the building.

Key Takeaways

  • China Inn serves dim sum from late morning through early afternoon, with carts rolling through the dining room so you can point to what you want.
  • The roasted meats — particularly the Peking duck and char siu pork — are what the restaurant is known for and available during both lunch and dinner service.
  • Dim sum offerings rotate and include both common items like shrimp dumplings and traditional options like chicken feet and tripe.
  • The restaurant accepts both cash and cards, and portions are sized for sharing or ordering multiple small plates.

Dim sum service and how it works

During dim sum hours, you sit down and servers begin bringing carts to your table. You point to what you want, they stamp your card or note the items, and the bill is calculated at the end based on what you ordered. This is the traditional Cantonese way and means you do not have to read a menu or decide everything upfront — you can see what looks good as the carts pass.

The carts typically include steamed dumplings, fried items, and sticky rice wrapped in lotus leaf. Prices vary by item and are usually marked on small plates or noted by the server. If you have dietary restrictions or want to avoid certain ingredients, ask the server when they approach — they can tell you what is in each item or suggest alternatives. Dim sum service typically runs from late morning through early afternoon, roughly 11 a.m. to 2 or 3 p.m., though hours can shift seasonally.

Roasted meats and dinner menu

The roasted meats are available during both lunch and dinner service. Peking duck comes halved or quartered and is served with thin pancakes, scallions, and a dark sauce for wrapping. Char siu pork is glazed and slightly sweet, sliced thick, and often ordered as a main or shared among several people. Roasted chicken is simpler — whole birds or half birds, seasoned and crispy-skinned.

These are not light appetizers; they are meant to be the centerpiece of a meal. Many people order one roasted meat, add rice or noodles, and include a vegetable dish or soup. The dinner menu also includes stir-fries, seafood preparations, and clay pot dishes, though the roasted items are what most diners come for. Dinner service begins in the late afternoon and runs into the evening.

Weekday versus weekend timing

Weekends are busier during dim sum hours, and the carts move faster when the restaurant is full because the turnover is quicker. If you go on a weekday morning, service is more relaxed and you have more time to browse the carts without feeling rushed. Saturday and Sunday lunch can mean a wait of 15 to 30 minutes during peak hours, while weekday mornings typically have shorter or no waits.

The dining room is not fancy — expect simple tables, efficient service, and a focus on food rather than ambiance. Noise levels are typically high during peak times, which is normal for this style of restaurant. Calling ahead on busy weekend days can help you get a table faster, though walk-ins are welcome.

Ordering and payment

During dim sum, you do not order in advance. You sit, carts come to you, and you point. If you want something specific and the cart has passed, ask your server — they can often retrieve it from the kitchen or tell you it will come around again. For dinner, you order from the menu, and the server brings everything to the table in stages.

China Inn accepts both cash and cards, though cash is preferred by some regulars because it speeds up payment. Prices are moderate — dim sum items typically range from a few dollars to around ten dollars per plate, and roasted meats are priced by weight or portion size. Ask for the total before you leave if you want to know what you spent, or request an itemized bill.

What to order on your first visit

If you are new to Cantonese food, start with har gow (shrimp dumplings) and siu mai (pork dumplings) — both are familiar and mild. Add a roasted meat as your main, and try one unfamiliar item like chicken feet or a sticky rice dumpling. This gives you a range of textures and flavors without overwhelming your first visit.

For groups, dim sum is ideal because multiple people can order different carts' worth of items and share, which is how dim sum is traditionally eaten. For larger groups of eight or more, calling ahead is a good idea so the restaurant can prepare enough roasted meats and have carts ready. Dinner service also works well for groups ordering family-style.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for dim sum?

Reservations are not required for dim sum service, but calling ahead on busy weekend days can help you get a table faster. Walk-ins are welcome, and you may wait 15 to 30 minutes during peak lunch hours on Saturday or Sunday. Weekday mornings have shorter or no waits.

What if I do not know what something is on the dim sum cart?

Ask the server — they can tell you what is in each item and whether it contains meat, seafood, or vegetables. If you are unsure about an ingredient or preparation, it is better to ask than to order something you will not eat. Servers are used to this question and will not rush you.

Can I order roasted duck or pork if I arrive during dim sum?

Yes. Roasted meats are available during both dim sum and dinner service. You can order them from the menu even if you are eating dim sum, or ask your server if they are available that day. They typically take 10 to 15 minutes to prepare if they are not already in the warmer.

Is China Inn good for groups?

Yes, especially for dim sum. Groups can order multiple carts' worth of items and share, which is how dim sum is traditionally eaten. For larger groups of eight or more, calling ahead is a good idea so the restaurant can prepare enough roasted meats and have carts ready.