New China House in Columbia: Cantonese Cooking and Dim Sum in the Midlands

What New China House offers and where to find it

New China House is a Cantonese restaurant in Columbia that specializes in dim sum service and traditional Hong Kong–style cooking. The restaurant sits on Devine Street in the Five Points neighborhood, a central location that draws both regulars and visitors exploring Columbia's dining scene. The menu centers on small plates served from carts during dim sum hours, alongside full entrées available throughout the day.

The restaurant's focus on Cantonese cuisine means you'll find dishes built on techniques that emphasize fresh ingredients, quick cooking, and balanced flavors rather than heavy sauces. Dim sum—the tradition of small, shareable plates paired with tea—is the signature experience here, though the kitchen also prepares larger dishes for diners who prefer a conventional meal structure.

Key Takeaways

• New China House serves dim sum from carts during specific hours, typically midday, so timing your visit matters if that's what you want to order.
• The restaurant is located on Devine Street in Five Points, a walkable neighborhood with nearby parking and other dining options.
• Cantonese cooking emphasizes technique and fresh ingredients, so dishes here differ noticeably from Americanized Chinese food found in many other restaurants.
• The full menu includes both dim sum selections and traditional entrées, so you can order either way depending on your preference and party size.

Dim sum service and how it works

Dim sum at New China House follows the traditional cart service model: servers push carts through the dining room, and you select items as they pass your table. Each small plate costs a few dollars, and your bill is tallied at the end based on the number and type of plates you've taken. This format works well for groups because everyone can order different things and share, or for individuals who want to sample several dishes without committing to full entrée portions.

Common dim sum items include steamed dumplings filled with shrimp or pork, baked char siu bao (barbecue pork buns), spring rolls, and custard tarts. The specific offerings change based on what the kitchen has prepared that day, so you may see different selections on different visits. Tea service is standard—you order by the pot, and servers keep it filled throughout your meal.

Full menu options beyond dim sum

If dim sum doesn't appeal to you or you're visiting outside dim sum hours, New China House serves traditional Cantonese entrées. These include stir-fried dishes with vegetables and protein, whole steamed fish, roasted meats, and noodle or rice preparations. Portions are generous, and most entrées come with rice or noodles included.

The menu also typically features house specialties that reflect the chef's interpretation of classic Cantonese cooking. Asking your server what's recommended on a particular day often leads to discovering dishes not listed on the printed menu, especially if you mention any preferences or dietary restrictions.

Location, parking, and neighborhood context

New China House sits on Devine Street in Columbia's Five Points neighborhood, an area known for walkable streets, independent shops, and diverse restaurants. If you're driving, street parking is usually available along Devine or in nearby lots; the neighborhood is compact enough that you won't have to walk far. Five Points is also accessible by COMET bus routes if you prefer not to drive.

The neighborhood itself is worth exploring before or after your meal. You'll find coffee shops, bookstores, vintage clothing, and other dining options within a few blocks, making it easy to build a full outing around your visit to New China House.

What to expect on your first visit

When you arrive, staff will seat you and bring tea menus. If you're there during dim sum hours, carts will begin circulating shortly after. Point to items you want, and servers will place them on your table. Don't hesitate to ask what something is—staff are accustomed to explaining dishes, and trying something unfamiliar is part of the dim sum experience.

If you're ordering from the full menu instead, your server will bring menus and take your order at the table in the standard restaurant format. Prices are moderate, and the restaurant accommodates groups of various sizes. Reservations are worth considering if you're coming with a large party, especially during peak lunch hours on weekends.

Hours and timing considerations

Dim sum service typically runs during lunch hours, though exact times vary by day and season. It's worth calling ahead or checking current hours before you visit, especially if dim sum is your main reason for going. The restaurant also serves dinner, when the full menu is available but dim sum carts are not.

Weekends tend to be busier than weekdays, and dim sum service draws crowds during peak lunch times. If you prefer a quieter experience, visiting on a weekday afternoon or early evening may work better for you. The restaurant is closed on certain holidays, so a quick call can confirm they're open if you're planning a special visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between dim sum and regular Chinese food?

Dim sum refers to small plates served with tea, traditionally eaten as a social meal where diners share multiple dishes. The cooking style is Cantonese, emphasizing fresh ingredients and technique. Regular Chinese food in America is often Americanized—heavier sauces, larger portions, different flavor profiles. At New China House, dim sum is the traditional version; the full menu offers both traditional and adapted dishes.

Do I need to know what I'm ordering during dim sum?

No. Servers expect questions and will describe items as carts pass. You can point and ask, or ask your server to recommend dishes if you're unsure. Part of dim sum's appeal is discovering new flavors, so ordering something unfamiliar is normal and encouraged.

Can I make a reservation?

Yes, especially for larger groups or if you want to ensure a table during busy times. Call ahead to reserve, particularly for weekend lunch service when dim sum draws crowds. Smaller parties may be seated without a reservation, but waiting is possible during peak hours.

Is New China House good for groups?

Yes. Dim sum is designed for sharing, so groups can order many different dishes and sample everything. It's also a social, relaxed format that works well for celebrations or casual gatherings. The restaurant accommodates various party sizes, though very large groups benefit from advance notice.

What if I don't eat pork or shrimp?

Tell your server about dietary restrictions, and they can guide you toward vegetarian options, beef dishes, or chicken preparations. The kitchen can also prepare items to order if you want something specific. Dim sum carts include vegetable-based options, though the selection varies by day.