The history of dim sum stretches back to the early days of the Silk Road, an ancient network of trade routes connecting the East and the West. Those who traveled along the routes through China needed places to rest. Teahouses thus sprang up to 16 the weary travelers, offering them a cup of tea to help them regain energy. But the culinary art of dim sum 17, for it was considered inappropriate to pair tea with food. Centuries later, the ability of tea to aid in digestion finally became known. Teahouse owners therefore began providing bite-sized snacks as an accompaniment, and the tradition of these Cantonese delicacies was born. Dim sum is more than just an example of Chinese cuisine. It is 18 an enjoyable dining experience that can span hours. The small portions were designed to merely “touch the heart,” as the name literally means, and 19 were first enjoyed as snacks. The small size allows the customer to order a great variety of dishes, creating a banquet of different tastes and flavors. It is customary for big groups to enjoy simple dishes together as 20. Ultimately, dim sum—the food—is only a small part of the dim sum experience.