Silver Fountain

Silver Fountain is a longstanding dim sum restaurant nestled on Connecticut Avenue in Silver Spring, known for serving a wide variety of Cantonese-style small plates throughout the week. Its appeal lies in catering both to dim sum newcomers and longtime regulars who appreciate a familiar, no-frills spot where the food stands front and center.

The restaurant’s atmosphere shifts between weekdays and weekends. On weekends, the traditional push-cart dim sum experience comes alive, with servers navigating crowded tables to offer fresh bites like steamed shrimp dumplings, BBQ pork buns, and radish cakes. This bustling scene often fills the dining room, creating a lively environment where friends and families gather around rounds of shared plates that rarely exceed $5 each. The crowd here spans from large family groups (even with little ones in tow) to groups of friends looking to enjoy a classic Sunday ritual.

Weekday visits tend to be a bit more relaxed, without the carts rolling, which some locals prefer if they already know what they want. Ordering from a sheet makes the meal feel more straightforward, less about rummaging for whatever the carts currently carry, and more about focusing on favorites like Mongolian beef, steamed spare ribs with black bean sauce, or egg custard tarts.

The space itself is unpretentious, more about utility than ambiance, which fits well with Silver Spring’s diverse dining landscape. Patrons often come for the food and familiarity rather than a trendy vibe. Some recent notes from regulars suggest occasional staffing strains, which might be felt during busier times, but this hasn’t detracted from many visitors’ enjoyment overall.

Those who appreciate traditional dim sum rituals, affordable pricing, and a menu that spans familiar Cantonese classics alongside some standout dishes like crab rangoon or fried taro will find their moment here. Whether it’s a bustling weekend brunch or a quieter weekday meal, Silver Fountain offers a distinctly local, authentic dim sum experience that fits neatly into the fabric of Silver Spring’s dining scene.