When it comes to food, Sydney is one of the most exciting cities in Australia, especially for yum cha lovers. Yum cha is known for its variety, freshness, and cultural experience; it really is as much about sitting down and getting together as it is about food. From the bustling restaurants in Chinatown to the hidden gems tucked away in suburban streets, Sydney offers an endless array of places to enjoy this Cantonese dining ritual. But what makes yum cha so special? Let’s break it down.
What is yum cha?
Yum cha (飲茶) is a Cantonese word that, when directly paraphrased, means “drink tea”. It originally refers to the Chinese habit of getting together in teahouses to drink tea, which is served with small dishes, better known as dim sum.
Over time, yum cha has developed into a cultural dining ritual:
- The tea: At its core, yum cha is about drinking tea as a digestif while eating. Some common tea choices would be jasmine, pu-erh, and oolong.
- The food: A varied range of dim sum dishes like dumplings, buns, rolls, pastries, and other savoury items served in very small portions.
- The style: In many Sydney restaurants, the dishes will be delivered by trolleys going around the dining floor, and others will be served through a menu to order from.
- The experience: Yum cha should be fun, noisy, and social. It is best experienced with family and friends at brunch or lunch.
In Sydney, for many Australians, yum cha has become a traditional weekend casual dining experience, marrying a cultural tradition and community element to Sydney’s collective social dining experience.
Why is yum cha so popular in Sydney?
Sydney’s extensive Chinese community has maintained the yum cha tradition, and Australians from every background have gotten on board. The reasons are simply:
- A variety of dishes – You can sample at least 10–15 different plates in a single sitting.
- Affordable luxury – Good quality at relatively cheap prices.
- Cultural experience – A taste of Cantonese culture without leaving Sydney.
- Family-friendly – Good for large gatherings, good for special occasions.
- Widely available – From the CBD to the suburbs, there is always a yum cha close by.
Best yum cha restaurants in Sydney
There is no shortage of great places in Sydney for yum cha. Here’s a more in-depth look at the top locations:
1. Palace Chinese Restaurant (CBD)
The Palace is in the middle of Sydney and is a popular, longstanding dining choice among both locals and tourists alike. It features:
- Traditional dim sum trolley service with a massive selection of dumpling-style foods.
- Extensive seating is great for catching up with family or friends.
- Good quality, consistent service, especially with dumplings and BBQ pork buns.
2. The Eight (Haymarket)
The Eight is touted as one of the largest yum cha venues indigenous to Sydney, which captures both the traditional and modern aspects of yum cha perhaps better than any other venue. Highlights include:
- Wide selection of dumplings, buns, and rice rolls.
- A large hall that accommodates space for holding events.
- A modern presentation of the food while keeping to a classic presentation.
3. Golden Century at Crown Sydney
The reopening of Golden Century at Barangaroo is an important moment for all fans of yum cha, as you can expect to find:
- More than 80 dishes of Cantonese-style yum cha selections.
- The well-known lobster noodles and various forms of congee are available at any hour.
- Food is served in an elegant environment so that you can enjoy the beautiful harbour.
4. Star Capital Seafood Restaurant (Chatswood)
Chatswood has a long-standing reputation for genuine Chinese cuisine. At this restaurant, you can expect:
- Traditional trolley-style yum cha each weekend.
- Dim sum offerings that are all seafood-based.
- A fun, authentic vibe popular with North Shore locals.
5. Emperor’s Garden (Chinatown)
Emperor’s Garden is a Haymarket institution that still doesn’t disappoint. They have:
- Affordable prices in comparison to modern venues.
- Trolley service, as well as prompt turnover.
- A loyal local following, which has kept it successful for hundreds of years.
6. The Dynasty (Belmore)
If you are from the southwest of Sydney, it will be worth the trip to Belmore to experience The Dynasty restaurant. They offer:
- A large banquet-style hall that has a festive vibe.
- Authentic dim sum with generous portions.
- Value for families and large parties.
7. Golden Sands (Hurstville)
Hurstville is Sydney’s yum cha capital, of which Golden Sands is one of the better establishments you will find; here you will find:
- An extensive offering of dumplings, buns, and seafood options.
- Authentic flavours that are close to what you’d expect in Hong Kong.
- A busy weekend crowd that highlights its popularity.
9. Hung Cheung (Marrickville)
A gem hidden in the Inner West, Hung Cheung has a good reputation with locals for:
- High-quality dim sum.
- A smaller and less frenetic space than venues in the CBD.
- Its egg tarts and rice noodle rolls are also decent.
10. Panda Yum Cha (Macquarie Centre)
Panda is located in a shopping centre and has an ideal casual dining experience, featuring:
- A family-friendly vibe.
- Affordable prices with several options.
- Easy access for shoppers and employees in the area.
What to order when you go to yum cha?
If it’s your first experience with yum cha or the choice is overwhelming, these dishes you must try are:
- Har gow (prawn dumplings) – Juicy prawns wrapped in very thin and translucent pastry.
- Siu mai (pork dumplings) – Minced pork and prawn topped with roe.
- Char siu bao (BBQ pork buns) – Soft, fluffy buns with sweet-savoury pork.
- Cheung fun (rice noodle rolls) – Slippery noodles stuffed with prawn or beef.
- Spring rolls – Crisp wrappers with many vegetables or seafood inside.
- Egg tarts – Flaky, round pastry with custard inside that is a great little dessert.
Tips for the best yum cha experience
- Go early – The freshest dishes surface first, and there can be lengthy queues.
- Try new things – Expand your horizons outside of dumplings. Cantonese and Chinese delicacies extend further.
- Share generously – There is something about ordering a variety of dishes to seek out the best.
- Drink tea – Typically, traditional teas for yum cha include jasmine and pu-erh.
- Check reviews – As with any dining experience, the quality of food is always changing, which is why only reading recent information is key.
Why Aussies love yum cha?
Yum cha has become part of Sydney’s food culture thanks to:
- Affordability – With plenty of food options at decent prices.
- Diversity – A blend of traditional and new options throughout the suburbs.
- Community – To share and come together with family, friends and culture.
For Australians, yum cha emotionally evoked the colourful multiculturalism of the city, along with a love of fresh, good quality and shareable food.
Conclusion
So, where the best yum cha in Sydney? That depends on your mood!
- If you’re after that classic Chinatown feel, we recommend Palace Chinese or Emperor’s Garden.
- If you’re after luxury, the yum cha experience at Golden Century in Crown Sydney is second to none.
- In the suburbs, you can’t go wrong with Golden Sands in Hurstville or The Dynasty in Belmore.
- If you want that modern experience, give Mama Mulan a go in Chatswood!
Whatever you decide, you can’t really go wrong with Sydney’s yum cha scene—it’s vibrant, authentic, and inevitably leaves you satisfied!
