The Best Yum Cha in Adelaide for Divine Dim Sum

Translating to “drink tea,” Yum Cha is a Cantonese ritual built on steamer baskets, aromatic tea, and shared joy. Once a post-exercise tradition, it’s now an all-hours indulgence — and Adelaide’s taken it to heart. From jasmine-scented brunches to midday dumpling feasts, it’s a sensory experience: fragrant, steamy, loud in the best way.

Ready to chase the city’s best bite-sized treasures? We’ve rounded up the best Yum Cha in Adelaide, from local institutions to plant-based surprises. Vegan or meat-lover, newcomer or loyal regular, there’s a table (and a dumpling) waiting.

Little Canton

Little Canton is where Adelaide’s yum cha crowd goes for reliable, no-nonsense Cantonese staples. Far from flashy, the focus is on prawn dumplings that pop with freshness, siumai with just the right bite, and crispy beef that delivers crunch without pretension. It’s all about honest flavours and efficient service in a sprawling, practical space — no frills, just great food at a price that won’t make you blink. Worth the trip for anyone craving classic dumpling therapy.

295 Anzac Highway, Plympton

Star House 

For nearly two decades, Star House has been a cornerstone of Adelaide’s Chinatown, staying true to the flavours and techniques of classic Cantonese cooking. Daily Yum Cha here means the essentials done right — prawn and chive dumplings with bounce, Chinese sausage buns that hit all the nostalgic notes, and sweet corn prawn cakes that land with just the right crunch. The ingredients are top shelf, the execution consistent, and the legacy proudly intact.

31 Gouger Street, Adelaide

Citi Zen

Serving traditional Cantonese food since 2002, Citi Zen has firmly cemented itself as one of the longest-standing and best Yum Cha offerings in town. With two-weekend lunch sessions to feed the masses, Citi Zen’s Yum Cha menu has all the favourites from pork and chive dumplings, fried prawn rolls and Chinese radish cake to BBQ pork bun and Singapore noodles. Finish with tea and something sweet (we can’t say no to a custard bun) for the tastiest lunch out.

401 King William Street, Adelaide

Shanghai Tea House

Shanghai Tea House is the place for all-day yum cha and premium teas imported from China. Their menu is incredibly impressive, with lists upon lists of small dishes to try. Whether you’re craving dim sum, dumplings, spring rolls, chicken or duck, Shanghai Tea House has a plethora of options to pick from – you’ll be rolling out the door. But that’s what we want from really good yum cha, right?

Port Adelaide Plaza, 200-220 Commercial Road, Port Adelaide

Chef Dong

Take the hungry crew to the leafy suburb of St. Peters for a premium Yum Cha lunch. Chef Dong pays homage to his Chinese heritage, crafting a menu highlighting traditional dishes he enjoyed with his family in his earlier years.  

Chinese herbal tea provides the perfect pairing to your food, where you can choose from lobster and abalone, classic dumplings and steamed dim sum, skewers and spring rolls. And great news – the ingredients used are fresh and loaded with flavour, with no extra MSG or salt needed to make these dishes stand out – so you won’t leave with that thirsty feeling.

3/103 Payneham Road, St Peters

Zenhouse

Zenhouse delivers a fully vegetarian Yum Cha experience that doesn’t compromise on depth or tradition. Crisp curry puffs, spinach dumplings, laksa with proper bite, and golden-edged tofu showcase how much can be done with fresh produce and the right amount of spice. Every dish reflects the venue’s commitment to sustainability and flavour. Premium Chinese teas are poured with care, and the team knows how to match them to your meal — no guesswork required, just a full-flavoured journey from start to finish.

462 Port Road, West Hindmarsh

Wah Hing Restaurant

Sitting pretty opposite the Adelaide Central Market, Wah Hing pairs its slick new fit-out with a refreshingly traditional Chinese menu — no trend-chasing here. Lunch leans light: think slippery vermicelli, wok-fried rice, or bright, restorative soups. Come dinner, the training wheels are off — crisp-skinned duck, soft shell crab, and South Australian king prawns dial things up nicely. There’s also a quietly excellent drinks list with local drops worth lingering over. A glass of Clare Valley riesling with your crab? Yes, please.

85 Gouger Street, Adelaide

House of Chow Restaurant

Come for the Yum Cha, stay for the old-school charm — and yes, the iconic oversized fish tank. With more than 30 years under its belt, House of Chow has earned its stripes as one of Adelaide’s most beloved destinations for premium Asian dining and famously polished service. The offering is generous in every sense: coeliac-friendly menus, sizzling banquets, and a la carte options that veer from comfort to celebration. Think hot pots, crisp-edged fried rice, and wok-seared beef that sizzles all the way to the table. It’s classic for a reason — and still rolling strong.

82 Hutt Street, Adelaide

Ding Hao

Pop in for a Yum Cha lunch that’s fast, fresh and seriously satisfying. Ding Hao brings a relaxed energy to Chinatown’s heart, with efficient service that makes it a favourite among the city’s weekday crowd. Expect steaming hot pots, fragrant soups and classic plates designed to share — or not. The menu stays loyal to tradition while catering to modern dietaries, including vegan and vegetarian. No fuss, no shortcuts, just great food served with purpose.

36 Wright Street, Adelaide

Has our list of the best Yum Cha in Adelaide got you in the mood for a weekend of food? Why not continue your culinary journey and discover more flavours of Asia with the best Vietnamese or Thai in Adelaide?