Feast On the Best Yum Cha in Sydney

Sydneysiders love beach and brunch – and they also love yum cha. The act of yum cha is enjoying Chinese tea and sharing dim sum with your nearest and dearest in a traditional dining room, something we can get behind! 

With trolleys laden with steamed dumplings, barbecue pork buns, xiao long bao and custard buns, frenzied service and a humming atmosphere, it’s something of an institution here, with so many yum cha restaurants serving up the goods, all packed with hungry revellers.  

It can be hit and miss, though, so we have narrowed down the best yum cha in Sydney. Our advice? Arrive early (around 11 am) for the best spot and freshest food.

And, don’t forget to sip on your favourite brew, as yum cha means “drink tea” in Cantonese!

Mama Mulan

Mama Mulan in Chatswood is where Sydney's yum cha scene gets a modern twist. It's all about classic Chinese dishes with a cool, contemporary edge, served in an open kitchen designed by DS17. 

The menu embraces a range of familiar Chinese staples with a fun twist, like deep-fried BBQ duck spring rolls, steamed BBQ pork buns, sweet Cantonese sponge cake and custard brûlée to round out the feast.

Level 1, The Concourse, Chatswood

Mr. Wong

For a dose of modern yum cha Sydney-style, swing by Mr. Wong. It's a Cantonese extravaganza that pulls off the cosy vibe in its 240-seater setup. Dim lighting and moody jazz make it feel intimate, while masterminds in the kitchen add fancy twists to your fave yum cha delights. 

You can't go wrong with the dim sum menu featuring prawn toast with foie gras and Sanpei pork belly. And then there are those dumplings – always made fresh and bursting with flavour.

3 Bridge Street, Sydney

Royal Palace Seafood Restaurant 

If you've been missing one of the most legendary yum cha spots, Golden Century, Royal Palace Seafood Restaurant is here to fill that dumpling-shaped void in your heart.

This three-level eatery is Cantonese food heaven, with a seafood lineup that'll reel you in -think lobster noodles and chilli crab. But the real magic happens on the second floor with their yum cha spread.

Prawn dumplings, siu mai, and Cheung fun rice rolls glide by, while dessert treats like egg tarts and mango pancakes seal the deal. And for those late-night hankerings, the kitchen is open till 11 pm seven days a week.

393-399 Sussex Street, Haymarket

The Eight 

The Eight shines as a modern Chinese dining haven. Nestled in the heart of Haymarket, this eatery boldly reimagines tradition by delving into the diverse flavours of eight Chinese culinary schools.

The star of the show? Classic Cantonese cuisine and yum cha with an extensive menu, featuring a delightful array of dumplings, prawn har gow and desserts, beckons multiple visits to savour them all.

Accommodating up to 750 diners, The Eight keeps the yum cha buzz alive. But be forewarned - it's especially bustling on weekends, so, early birds get the best seats for a dim sum delight.

Market City Shopping Centre, Level 3/13 Hay Street, Haymarket

Nine Dragons

Nine Dragons is an icon in Sydney's Chinatown that takes yum cha to the next level. Located on Dixon Street, they've been delighting taste buds for over 30 years, making them an unmissable spot for a yum-cha rendezvous.

Now, let's talk dumplings. Load up your table with pan-fried pork and steamed prawn dumplings that burst with succulent flavour. But it doesn't stop there; a symphony of dim sum in bamboo steamers, from beef to pork and lamb with XO sauce round out the menu.

39-45 Dixon Street, Haymarket 

Vinh Phat Chinese Seafood Restaurant

Vinh Phat is one of the OGs. For 36 years, they've kept the good stuff coming. Amid the hustle and trolley-chasing, this Cabramatta haunt dishes up delights on tap. From seafood dumplings to sesame prawn rolls, and a killer salt and pepper squid, they've got the classics and then some.

Expect a queue - it’s proof that they're nailing it. The menu is a mile long, offering everything from roast duck in sticky plum sauce to plump prawn dumplings. The trick? Grab a big table and feast till you're stuffed.

Level 1-10-12 Hughes Street, Cabramatta

Little Pearl

What's better than yum cha on a lazy Sunday? Yum cha by the sea on a lazy Sunday! Little Pearl on Manly Beach now serves a vegan yum cha every Sunday from noon. Perfect for sharing, the menu boasts an array of delicious Asian-inspired dishes for a knockout price. 

We love the Thai pumpkin curry with cauliflower and the apple spring rolls are the perfect sweet treat.

8/13 South Steyne, Manly

Queen Chow

Queen Chow, part of the Merivale fam with joints in Enmore and Manly, is a yum cha in Sydney hotshot, crafting Cantonese classics like scallops, wild mushroom dumplings, and crystal pumpkin with lobster and asparagus. Chow down, but leave room for the dim sum platter and duck spring rolls.

In Enmore, the east meets the inner west, serving fresh twists on traditional Chinese food, with barbecued ducks and wok-fried favourites.

Manly's Queen Chow rocks Hong Kong’s best with a nostalgic touch, think honey king prawns and deep-fried ice cream. They've nailed simple, top-notch dishes that leave you satisfied.

Enmore & Manly 

Palace Chinese Restaurant

Palace Chinese Restaurant, perched in Piccadilly Tower, might be cosy, but it is no fuss and all flavour. Service is snappy, and they make up for the snug space with dishes that hit the spot.

Start with the classics like steamed snow peas, prawn dumplings, fried breadsticks, and barbecue pork rice noodles. Feeling a wee bit adventurous? Try the chicken feet, known as feng zhao. When it’s time for dessert, don’t choose between cheesecake or fruit tarts – order both! 

Stockland Piccadilly Shopping Centre, 133-145 Castlereagh Street, Sydney

Sampled the best yum cha in Sydney and want to keep exploring the best of our city? Check out our best new bars in Sydney guide for more inspo. Or, maybe you want to brush up on your cooking skills with our best cooking classes in Sydney.