Where to Get Sydney’s Best Yum Cha When the Cravings Hit

Sydneysiders love brunch – and they really love yum cha. It’s a true sensory experience. The act of yum cha is all about enjoying Chinese tea and sharing dim sum with your nearest and dearest, something we can get behind! 

Think trolleys laden with steamed baskets, frenzied service and a humming atmosphere. And it’s something of an institution here – there are so many restaurants serving up yum cha, and they’re all packed with hungry revellers, especially on the weekends.  

It can be hit and miss, though, so we took it upon ourselves to narrow down the best yum cha in Sydney. Our advice? Arrive early (around 11am) to score the best spot and freshest food. And don’t forget to sip on your favourite brew, as yum cha literally means “drink tea” in Cantonese. 

East Phoenix

East Phoenix is a top pick for yum cha while you’re in Sydney, with its quick and friendly service—it’s a rare gem in the world of yum cha. The spacious, modern digs are a welcome surprise. The yum cha banquet is where the magic happens. Expect to nosh on steamed BBQ pork buns, zesty deep-fried calamari, succulent roast duck, and Singaporean noodles. Don’t skip the egg custard tart or mango pancakes to get the full yum cha action right in Sydney. Located just 3 km south of the CBD in Zetland, it’s your passport to a stellar yum cha experience.

3/2A Defries Avenue, Zetland

East Ocean 

For an authentic yum cha experience, head straight to Chinatown’s dumpling den: East Ocean. It’s lively and spirited, and the food is ridiculously good. The menu is a treasure trove of classic yum cha dishes, each packed with flavour. Don’t miss the Peking duck pancakes, the pork ribs with black bean sauce, and the Shanghai dumplings. Yum cha in Sydney done right! 

Nestled right in Chinatown, their expertise in live seafood cooking ensures freshness and top-notch quality. Whether you’re up for casual yum cha or a fancy event, they’ve got you covered. Experience the buzz, speedy service, and mouthwatering delights. Yum, indeed!

Level 1, 421-429 Sussex Street, Haymarket

Palace Chinese Restaurant

Palace Chinese Restaurant, perched up high 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 pea and prawn dumplings, fried breadsticks, and barbecue pork rice noodles, as all these are a must on your table. Feeling a wee bit adventurous? Try the chicken feet, known as feng zhao. It’s yum cha in Sydney at its finest. When it’s time for dessert, don’t bother choosing between cheesecake or fruit tarts–just have both! 

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

Mr. Wong

For a dose of modern yum cha Sydney-style, swing by Mr. Wong. It’s a Cantonese extravaganza that somehow pulls off the cosy vibe in its 240-seater setup. Dim lighting and moody jazz make it feel intimate as Dan Hong, the creative mastermind in the kitchen, adds a fancy twist to your fave classic yum cha delights. 

You can’t go wrong with the foie gras prawn toast, prawn wontons, or the crispy eggplant. And then there are those dumplings–always made fresh and bursting with flavour. With an 80-dish menu, be ready to make some tough choices…unless you want to size up your pants.

3 Bridge Street, Sydney

Little Pearl

What’s better than yum cha on a lazy Sunday? Yum cha by the sea! That’s right, Little Pearl on Manly Beach now serves up a vegan yum cha every Sunday from 12pm. Perfect for sharing, their eight-course VEGAN ME! menu boasts an array of delicious Asian-inspired dishes for $49 per person. 

Our faves include the tofu betel made of roasted rice, crispy shallots, lemongrass, Thai basil and peanut, the dumplings with garlic mushroom pot sticker sesame and soy dressing, chilli oil, crispy shallot and green onion and the chilli drunken noodles with szechuan tofu, red onion, carrot, capsicum, sesame and Thai basil. 

8/13 South Steyne, Manly

Golden Unicorn

For some quality yum cha outside Sydney CBD, Golden Unicorn in Maroubra is your ticket to a taste of traditional Cantonese cuisine. From dim sims to dumplings, fried noodles, and rice noodle rolls, their menu has got you covered. Here’s a local tip: if you spot a queue, don’t dawdle—grab a number from the friendly staff to secure your spot. 

Golden Unicorn, shining bright in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney for over a decade, delivers a blend of contemporary and classic Chinese dishes that won’t break the bank. Affordable, efficient, and delicious yum cha: What more could you ask for?

2/193 Maroubra Road, Maroubra 

Vinh Phat Chinese Seafood Restaurant

Vinh Phat is one of the OGs of yum cha Sydney. 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 is to grab a big table and feast till you’re stuffed.

Level 1-10-12 Hughes Street, Cabramatta

Alice Dumpling Bar

Nestled on the Manly beachfront, Alice Dumpling Bar is a must-visit for yum cha enthusiasts in Sydney. Their dumplings are nothing short of legendary, with 11 mouthwatering options to choose from. You could seriously OD on dumplings, but don’t miss out on the rest of their yum cha goodness!

Try the steamed Piggy Face Bun, Kung Pao chicken stir-fried noodles, and the Mongolian beef. While you savour these delectable dishes, take in the beachfront view. It’s a relaxed spot with a great selection of tasty dishes at wallet-friendly prices. Alice Dumpling Bar is where yum cha dreams come true by the beach.

34-35 South Steyne, Manly 

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Finished sampling the best yum cha in Sydney and want to keep exploring the best of our city? Take a look at our best new bars in Sydney guide for more inspo. Or maybe you want to brush up on your cooking skills. Have a read of our best cooking classes in Sydney to unleash your inner master chef. 

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 foie gras puffs, zesty Sydney rock oysters, and the game-changer: beetroot and truffle fried rice. The restaurant’s playful decor sets the mood, and the food takes it up a notch. If you’re looking for a fresh spin on yum cha, Mama Mulan has your back.

Level 1, The Concourse, Chatswood

The Dynasty 

Situated within the Canterbury Leagues Club, The Dynasty has gained a cult following over the years thanks to its excellent yum cha offering. The steamed BBQ pork buns are melt-in-your-mouth good, while the seafood is fresh and live. Save room for dessert because the steamed Chinese sponge cake is next level. 

The restaurant’s setting is a mix of pagoda-style timbers, bamboo roof, and dramatic artwork that makes you feel like you’re dining on a serene lake. The vibe shifts from the club’s foyer to classic Cantonese restaurant territory, complete with red leather menus, large round tables, and white tablecloths.

Service is quick and no-nonsense, and the drinks menu is club-friendly. All in all, The Dynasty is a reliable suburban choice for a satisfying yum cha in Sydney.

Canterbury Leagues Club, 26 Bridge Road, Belmore

Queen Chow

Queen Chow, part of the Merivale fam with joints in Enmore and Manly, is a yum cha hotshot. Dumpling king Eric Koh crafts Cantonese classics like scallop and prawn, wild mushroom dumplings, and crystal pumpkin with lobster and asparagus. Chow down as many as you can, but leave room for the dim sum platter and duck spring rolls.

In Enmore, it’s where east meets inner west, as they serve up fresh twists on traditional Chinese food, with classics like barbecued ducks and wok-fried favourites. Plus, it’s conveniently located in Queens Hotel—your meal plans are easily sorted.

Manly’s Queen Chow, by the sea, rocks Hong Kong’s best with a nostalgic touch, like honey king prawns and deep-fried ice cream. They’ve nailed simple, top-notch dishes, from roast

Enmore & Manly 

Nine Dragons

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

Now, let’s talk dumplings. Load up your table with pan-fried pork dumplings and steamed prawn dumplings that burst with succulent flavour. But it doesn’t stop there; they’ve got a symphony of dim sum in bamboo steamers, from beef to pork and exquisite scallop-topped prawn and pork siu mai. For those seeking something different, try the innovative fried almond prawn balls or the silky beancurd rolls, generously filled with perfectly cooked vegetables, coated in delicious, starchy sauce.

39-45 Dixon Street, Haymarket 

The Eight 

In the realm of Sydney’s yum cha, 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 that’ll set your taste buds dancing. Their extensive menu, featuring a delightful array of dumplings, practically 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

Royal Palace Seafood Restaurant 

If you’ve been missing the legendary yum cha Sydney spot, 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, they’ve got your back till 3am on Thursdays to Saturdays. Grab your mates and revel in the feast. Royal Palace Seafood Restaurant is the kingpin of Chinatown.

393-399 Sussex Street, Haymarket