The Yum Cha on offer in Sydney is undoubtedly some of the best in the entire country. Given this, it’s not surprising that the majority of the city’s residents are now well acquainted with Yum Cha culture. After all, when you have copious amounts of dim sum on offer at locations across the city, you’d be a fool not to try it.
Clearly, the wide range of Chinese yum cha eateries that have sprung up across Sydney are another sign of how diverse and all-embracing the city’s food culture is.
These restaurants are packed every weekend with families and groups of friends chowing down on some of the finest rice noodles, pork buns and dumplings that you’ll ever experience.
Expect your senses to be stimulated in every way. And whether you are grabbing some Yum Cha during your lunch hour or soaking up the hangover blues on a weekend, you are guaranteed to find a great Yum Cha kitchen in Sydney.
Read on to discover the 15 best places in the entire city to sample some dim sum delights.
You’ll find an extensive range of wonderful yum cha on offer at East Phoenix. In addition, as part of the renowned Phoenix Group, you can expect highly efficient service with reliably delicious food.
There is also a wide range of wine and spirits to choose from and the waiters are more than happy to offer recommendations.
They have a knack for combining traditional Chinese dishes with flavours more familiar to a Western palate.
Location: 683 George St, Sydney, NSW 2000 Ph: 9281 3388
This restaurant consistently delivers some of the finest Yum Cha in the entire city. Over the years, it has established itself as a must-visit dining spot in Sydney’s Chinatown.
Their plump prawn dumplings are a stand-out, though many of their main courses are also exceptional.
Be warned. You’re not an official Sydney resident until you’ve tried the food on offer here!
Editor’s Update: We are sad to hear that Marigold has closed after so many years on George Street.
This restaurant has been filling up happy stomachs since 2005. As such, it is sure to tantalise your tastebuds with its classic Yum Cha infused with a modernised twist.
You won’t be able to resist the smell of fresh seafood. Simply follow the delicious aromas to a table, order big and tuck in.
If you are seeking classic Yum Cha that isn’t too over embellished then visit this spot in the heart of Sydney’s Chinatown.
Though they keep their food simple, it is far from bland. And whilst the selection is smaller than at some Chinese restaurants, the dishes are balanced and tasty.
We’re back in the heart of the CBD for the next of our best yum cha restaurants in Sydney.
A local favourite, it is another member of the Phoenix Group and is therefore a reputable venue that provides only the highest standards of service.
This establishment boasts a distinctly sophisticated ambience. Even so, you can kick back and enjoy a relaxed, nuanced vibe whilst enjoying some of the finest duck and pork in the Harbour City.
If you don’t feel like the dim sum trolleys or a banquet style setting that is common amongst many of Sydney’s Yum Cha venues, then definitely pay a visit to Mr Wong.
Situated in a beautiful two-floor venue Mr. Wong is Cantonese cuisine re-imagined. Here you’ll find the very best dim sum dishes given a modern tweak. Eatability can wax lyrical for hours about their Barbecue Ducks alone.
Their incredible food coupled with their elite service has made this an award winning spot for good reason. Do not miss out! Mr Wong is definitely one of the best yum cha restaurants in Sydney.
Everything served here is crafted to perfection and they are well known to serve the tastiest buns and noodles in the entire city. Their seafood is also fresh out of the tank and you will savour every single, fresh mouthful.
Editor’s Note: Sadly it seems that Golden Times is another casualty of the Covid Lockdown and has closed.
Location: Northpoint, Shop 18, 100 Miller St, Northpoint Tower, North Sydney, NSW 2060 Ph: (02) 9418 8287 & Also 8 Pitt St, Mortdale, NSW 2223 Ph: (02) 9570 9929
Head down to Sunny Harbour’s Seafood Restaurant to sample their irresistible prawn dumplings, Chinese donuts and every Yum Cha delicacy that you can possibly imagine.
This is the perfect choice for groups of friends and family alike. It also makes the perfect place to cure those winter blues with deliciously fresh seafood.
This restaurant is frequently referred to as being one the best Chinese eateries in the whole city. It’s a bad claim. However, give their delicious Yum Cha a go and you’ll see why.
No wonder Palace Chinese is a favourite spot amongst the inner city crowd. Their extensive range Yum Cha will leave you feeling more than satisfied.
And if you’re feeling experimental, why not try their famous stir-fired kangaroo?
Location: Sydney Fish Markets, Pyrmont Bridge Rd & Bank St, Pyrmont, NSW 2009
This restaurant is the best place for those who love their fresh seafood and Yum Cha. It is also the best spot for live seafood, if that is what you like.
This restaurant’s reputation speaks for itself and you should definitely swing by here for some of the most authentic Yum Cha around.
Editor’s Note: Unfortunately, Fisherman’s Wharf is currently closed.As this is the case, why not try the suggestion below…?
Yes, Chatswood still has plenty of hole-in-the-wall noodle spots, if that what’s you’re looking for. However, Mama Mulan is part of a new, exciting breed of Chinese restaurant.
The strikingly elegant, minimal (and huge) dining room is the first indication that Mama Mulan serves modern Chinese food. This includes ocean-fresh plates of seafood and bowls of hand-made noodles, as well as basket upon basket of tempting Yum Cha.
There are classics such as pork & prawn shumai and steamed BBQ pork buns. However, there are also more innovative morsels like their BBQ duck & spinach dumplings and steamed beef meatballs with bean curd.
Another bonus at Mama Mulan is that this eatery also revels in a contemporary drinks list. We’re particular fans of the cocktails with the Dragon Delight – Vodka, St. Germain Elderflower, Lychee, Passion Fruit & Vanilla.
Just remember that the Mama Mulan Yum Cha menu is only available at lunchtimes, or you may be disappointed. And you really don’t want to miss out on one of the finest yum cha restaurants in Sydney.
Location: Market City, Market City Shopping Centre, Level 3/13 Hay St, Haymarket, NSW 2000 Ph: (02) 9282 9988
This restaurant only serves intricate Yum Cha dishes, crafted by some of the finest chefs in Sydney. What’s more, The Eight only serves the highest quality, fresh produce sourced from local suppliers. And the resulting flavour bombs speak for themselves.
You would be foolish to miss out on the excellence on offer here if you are seeking authentic, Chinese delicacies. It’s one of the finest yum cha restaurants in Sydney.
If you are follow a FODMAP diet, this is the place for you. There are no traditional blends of onion, chive or garlic in addition to the lack of meat.
However, this is some of the tastiest dim sum in the entire city.
The restaurant is marketed as vegan and only uses organic ingredients. Chow down on some of the finest Yum Cha food in Sydney whilst saving the environment and taking in the beautifully peaceful view of the surrounding park.
Their dumplings and spinach rice noodles are utterly gorgeous. In fact, they may be enough to fully convert you to a meat-free diet by the time you leave!
And even if you don’t adhere to plant-based diet, this is still on of the best yum cha restaurants in Sydney.
The steamed dumplings here are renowned for their plump excellence. Crammed with pork, prawn or vegetables and seasoned to perfection, they are pretty special.
Their fried calamari is also a favoured option and is perfectly crisp. In contrast, if you fancy something roasted, then definitely order their textbook-perfect pork belly or peking duck.
However, be aware that these roasted options are only available on certain days of the week, so be sure to call up in advance to double check which days these delicious dishes are available.
This restaurant’s reputation undoubtedly speaks for itself and you’ll soon see why when you wrap your jaws around the delightful Yum Cha options that are on offer here. All of their food is beautifully presented which is an added bonus.
Overall
Sydney’s food culture has become increasingly diversified and inclusive over recent years and the Yum Cha culture is evidence of this.
Whether you are seeking traditionally classic dishes like pork dumplings or stir-fry options or you are looking to be more experimental, you are guaranteed to find the right dish to suit you at one of the many restaurants that are listed above.
Chinese culture perfectly infuses intricate presentation with flavoursome excellence and this is why Yum Cha cannot be beaten in terms of the cultural experience that this food provides.
You are guaranteed to be served food that stimulates every sense and tantalises even the most hardened, westernised taste buds.
The waiters at these venues will also be more than willing to guide you through their extensive menus so you do not become overwhelmed if it is your first time sampling these staple dishes.
One thing is for certain, once you have engaged in a Yum Cha dining experience once, you’re guaranteed to be returning to these spots time and time again!
When it comes to great places to eat in Australia, the list really is endless. There are so many different restaurants, cafés, and chains to try that you really are spoiled for choice. From Italian food, to Japanese food, to a good ‘ole rump steak, the food options are endless.
This is why I decided to set up my blog, Eatability, to share the best food and drink spots in Australia with as many people as possible. Hi, my name is Dylan Cole, and I moved to Australia five years ago from England, UK.
Through this blog, I will be sharing and recommending some of my favorite places you need to visit, such as where to find the best pizza in Adelaide, and the best bakery in Brisbane. Whatever food you are fancying, I have got you covered!
