Where to Find the Best Yum Cha in Sydney

Sydneysiders love beach and brunch – and they also love yum cha. 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! 

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

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 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, sweet Cantonese sponge cake and custard brûlée to round out the feast.

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 in Sydney, Mama Mulan has you covered.

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 somehow 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 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…

3 Bridge Street, Sydney

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, the kitchen is open till 11pm seven days a week.

Grab your mates and revel in the feast. Royal Palace Seafood Restaurant is the kingpin of Chinatown.

393-399 Sussex Street, Haymarket

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 you sorted.

Serving the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney for over a decade, Golden Unicorn 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?

Sitchu tip: if you spot a queue, don't dawdle—grab a number from the friendly staff to secure your spot. 

2/193 Maroubra Road, Maroubra 

The Eight 

In the realm of the best yum cha in Sydney, 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

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 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 

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

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 up a vegan yum cha every Sunday from noon. Perfect for sharing, their eight-course menu boasts an array of delicious Asian-inspired dishes for a knockout price. 

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

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 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 barbecued ducks and wok-fried favourites.

Manly's Queen Chow by the sea rocks Hong Kong’s best with a nostalgic touch, thing 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 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 peas and 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 bother choosing between cheesecake or fruit tarts – just order both! 

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

Alice Dumpling Bar

Taking prime position 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 fill up just 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 Mongolian beef. 

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 

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.