With a big range of small bites and overeating wholeheartedly encouraged, what’s not to love?
Although the classic yum cha experience (we’re talking trolley delivery, people) can be harder to come by these days, we’ve rounded up the best classic yum cha destinations for you, with a few new-school newbies in the mix.
Longtime Dining | CBD
Serving up the Cantonese classics in a modern setting in Queens Plaza (hello, post-shopping snacks!), Longtime offers a range of steamed and fried nibbles alongside kitchen snacks like roast duck, baked half-shell scallops and egg tarts, and larger dishes including market seafood. Indecisive? Choose from a classic or premium banquet (or explore the GF and vegan banquets with your needy friends!). Don’t skip the colourful cocktail menu, either.
King of Kings | Fortitude Valley and Mount Gravatt
Big call, but we’d argue that King of Kings is one of the best yum cha restaurants in Brisbane and yes, delivery is via traditional cart at both locations. Surrounded by classic Chinese restaurant decor (we’re looking at you, live fish) you will not be disappointed with the incredibly vast selection of yum cha offerings, from steamed dumplings to wontons and, of course, egg-custard tarts. Restaurants don’t make it almost 40 years for nothing…
Landmark | Sunnybank, Chermside and Inala
A great starting point for those dipping a toe in Sunnybank’s vast dining scene, it’s easy to see why Landmark is loved by many, with carts whipping around to feed the masses who flock for their yum cha fill. You’ll even find a dedicated tea menu with six different brews to choose from.
Stanley | Howard Smith Wharves
Sundays are made for yum cha, and Stanley does it WELL! Opt for the set menu (with optional chicken feet and tripe, bless) for just $58pp, or pair it with two hours of flowing Louis Roederer for $137pp! If you’re feeling hungry (or hungover…) you can supplement with additional dishes like duck pancakes and salt and pepper tofu. Yum cha is available every Sunday, between 11:30 am and 3 pm.
Yum Cha Cuisine | Garden City
No frills, no fuss but fabulous yum cha is what Yum Cha Cuisine is all about. Grab one of the steamed bamboo baskets from the cart to find classic steamed dumplings, including chicken feet with black bean sauce if you’d like to go very traditional, or pillowy buns and sponge cakes. Get crispy with a few of the fried options and round it out with some barbeque, because balance is everything.
Brisbane Phoenix | CBD
A dark and moody interior means you’re focused intently on the food which will definitely have you overeating. Phoenix’s lengthy steamed menu will see you feast on the likes of fresh crab xiao long bao, prawn and kimchi dumplings and scallop and caviar shumai with fried options ready to compliment them like pan-fried pork buns. To mix it up, there is also steamed rice noodle rolls, roast meats and more substantial kitchen snacks. Book one of the private dining rooms for a real feast!
Haoke Chinese Seafood Restaurant | Sunnybank
Not to point out the obvious, but Haoke is kinda well known for their standout seafood dishes, so we definitely recommend getting on that sea-food and eat it diet. We’re talking prawn and chive dumplings, seafood congee, and fragrant steamed whole barramundi. Wash it all down with a bubble tea, and you’re dreaming!
Golden Lane | Sunnybank
You thought we forgot about Golden Lane, didn’t you? We saved (one of) the best for last because Golden Lane is a yum cha institution that serves up what seems to be every possible yum cha dish with a whopping 500 seats! What makes this particular place such an icon? They’re constantly updating their menu which keeps it modern and fresh but still with tradition oozing through in every dumpling and shumai you devour.
Fried, steamed and everything in between… don’t cha know you can’t go wrong?
