Proving the more the merrier, yum cha is the Cantonese dining tradition that fills your table with plate after plate of bite-sized dim sum dishes. This glorious weekend-feasting ritual is a big-time favourite, and when the cravings call, Brisbane has a neat collection of yum cha restaurants serving up your fix.
From authentic xiao long bao to handcrafted dumplings and mango pancakes for dessert, we’ve dug through the bamboo baskets to find Brisbane’s best yum cha restaurants:
Donna Chang
3/71 George Street, Brisbane CBD
If you’re on the hunt for spectacular Chinese food in Brisbane, starting with Donna Chang is a fabulous idea. The team here is dishing up some of our favourite yum cha every Sunday for $55 a person. Scooch into one of their iconic pink booths in the former 1900s bank and work your way through soupy xiao long bao, crispy sesame prawn toast, and their iconic pan fried cumin lamb buns (if you know you know, order extra). Plus, if you’re not into seafood or only eat veggo, there’s a yum cha menu just for you.
Brisbane Phoenix
Brisbane Quarter, Brisbane CBD
Whether you’re a seasoned yum cha pro or just dipping your toe for the first time, Brisbane Phoenix is a sure-fire choice. These guys have been operating for over 20 years so have literally honed their recipes over decades to deliver one of Brisbane’s best yum cha line-ups every day during lunch. We recommend starting off with the roasted platter duo that comes piled high with crispy yet juicy bites of duck and pork, before digging into dumplings that double as pillowy, succulent parcels of flavour.
Stanley
Howard Smith Wharves, Brisbane CBD
Image credit: Stanley | Instagram
Yum cha and champagne lunches on the patio overlooking the river every day of the week? Say thank you, Stanley. At this waterfront restaurant, you can expect bamboo baskets piled high with decadent yum cha favourites like crispy Moreton Bay bug spring rolls, juicy pork and prawn wontons, and XO seafood dumplings. With the option to add on a two-hour package where the champagne is top quality and free flowing, this is the recipe for a memorable meal.
Longtime Dining
QueensPlaza, Brisbane CBD
We love Longtime for many reasons. For one, dining here isn’t just about what happens on the plate, but what happens around it—think service that leaves you feeling like besties and interiors so chic they’ll be featured in your next photo dump. Of course, the Longtime menu is stellar too: we’re talking four entire pages dedicated to yum cha. It would be criminal to attempt to distill these four pages into a sound bite of order recommendations, but if we can say one thing it’s this: try the spinach rice noodle rolls (they’re made from scratch to order).
Golden Palace
Chinatown, Fortitude Valley
If you’re a traditional yum cha loyalist, head straight to Golden Palace in Fortitude Valley’s Chinatown for the works: lazy susans, group-friendly tables, patterned carpet and all. Yum cha is available everyday and BYO is welcome. Their Shanghai-style xiao long baos are some of Brisbane’s best, while their custard tarts are the only way to finish off your yum cha sesh. You can also find GF and vegetarian options here.
Longwang
141 Edward Street, Brisbane CBD
Image credit: Longwang | Instagram
Every Friday to Sunday from 11am to 4pm, Longwang adds yum cha to their already phenomenal menu. Things are done banquet style here with optional (and bottomless) wine or cocktail jug packages. The Longwang menu is less traditional and more homage, so you can expect beef tartare, oysters, and crispy chicken being served up alongside classics like chewy garlic cake and prawn toast. Trust us, the crispy chicken bao is a Longwang classic for a reason.
Parkland Restaurant
Sunny Park Shopping Centre, Sunnybank
When it comes to Brisbane yum cha, you’re most likely to find the most legit offering in Sunnybank. That’s why, no matter how many times we update this list, Parkland will always have a place. Our recommendation is to fill your table to the brim with bamboo baskets and try your best to eat your way through the entire menu. With deep fried taro dumplings, Peking duck wraps, custard tarts, xiao long bao, and so much more, the only option is to go big.
You might also like:
- Brisbane’s Best Chinese Restaurants
- Brisbane’s Best Dumplings
- Brisbane’s Best All-You-Can-Eat Buffets
Golden Lane
Sunnybank Plaza, Sunnybank
After some renos in 2023, Golden Lane is one Brisbane’s biggest yum cha restaurants. Get your yum cha fix every day from 10am to 2:30pm, with Golden Lane offering a more traditional take on the offering. Their extensive menu includes everything from duck tongue and tripe to pork and chive dumplings and scallion pancakes. Note: it does get busy here, so we recommend booking in advance.
Goodtime
West Village, West End
Image credit: Goodtime | Instagram
Goodtime should be your first port of call if you’re in search of a Brisbane spot that does handcrafted cocktails paired with a cracking yum cha menu. You’ll find all of the yum cha classics on the menu here: sticky black bean pork ribs, custard buns, har gow and more. Be sure to save space for dessert as their mango and pomelo sago is the perfect sweet ending to a yum cha feast. The best bit? Stop by between 11:30am and 3:30pm from Monday to Friday for all-you-can-eat yum cha from $19 with a drink purchase.
Landmark
Sunnybank Plaza, Sunnybank
Finding a yum cha spot that still houses a roaming trolley stacked high with steaming baskets has become close to impossible. Luckily, Landmark in Sunnybank is just the place. If you don’t like waiting for the trolley, you can also head up to the counter to pick and choose your dim sum. Plus, if you’re a newbie to yum cha, you can see everything on display and let your eyes guide you through the menu. You’ll find Landmark inside Sunnybank Plaza.
Ming Chinese
Underwood Centre, Underwood
If you’re after an underrated yum cha spot to claim as your own, Ming Chinese might be for you. The menu here is packed from cover to cover with traditional-style dim sum. Don’t miss ordering the zhaliang: crispy, airy fried dough wrapped in silky rice noodles. Of course, you’ll find all the usual suspects here too like custard tarts and barbecue buns and as a bonus point, Ming Chinese is super family friendly.
New Shanghai
QueensPlaza and Westfield Mt Gravatt
Image credit: New Shanghai | Instagram
New Shanghai is a Brisbane dumpling institution for good reason, and with locations in both QueensPlaza and Westfield Mt Gravatt, northsiders and southsiders can get in on the action. Here you’ll find one of Brisbane’s best dumpling line-ups bolstered with soups, noodles and classic Chinese-style mains. In particular, their xiao long bao soup dumplings are their speciality and one of the reasons we keep coming back for more.
Ru Yi
Calamvale Central, Calamvale
The Chinese word ‘ruyi’ means to be satisfied, comfortable and happy which is exactly how you feel when you order up Ru Yi’s yum cha. Centred around their Cantonese barbecue, picture bites of crispy yet melt-in-your-mouth pork belly, glossy roasted duck, and fluffy steamed pork buns. Prefer to leave it to the pros? The banquet menu is always a hit.
Main image credit: Donna Chang | Instagram