Where would we be without yum cha? This glorious weekend feasting ritual is a big-time favourite, and we're happy to report that Sydney/Eora has a neat collection of restaurants dishing out insanely delicious yum cha.
From authentic xiao long bao, prawn rice noodles, chicken feet and mango pancakes to gluten-free spins on the traditional Cantonese brunch, yum cha truly offers something for everyone.
Here are 11 of the best places for yum cha in Sydney.
Never miss a new opening or upcoming event in Sydney again—get us in your inbox here.
East Phoenix
Level 3/2A Defries Avenue, Zetland
Image credit: East Phoenix | Instagram
East Phoenix is known for its jam-packed restaurant, fresh-as yum cha and second-to-none service. This massive space is always filled with waiters, happy yum cha fans and rolling carts from the second it opens its doors.
If you have a group of six or more, opt for the insane value $35pp yum cha banquet menu with a steamed dim sum platter, spicy salt calamari, barbecue pork and roast duck, and more.
XOPP
Shop 31/1 Little Pier Street, Haymarket
Image credit: XOPP | Instagram
XOPP is the modern and playful addition frontrunner of Sydney’s yum cha spots by the family behind the now-closed icon Golden Century, with their classic Cantonese menu consisting of 10 different steamed dumpling baskets, a range of spring rolls and stand-out salt and pepper squid.
Satisfy the sweet cravings with the soft liquid lava custard buns, while all overlooking Darling Square. You don't have to wait for Sunday, either; XOPP offers yum cha every day between 12pm and 3pm, and afternoon yum cha 3pm and 5pm.
The Eight
Level 3/12 Hay Street, Haymarket
Image credit: The Eight | Instagram
By the team behind the iconic Zilver, The Eight is walk-in-only between 9:30am and 11.30am (so prepare to wait a little for your fix of this exceptional yum cha fare), but once you're in it's all rolling trolleys, piping-hot dumplings, and saucy noodles galore.
Particular highlights include scallop dumplings, black pepper spare ribs, chew chow prawn dumplings, and sticky pineapple buns.
Vinh Phat
12/10 Hughes Street, Cabramatta
Image credit: Vinh Phat | Instagram
Vinh Phat is a yum cha institution, attracting hungry diners from every pocket of Sydney seeking its delicious dim sum dishes. Trolleys are stacked with all the usual favourites, but seafood is the big draw here, so opt for the crab claws, jellyfish salad and seafood spring rolls.
The best part? Yum cha is offered every day (9am–3pm), so you don't have to hold out till Sundays to get your dumpling fix.
Zilver
Shop 6010/500 Oxford Street, Bondi
Image credit: Zilver | Instagram
The Zilver name is basically synonymous with top-quality yum cha in Sydney. Trolleys come out thick and fast here every day, so you can scoff down slippery cheung fun, steaming xiao long bao, and soy sauce noodles whenever the need for yum cha strikes.
You might also like:
- 16 Of Sydney's Best Chinese Restaurants
- 20 Of The Best Japanese Restaurants In Sydney Right Now
- The Best Restaurants In Sydney
Royal Palace Seafood Restaurant
393-399 Sussex Street, Haymarket
Royal Palace Seafood Restaurant is the successor to Golden Century, occupying an enormous three-storey 600-seat venue in Sydney's Chinatown.
Yum cha is a major feature—from har gau to egg tarts and mango pancakes—with trolleys and trays taking over the second floor every day. Pipis in XO sauce feature on the menu, alongside Singapore chilli crab, crispy Peking duck pancakes, and whole suckling pig for larger parties.
Yum Cha Project
3/225 George St, Sydney CBD
Image credit: Yum Cha Project | Kera Wong Photography
Yum Cha Project offers a fresh and convenient take on Cantonese cuisine in the heart of the CBD. Dive into classic favourites like BBQ pork buns, prawn dumplings, and spring rolls, alongside innovative takes like the cheeseburger spring rolls and Peking duck pizza. Don't miss out on traditional sweet treats, including milky sweet custard buns and sesame buns.
Their unbeatable deal—$8 rice and noodles all day, every Tuesday—makes it easy to enjoy a filling lunch without costing a pretty penny.
Mr Wong
3 Bridge Lane, Sydney CBD
Image credit: Mr Wong | Supplied
Mr Wong is a gem from the Merivale group, bringing Sydney a modern take on the traditional yum cha from chef Dan Hong, like the prawn toast with foie gras and sesame. But don’t worry, all the classics are also on Mr Wong's lunchtime-only dim sum menu—think barbecue pork buns, king crab and prawn dumplings, and silky cheung fun.
One Dining
Chinese Garden Of Friendship, Haymarket
Nestled in the peaceful Chinese Garden of Friendship, One Dining offers a unique experience with calming views of ponds and bamboo.
The $58pp menu includes dumplings like fairy primrose scallops and black gold quid, siu mai, noodles and pork buns, while the $88 option adds lobster dumplings and truffle wagyu spring rolls to the mix.
Palace Chinese Restaurant
133/145 Castlereagh Street, Sydney CBD
Image credit: Palace Chinese | Instagram
Better get in early, because Palace Chinese has a long-running reputation for serving some of the best yum cha in Sydney. Fill up on puffy prawn toast, crystal soup dumplings, glistening barbecue pork and, if you’re game enough, feng zhao (chicken feet).
This is another spot where you can get your yum cha every day of the week, and they even have a dedicated gluten-free menu.
Royal Treasure Seafood Restaurant
Level 2/31/27 Belmore Street, Burwood
Image credit: Royal Treasure | Instagram
Loved by all the locals, you know that you’ve hit the jackpot on an amazingly traditional yum cha at Royal Treasure. Get the freshly steamed leek and seafood dumplings while crunching on leek pancakes. The chicken and mushroom dumplings, taro cakes, stir-fried turnip cake in XO sauce, and steamed prawn and pork bean curd roll are also winners.
Now check out:
Main image credit: XOPP | Instagram
Urban List Best Of: has our highest stamp of approval—curated lists of the very best recommendations for you to eat, do, see, buy or book, carefully chosen by our Editors.