The best yum cha restaurants in Melbourne

Steamed buns and dumplings and egg tarts, oh my! Gather your hungriest friends and check out our top spots for Yum Cha in Melbourne.

Tim Ho Wan

Pull up a seat at the world's most affordable Michelin starred restaurant. What makes this dumpling spot so good its Hong Kong branch earned a coveted star? Tim Ho Wan makes all its dim sum to order from fresh, quality ingredients. Try the signature BBQ pork bun and the artfully pleated prawn dumplings. Finish with steamed egg cake. They don't take bookings, so get in early from 10am wearing your stretchiest pants. 

Din Tai Fung

You might not expect to find first class yum cha tucked away in a shopping centre. But Emporium is home to some of the world's tastiest dumplings. Drop those heavy shopping bags and refuel with a feast. Yum cha at Din Tai Fung is quite the show. You can watch the chefs at work in the open kitchen, folding dumplings at a lightning fast speed. Try the xiao long bao, these soupy parcels are heavenly.

Oriental Tea House

For tea-powered yum cha, head to Oriental Tea House. This place infuses traditional Chinese cuisine with a modern Melbourne twist. Between Tuesday and Saturday find all your dim sum favourites alongside speciality teas, from gunpowder to oolong.  Or if you'd prefer, fill your teapot with raspberry mojitos. Don't be afraid of the out-there dumpling flavours like beetroot-dyed roast duck, chilli wagyu beef and white chocolate. They'll knock your socks off.

Crystal Jade

A reliable favourite in the heart of Chinatown, you can fit the whole family around Crystal Jade's large tables. Each dish brings the world’s best ingredients to Melbourne. Think Italian truffles and seasonal seafood fresh out of the tank. Instead of coming around on trolleys, you tick off your selections on a list. Try the famous winter melon soup, served in a hollowed-out melon. Or go for dumplings stacked in steamers, ginger and prawn, or pork and coriander.

Secret Kitchen

The secret is out – behind that big curved fish tank in Chinatown you’ll find one of Melbourne’s best yum cha spots. Gorge on baskets of Cantonese favourites alongside rare delicacies. Do you like your yum cha to look as good as it tastes? Secret Kitchen’s dishes are cute as a button. Snap a pic of their adorable piggy custard buns and goldfish-shaped dumplings before you gobble them down. Finish off your meal with a mango pudding. 

Red Emperor

Take your search to Southbank and get dim sum with a side of stellar views. Dine al fresco on the terrace overlooking the Yarra River. This is yum cha served the traditional way, straight off the trolley. Be sure to nab a basket of fluffy BBQ honey pork buns. If you opt for all-you-can-eat, you’ll want to save room for a gorgeous egg tart for dessert. Red Emperor also has a selection of coeliac friendly options that don't skimp on flavour.

China Red

China Red's logo means double happiness, so good times and great food are guaranteed here. You order from a touch screen tablet, and dishes come faster than you can say 'xiao long bao'. That's their signature dish, by the way. Don't go home without ordering a basket or five of these steamed Shanghai-style dumplings. China Red blends modern and traditional and you'll find all your yum cha favourites. Take time out from downing dim sum to watch the dumpling artists at work behind the window.

Gold Leaf Docklands  

When you're heading to Docklands, dining at Gold Leaf is a must. Gold Leaf adds a creative flair to authentic Cantonese yum cha with more than 100 dim sum dishes to choose from. They don’t just keep the fun limited to the day time, you can get their delicious yum cha at night, too. The menu heroes fresh seafood, but there are vegetarian-friendly options. Plant-based folks will adore the deep-fried spicy salt and pepper bean curd. 

Shark Fin Inn

Talk about a Melbourne icon! Shark Fin Inn has been dishing up yum cha to dumpling-loving Melburnians since the '80s. Swing by at lunchtime for traditional Cantonese fare at affordable prices. The har gao prawn dumplings will never disappoint. Want to try something new? Grab a basket of chicken feet. And be sure to crunch on the light, lacy layers of fried taro dumplings.

Chine On Paramount

A hidden gem on Little Bourke, pop into Chine On Paramount for a pre-theatre feed. Dining on dim sum while looking out over Chinatown Square, you’ll be instantly transported to China. Start with the crispy salt and pepper calamari and try the Szechuan chili eye fillet for a bit of heat. Or go for black truffle fried rice for a fancy take on a crowd pleaser. With simple, fresh flavours, we won’t blame you if you go back for seconds, thirds and fourths of these delicious morsels.