The best yum cha restaurants in Melbourne

It's time to book your Lunar New Year get together with a big yum cha feast. Head to these top spots for an all-you-can-eat experience and enjoy dumplings, seafood share plates, mango pudding and more.

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. 

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 or durian puff.

Oriental Tea House

For a very special Year of the Dragon celebration 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. Indulge with dumpling flavours like lemongrass chicken or scallop and prawn. Book a table for Lunar New Year and try the sharable special - a Chinese roasted pork hock. You'll even get a front row ticket to the in-house lion dance performance.

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. Including seasonal seafood, fresh out of the tank. Instead of coming around on trolleys, you tick off your selections on a list. Try the famous melon soup, served in a hollowed-out melon. Or go for dumplings stacked in steamers. Leave room for dessert and try salted egg buns, tofu pudding and more.

Red Emperor

Dine al fresco on the terrace overlooking the Yarra River at Red Emperor's Southbank location. Or head straight to its second spot in the heart of Chinatown on 131 Bourke Street. This is yum cha served the traditional way, straight off the trolley. 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. Go big with the Lunar New Year banquet options featuring standout dishes like lobster with ginger, scallops in XO sauce and truffle fried rice.

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. This yum cha go-to has more than 100 dim sum dishes to choose from so the whole family will be happy. The fun isn't just 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. 

Westlake Restaurant

Westlake Restaurant has been a staple on the scene since the 1980s so you know it's good. This no-fuss, authentic go-to serves Cantonese cuisine seven days a week. Enjoy traditional yum cha like prawn dumplings, mini spring rolls and Chinese custard tarts. Don't go past more filling dishes like scallops in XO sauce, Mongolian beef and honey king prawns.

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. Hot tip: if you dine here for Lunar New Year, there's a high chance you'll get a visit from the lion dance crew.

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 chilli 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.