Become a BEST partner Swap to NZ

Best Yum Cha Sydney: Top Dim Sum Restaurants

By Carolina Mateus
Published 05 September 2025
Photography: Courtesy of Lotus The Galleries

Dreaming of yum cha? Well, Sydney’s dining scene has you covered with a delicious mix of traditional favourites and modern twists, plus plenty of dim sum restaurants delivering flavour and authentic Cantonese craft. Let's not keep you waiting — here’s where to find the best yum cha in Sydney. 

  • Holy Duck

    10/2 Kensington Street, Chippendale
    It's perfect for crispy, indulgent Peking‑duck moments with minimal fuss.
    You need to try the famous roast duck platter and duck dumplings.
    Look out for neon-lit industrial fit, hanging ducks and flavour-packed Cantonese BBQ.

    Located amongst the vibrant and colourful eateries on Chippendale's Kensington Street, Holy Duck serves indulgent yum cha dishes with a modern twist. Known for its top-quality produce and bold flavours, the menu has all the duck dishes you could wish for, from delicate dumplings to rich braised duck noodles and the famous roast duck platter. Not a fan of duck? Not a problem — there are plenty of other options, including chicken san choi bao, crispy fried crab & pork dumplings and a steamed dim sum platter with different proteins to suit all tastes. And the vegos out there aren’t left behind either, with delicious plant-based options available on the menu, like pink salt & black sesame egg with spinach tofu. 

    Read more
    Buy a gift card for Holy Duck Buy
  • The Eight

    9-13 Hay Street, Level 3, Market City, Haymarket

    Time-honoured Chinese classics made with nothing but the freshest seasonal ingredients and guided by the core principles and discipline of traditional Cantonese cooking — that’s exactly what you can expect when dining (or lunching) at The Eight. Set in Haymarket's Market City complex, this is one of Sydney’s largest and most popular yum cha destinations. One glance at the menu explains why: deep-fried oysters, live crab or lobster served two ways, roast suckling pig, sliced wagyu beef, salt and pepper tofu… the list goes on (and on). Needless to say, there’s something for everyone. 

    Read more
  • Lotus The Galeries

    The Galeries, 500 George St, Sydney CBD
    It's perfect for a chic CBD lunch with all the trimmings and none of the chaos.
    You need to try the crispy eggplant, sticky, sweet and impossible to share.
    Look out for the glam dining room where dumplings feel downright fancy.

    Lotus The Galeries is a contemporary Asian restaurant located within the Galeries shopping centre. Boasting 260 seats, five private dining rooms and a vibey cocktail lounge, it’s the go-to spot for everything from business lunches to special celebrations. On the yum cha menu, you’ll find a mix of classic and creative bites — think jade prawn dumplings, spicy pork xiao long bao and mushroom spring rolls — all made with the best of Australian produce (and a touch of Lotus flair). Oh, and don’t leave without trying one of the unique sweet treats on the menu, perfectly blending traditional French desserts with Asian-inspired flavours.

    Read more
    Buy a gift card for Lotus The Galeries Buy
  • Emperor's Garden

    96-100 Hay Street, Haymarket

    Right in the heart of Sydney's Chinatown, Emperor’s Garden is a fan-favourite that has grown since opening in 1979 to seat a whopping 350 patrons. Offering extraordinary value for money, this popular yum cha spot delivers a truly authentic Cantonese dining experience with push-cart service and a never-ending menu featuring classic steamed dumplings, freshly made buns, and many savoury and sweet treats, all served in a uniquely vibrant atmosphere.

    Read more
  • Pearl

    Quay Quarter Building, Shop R1013, Retail Level 1, 50 Bridge Street Sydney, Sydney CBD
    It's perfect for moody dinners with luxe vibes and modern Cantonese flair.
    You need to try the signature cocktails and broad live seafood offering
    Look out for velvet booths, dim lighting and a knockout cocktail list.

    Atop the second floor of Sydney's Quay Quarter, Pearl Dining is an 84-seat venue offering a modern dining experience with velvet booths, dim lighting, and stunning views of the iconic Harbour Bridge as the backdrop. Inspired by the culinary craftsmanship of Hong Kong, the expertly crafted menu focuses on dishes from the Canton province of China, including roast duck, pan-fried wagyu dumplings and char siu pork. You can’t leave without experiencing Pearl’s broad live seafood offering, all while sipping one of their signature cocktails.

    Read more
    Buy a gift card for Pearl Buy
  • Mr Wong

    3 Bridge Lane, Sydney CBD

    Nestled in the heart of Sydney's CBD, Mr Wong brings a touch of old-school glamour to modern Cantonese dining. Despite seating 240 people over two levels, a meal at Mr Wong feels surprisingly intimate, thanks to the dim lighting and moody jazz playing in the background. The menu boasts over 80 dishes curated by executive chef Dan Hong — and all we can say is, good luck choosing between them. Between the scallop and prawn shumai, pan-fried chicken and chive dumplings, Angus beef cubes and egg noodle lo mein, it’s a yum cha experience that delivers on flavour and atmosphere. 

    Read more
  • Spice Alley

    18-20 Kensington Street, Chippendale
    It's perfect for sharing a multicultural Asian street‑food feast in lantern-lit lanes.
    You need to try chicken laksa, pancake roti or mango sticky rice.
    Look out for hawker-style stalls, hanging lanterns and a buzzy communal vibe.

    Spice Alley isn’t just one single restaurant. It’s a bustling hub of Asian street-food vendors serving up authentic regional dishes. Among the mix, you’ll find stalls dishing up all your yum cha favourites like Dim Sum House, Hong Kong Diner and Shanghai Dumpling Bar. Whether you’re dreaming of a classic pork siu mai or keen to try some more adventurous flavours, you’re truly spoiled for choice. And with Thai, Malaysian and Japanese street food options just a few steps away, Spice Alley is the perfect spot for sharing a multicultural Asian street‑food feast in lantern-lit lanes. 

    Read more
    Buy a gift card for Spice Alley Buy
  • East Phoenix

    Level 3, 2A Defries Ave, East Village, Zetland

    The newest instalment of Sydney's Phoenix Restaurant Group, East Phoenix is the perfect place to tuck into a leisurely yum cha and other Chinese delights. Abalone braised in oyster sauce, decadent Peking duck, pork belly hot pot — you get the gist. With its curved timber framework and central modern bar, this classy restaurant offers a warm yet sophisticated atmosphere that’s ideal for relaxed gatherings and special occasions. 

    Read more

Whether you’re a local foodie or just stopping by, experiencing yum cha Sydney is an absolute must for lovers of authentic dim sum. From traditional steamed dumplings to innovative modern twists, Sydney offers a diverse range of options that cater to all palates. Thanks to Sydney’s vibrant Chinese communities, suburbs like Chatswood, Haymarket, and Strathfield are perfect for blending authentic flavours with a lively, social dining experience. For those seeking the best yum cha Sydney has to offer, this guide highlights the top spots where quality, flavour, and atmosphere come together perfectly. Discover the best yum cha and dim sum restaurants. 

You may also like