Where to Find the Best Yum Cha in Melbourne for an Authentic Experience (2025)

If there’s one cuisine Melbourne does exceptionally well, it’s Asian food – and yum cha is no exception. Whether you’re a fiend for dumplings, love the chaos of a trolley-packed dining room, or just want to sit back with a pot of tea and endless plates of dim sum, this city has you covered.

From Chinatown classics to riverside favourites and local suburban icons, we’ve pulled together the best yum cha in Melbourne to fix your cravings. So grab your chopsticks, bring your appetite, and get ready to explore Melbourne’s yum cha scene, one steamer basket at a time.

Best Yum Cha in Melbourne at a Glance

Our list of the best yum cha in Melbourne goes like this.

• The best yum cha in Melbourne overall experience: Flower Drum
• If you want a great date night spot: Shark Finn
• If you’re hunting for value for money: David’s
• If you want an upmarket experience: Golden Dragon Palace

Now we’ve rounded up our yum cha favourites, let’s check out the complete list.

1. David’s

David’s has been a staple in Prahran since 1999, and it’s easy to see why. What started as a little tea shop on Chapel Street run by Shanghai-born David Zhou, has grown into a neighbourhood gem that dishes up some of the best yum cha in Melbourne.

The vibe is warm and inviting – think whitewashed walls, paper lanterns, and just the right balance of elevated dining and cosy ambience. It’s a restaurant where you can easily settle in for a long, lazy lunch with friends without feeling rushed.

The menu takes cues from David’s hometown, Zhouzhuang, a riverside village near Shanghai. Expect fresh, uncomplicated flavours with dishes like Xiao Long Bao, crispy Veggie Spring Rolls, and the melt-in-your-mouth Dongpo Pork Belly. But the real drawcard? The all-you-can-eat yum cha on weekends. Forget chasing trolleys; here, steaming baskets of dumplings and plates of goodness come straight from the kitchen to your table.

• Address: 4 Cecil Pl, Prahran VIC 3181
• Hours: Wed-Fri 6-10pm, Sat 12-3:30pm & 6-10pm, Sun 11:30am-3pm & 5:30-9pm
• Phone: (03) 9529 5199
• What We Like: On the doorstep of the infamous Chapel Street in South Yarra, this hidden gem is an intimate, dimly-lit setting perfect for a low-key Yum Cha dining experience.
• Favourite Dishes: Crystal Prawn Dumplings, Salted Duck Dumplings, Crackling Pork Fried Rice.

Check out David’s David’s Menu Book David’s

2. Secret Kitchen Chinatown

Secret Kitchen Chinatown may be the worst, best kept secret in Melbourne. As the flagship restaurant (out of a group of four), this bustling spot on Exhibition Street is a go-to for yum cha and seafood lovers.

The first thing you’ll notice when you walk in is the massive live seafood aquarium – the largest in Melbourne. It’s not just for show; if seafood’s on your mind, chances are your lunch is swimming in there before it hits your plate. Lunchtime is all about the trolleys here, rolling out with steaming baskets of everything from silky prawn dumplings to fluffy honey BBQ pork buns. The menu is a mix of the familiar and the indulgent, with dishes like Steamed Custard Buns that hit just the right balance of sweet and creamy.

Dinner shifts gears with an impressive selection of live seafood options, like think lobster, abalone, and fish, prepared with a focus on Cantonese tradition and showcasing the chefs’ 50 years of combined experience.

• Address: 222 Exhibition St, Melbourne VIC 3000
• Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-3pm & 5:30-10pm, Sat-Sun 10:30-11:50 am, 12-1:20 pm, 1:45-3 pm, 5:30-10 pm
• Phone: (03) 9988 7778
• What We Like: Excellent value and authentic Yum Cha restaurant in the heart of Chinatown. 
• Favourite Dishes: Signature Dim Sum Platter, Crispy Garlic Prawn Spring Roll and Green Tea With Osmanthus Cake.

Check Secret Kitchen Chinatown Secret Kitchen Chinatown Menu

Book Secret Kitchen Chinatown

3. Oriental Teahouse Lt Collins

Oriental Teahouse has been around since 1993, and they clearly know what they’re doing when it comes to yum cha. With locations in South Yarra and the CBD, they’ve nailed that sweet spot between a traditional experience and something a bit more modern.

The dumplings, of course, are the real star. You’ve got your go-to favourites like Xiao Long Bao and Lemongrass Chicken Dumplings, which are as good as you’d hope. But then they throw in wildcards like White Chocolate Dumplings. Yes, it sounds strange, but trust me, they work.

The vibe depends on where you go. South Yarra feels a bit more laid-back, perfect for a lazy weekend lunch, while the city spot has that slick, bustling energy that’s great for midweek catch-ups. Either location you visit you’ll find yourself sharing plates, sipping on pots of fragrant tea, and pacing yourself so you can try as much as possible.

If you’re after a yum cha spot in Melbourne that’s authentic, casual and fun, Oriental Teahouse is definitely worth a visit. Just don’t skip dessert – you’ll thank me later.

• Address: 378 Little Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000
• Hours: Mon-Thurs 12-3pm & 5:30-9pm, Fri-Sat 12-3pm & 5:30-10pm
• Phone: (03) 9600 4230
• What We Like: Classic Chinese dishes, excellent value, authentic Chinese flavours and a traditional Yum Cha dining experience.
• Favourite Dishes: Authentic Prawn Dumplings, Lemongrass Chicken Dumplings, BBQ Pork Buns.

Check out Oriental Teahouse Oriental Teahouse Menu Book Oriental Teahouse

4. Flower Drum Restaurant Melbourne

Tucked away in Chinatown, Flour Drum has been a Melbourne favourite for decades – a place where Cantonese dining gets a five-star treatment. The vibe is old-school elegant, with dark wood details and a calm, almost hushed atmosphere. To be honest, it’s not your usual loud and busy yum cha spot. Here, you’ll find near perfect service, perfect plates of food, and a menu that changes with the seasons.

And the dumplings? Oh my word. Next-level. Think delicate, flavour-packed parcels that make you understand why this place has the reputation it does. And then there are the mains – standouts like the famous Peking Duck or fresh Lobster Tail. If you’re feeling fancy, the Chef’s five-course banquet is worth the splurge.

One pro tip: pace yourself. It’s easy to fill up on the delicious dumplings, but you’ll want to leave room for the mains. And a word of warning – Flower Drum isn’t cheap, but it’s a place you go for a reason – a celebration, a special treat, or just to remind yourself what great food can be.

• Address: 17 Market Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
• Hours: Mon-Sat 12-3pm and 6-11pm, Sun 6-10.30pm
• Phone: (03) 9662 3655
• What We Like: The impeccable service, cocktail bar and quality, traditional Chinese Yum Cha.
• Favourite Dishes: Prawn Dumplings, King Prawns, Peking Duck with plum sauce, Singapore Noodles, Lamb Spring Rolls and the Quail Sang Coi Bao, Fried Rice and the Banana Fritters.

Check Flower Drum Flower Drum a La Carte Menu Book Flower Drum

5. HuTong

HuTong might not be a traditional yum cha spot, but one bite of their Xiao Long Bao and you won’t care. These little soup-filled dumplings are pure magic—delicate, juicy, and packed with flavour. They’re so good, they’ve earned HuTong a solid reputation for helping kick off Melbourne’s love affair with dumplings.

There are technically three locations – the CBD, Prahran and Southbank. At the time of writing, Prahran is temporarily closed, while the Southbank venue gets less than stellar reviews. So, I’d recommend sticking with the CBD location. Here, the menu delivers a bunch of crowd-pleasers. The pan-fried pork dumplings are golden and crispy on the bottom, soft and fluffy on top, while the chilli wontons bring just the right amount of heat.

The vibe leans more restaurant than bustling yum cha hall, which makes it great for a casual lunch or dinner when you want good food without the chaos. And while plenty of places do dumplings well in Melbourne, HuTong still holds its own as one of the best.

If you’re a dumpling fan and somehow haven’t made it to HuTong yet, fix that. It will remind you why Melbourne is so obsessed with these little parcels of joy.

• Address: 14-16 Market Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
• Hours: Sun-Thurs 11:30am-3pm & 5:30-10pm, Fri-Sat 11:30am-3pm & 5:30-10.30pm
• Phone: (03) 9650 8128
• What We Like: We can’t go past traditional Yum Cha filled with authentic Yum Cha dishes, and one of the most extensive a la carte menus in Melbourne.
• Favourite Dishes: Salt and Pepper Squid, roast duck dumplings, shao-long bao, Wantons with Hot Chilli Sauce, steamed prawn dumplings and chive dumplings.

Check it out Menu

6. Crystal Jade Restaurant

Crystal Jade sits right in the heart of Melbourne’s Chinatown, offering a yum cha experience that feels a little different from the usual. With just a few lunchtime seating times each day, it’s worth planning ahead to snag a spot.

The standout dish here is the Wok-Fried Snow Crab in French Foie Gras Pate—a rich, indulgent twist that takes things beyond the usual dim sum lineup. It’s a bit fancy, sure, but it’s also the kind of dish that sets Crystal Jade apart from the standard trolley scene.

Of course, you’ll still find plenty of classic dumplings and buns to love, but the menu also leans into some more adventurous territory. The staff are friendly and happy to guide you through the options, so it’s a great spot if you’re feeling curious and want to try something new.

• Located in: Chinatown Melbourne
• Address: 154 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000
• Hours: Wed-Mon 11 am-3 pm & 5-10 pm (closed Tuesday)
• Phone: (03) 9639 2633

Check it out Menu

7. East Imperial

East Imperial in Carlton offers a yum cha experience that’s both traditional and a little bit special. Walking in, you’re greeted by rows of life-sized terracotta warriors and beautifully set tables, which set the tone for a relaxed but refined meal.

The trolleys roll out daily, and they’ve nailed the balance between quick service and a leisurely pace – you never feel rushed here. The dim sum is all homemade, and the standouts for me are the pan-fried pork dumplings (crispy perfection), the chilli fish dumplings (a little kick, but so moreish), and the classic pork and prawn siu mai.

What makes East Imperial even better? It’s BYO wine, so you can bring along your favourite bottle to pair with your meal. The staff are lovely and happy to help if you’re not sure where to start on the menu.

The restaurant has been family-run for over 20 years, and you can feel the care that goes into every dish. It’s a great spot for catching up with friends or a long, leisurely lunch. Just make sure to book ahead if you’re heading there on the weekend – it’s a popular one for good reason.

• Address: 323 Rathdowne St, Carlton VIC 3053
• Hours: Sun-Thurs 11:30 am-3 pm, 5:30-8:30 pm, Fri & Sat 11:30 am-3 pm, 5:30-9pm
• Phone: (03) 9347 3322
• What We Like: Traditional Yum Cha dishes and a modern-authentic Chinese restaurant fit out. 
• Favourite Dishes: Shanghai braised soft pork belly, Scallop dumplings, Pan-fried pork dumplings, Chicken & sweet corn soup, Salt & Pepper Japanese Egg Tofu, Garlic Bok Choi, Sesame Prawn Toast, Salt and Pepper Calamari, Chilli Scallops with xo sauce and the Salt and Pepper Fish Fillet.

Check out East Imperial East Imperial a La Carte Menu Book East Imperial 

8. Shark Fin Inn

A staple among restaurants dishing out the best Yum Cha in Melbourne, the Shark Fin Inn near the Parliament House has been serving Cantonese fare of the highest calibre since the ’80s. Its long-running position as a neighbourhood favourite has held up against stiff competition over the years for a good reason; its food is top-notch. Hell, the deep red façade, octagonal windows and enthralling fluorescent sign over the front door should be indication enough that you’re in for the real deal.

The trolleys come packed with all the usual yum cha favourites: juicy prawn dumplings, fluffy pork buns, and crispy spring rolls. But there are also some gems worth trying, like their silky egg custard tarts or salt-and-pepper squid. The vibe is lively but not chaotic, and the service is efficient without feeling rushed.

Shark Fin Inn has been a neighbourhood favourite for decades; it’s a no-nonsense spot that delivers solid food and a nostalgic atmosphere. Whether you’re a long-time regular or checking it out for the first time, it’s a great choice for a decadent yum cha feast. You’ll find it on Little Bourke Street – just follow the glow of the sign.

• Address: 50 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000
• Hours: Mon-Sun 11 am-3 pm & 5:30-10 pm
• Phone: (03) 9662 2552
• Favourite Dishes: Roasted Duck, Crispy Spring Rolls, Rock Oyster, Mud Crab and Deep Fried Beef Short Ribs with Golden Egg Yolk.

Check out Shark Fin Inn Shark Fin Inn Menu Book Shark Fin Inn

9. Tao Tao House

Tao Tao House in Hawthorn proves that sometimes, less is more. It might not have the biggest yum cha menu in Melbourne, but what it does offer is executed to perfection. Every dish that comes out of owner and seasoned chef Jason Au’s kitchen feels thoughtful, precise, and worth savouring.

The space itself is a mix of elegance and comfort, with plush purple chairs, polished Chinese décor, and a warm, welcoming vibe. And under those bamboo lids, you’ll find dumplings and dim sum that are just delightful. The har gow (prawn dumplings) are perfectly delicate, the pan-fried pork buns have just the right crunch, and the siu mai? Absolute perfection. The menu might not have hundreds of options, but what’s on offer is in a league of its own.

And then there’s the wine. Big names like Grange and Henschke grace the menu, and if you’re into dessert wines, they’ve got d’Yquem. If I had one word to describe Tao Tao’s offering? Yum.

• Address: 815 Glenferrie Rd, Hawthorn VIC 3122
• Hours: Sun-Thurs 12–3 pm, 5:30–9:30 pm, Fri & Sat 12–3 pm, 5:30–10:30 pm
• Phone: (03) 9818 0968
• What We Like: An authentic Chinese restaurant outside of the city, in Hawthorn.
• Favourite Dishes: Steamed Scallops, Soft Shell Crab and Spicy Quail.

Check out Tao Tao House Tao Tao House Menu Book Tao Tao House

10. Golden Dragon Palace

Golden Dragon Palace in Templestowe has been a favourite for yum cha lovers since the 1980s, and if you’re not a local, it’s worth the visit (it’s only 30 minutes east from the CBD by car).

The trolleys here are fast and efficient, packed with all the yum cha classics you’d expect, like juicy prawn dumplings (har gow), pork and prawn siu mai, and fluffy BBQ pork buns. But if you want to dive into something more substantial, the menu has plenty to impress. The Wuxi Pork Spare Ribs, served in a steaming clay pot, are rich and tender, and the XO Stir-Fried Premium Beef Fillet is packed with flavour. Seafood lovers will want to check out the live lobster or the Braised Abalone with Oyster Sauce.

And don’t skip dessert. There’s everything from Tiramisu to Banana Fritters, but the Mixed Two Asian Flavour Ice Cream (black sesame, green tea, red bean, and vanilla). There’s also a well-curated wine list of over 600 bottles, if you feel like adding a drop of something to your meal.

A heads-up: prices are a bit on the higher side, but I – and other reviewers agree – the quality and service make it worth it.

• Address: 363 Manningham Rd, Templestowe VIC 3107
• Hours: Wed-Mon 11:30 am–10 pm
• Phone: (03) 9852 4087
• What We Like: The efficient service, and consistent quality across the menu.
• Favourite Dishes: Hot chilli wanton, pan-fried beef fillet with XO sauce, and the cold mango pudding.

11. Red Emperor Chinese Restaurant

Red Emperor in Southbank is a go-to for yum cha with a view, sitting right on the edge of the Yarra River. They’ve been around since 1992, and their Southbank location delivers traditional Cantonese flavours in a modern, airy space. There’s also a CBD location if you’re after something a bit more central location too.

The yum cha menu has all the classics alongside a few unique dishes to mix things up. Standouts include the Steamed Prawn and Corn Dumplings, Pan-Fried Shanghai Pork Dumplings, and the XO Chilli Tiger Prawns Siu Mai. If you’re after something a bit different, the Deep-Fried Yam Dumplings are worth a try, and the Baked Sago, Yam, and Custard Pudding is a great way to finish things off​​.

The ambience is polished but not stuffy, and the view of the river and city skyline gives it a little something extra. It’s perfect for a relaxed lunch or a weekend treat, and the staff keep things moving without ever making you feel rushed.

• Address: M10/3 Southgate Ave, Southbank VIC 3006
• Hours: Mon-Fri 12–3 pm, 6–10 pm; Sat 12–3 pm, 5:45–10:30 pm; Sun 11 am–3:30 pm, 6–10 pm
• Phone: (03) 9699 4170
• What We Like: The riverside location, good service, and mix of traditional and modern yum cha dishes
• Favourite Dishes: XO Chilli Tiger Prawns Siu Mai, Pan-Fried Shanghai Pork Dumplings, and Baked Sago, Yam, and Custard Pudding

How Man of Many Chose the Best Yum Cha in Melbourne

With an editorial team full of foodies, Man Of Many has had the unique opportunity to directly sample and experience Yum Cha from the best spots in Melbourne. As expert journalists who guide people between competing products and services, we have provided our independent opinion in formulating Man of Many’s selections. Our editors have taken into account location, service and the quality of food while also making a concerted effort to highlight a few spots outside of the CBD. You can review our editorial policy here surrounding how we maintain our independence in our editorial reviews

Updates to This Article

Update on 7/1/2025: We removed Spice Temple, Din Tai Fung, The Potsticker and Silks (recent visits to these venues were underwhelming, with online reviews agreeing). We added Golden Dragon Palace and Red Emperor Chinese Restaurant. We also updated each venue’s opening hours.

FAQs

What is Yum Cha?

Yum Cha is a Cantonese dining tradition where tea is served alongside small dishes like dumplings, buns, and other small, sharing-sized bites.

How does Yum Cha work?

It’s pretty simple! Trolleys filled with freshly made dishes roll around the restaurant, and you pick whatever looks good. Some places also let you order from a menu.

What’s the best Yum Cha food to order?

If you’re new to Yum Cha, some of the most popular dishes to try include har gow (prawn dumplings), siu mai (pork dumplings), char siu bao (BBQ pork buns), and those famous custard tarts. These classics are a must for any Yum Cha experience.

Is Yum Cha family-friendly?

It can be! It really depends on what your kids like to eat. If your kids are a bit more adventurous with their food, Yum Cha can be a really fun experience. If they like to eat more plain foods, it might be a bit harder to find something they’ll enjoy.

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