Divine Dim Sum: Where to Find the Best Yum Cha in Adelaide

Translating to ‘drink tea,’ Yum Cha is a Cantonese tradition of enjoying steaming plates of dim sum, washed down with cups of hot Jasmine tea.

Originally intended to be enjoyed at brunch or after exercise, we have embraced the tasty tradition here in Adelaide and made it acceptable for nearly any time of the day. The delightful combination of steaming baskets filled with mouthwatering dumplings, fragrant pots of tea, and an atmosphere buzzing with laughter and chatter is a feast for all the senses.

Tantalise your taste buds and satisfy your dumpling desires as we take you on a tasty tour of the best Yum Cha in Adelaide, from hidden gems to longstanding favorites – there's even Yum Cha for vegans.

Citi Zen

Serving traditional Cantonese food since 2002, Citi Zen has firmly cemented themselves as one of the longest-standing and best Yum Cha restaurants in Adelaide, with regulars visiting the venue time and time again for their dim sum fix at lunch time. With two lunch sessions on weekends to feed the masses, Citi Zen’s Yum Cha menu has all the favourites from pork and spinach or pork and chive dumplings, fried prawn rolls and Singapore noodles. Finish with tea and something sweet (we can’t say no to a custard bun) for the tastiest lunch out.

401 King William Street, Adelaide

Shanghai Tea House

Shanghai Tea House is the place to go to enjoy all-day yum cha and premium teas that have been imported from China. Their menu is incredibly impressive, with lists upon lists of small dishes to try. Whether you're craving dim sum, dumplings, spring rolls, chicken or duck, Shanghai Tea House has a plethora of options to pick from - you'll be rolling out the door. But that's what we want from the best yum cha in Adelaide, right?

Shop 21/171 Glynburn Road, Firle

Chef Dong

Take the hungry crew to the leafy suburb of St. Peters for a premium Yum Cha lunch to remember. Chef Dong chooses to pay homage to his Chinese heritage, crafting a menu that highlights traditional dishes he enjoyed with family in his earlier years.  Chinese herbal tea provides the perfect pairing to your food, where you can choose from lobster and abalone, classic dumplings and steamed dim sum, skewers and spring rolls. And great news - the ingredients used are fresh and loaded with flavour, with no extra MSG or salt needed to make these dishes stand out – so you won’t leave with that thirsty feeling!

3/103 Payneham Road, St Peters

Zenhouse

A Yum Cha a menu catered exclusively to vegans and vegetarians awaits at Zenhouse. The plant-based lunch or dinner Yum Cha offering does not lack in flavour, with the venue's sustainable approach to eating full of zest and spice. The freshest produce is used to create standout dishes from steamed mini buns and stuffed tofu to roasted mock duck and loaded fried rice. Proud of their heritage, there is a range of premium Chinese teas available with all meals, and the knowledgeable staff will take you on a tea journey to get the most out of your dining experience.

462 Port Road, West Hindmarsh

House of Chow Restaurant

Come for the exquisite food, stay for the laidback vibes and mammoth fish tank at this award-winning venue. Building up a reputation over the years as a go-to destination for quality Asian cuisine as well as amazing service, House of Chow has everything one could need for a selection of premium Yum Cha. Open for more than 30 years, this Adelaide establishment has perfected their offering, from a la carte and coeliac friendly menus, to generous banquets with hot pots, soup, sizzling beef and fried rice starting from $58pp that will have you rolling out of there.

82 Hutt Street, Adelaide

Ding Hao

Pop in for the daily Yum Cha lunch at Ding Hao, a venue boasting a relaxed atmosphere for more casual dining. Its central location makes this a regular stop-in for the weekday city folk, with hot pots, soup and share plates easy to enjoy in less than an hour, with friendly and efficient service. The menu caters to most dietaries, including vegetarian and vegan, and maintains traditional dishes with the freshest ingredients. To make it a little extra special, dine in on the Peking duck – a complete meal for two with succulent duck wrapped in thin pancakes with shredded cucumber, plus duck soup and stir-fried noodles with veggies and duck meat.

36 Wright Street, Adelaide

Wah Hing Restaurant

Sporting a new look following a renovation, Wah Hing Restaurant has created a modern dining space paired with a proudly traditional Chinese menu. For lunch, keep it light with vermicelli noodles, fried rice or zesty soups. For dinner, indulge in something a little more premium from soft shell crab, crispy trao duck or fresh South Australian king prawns. There is also a rather impressive wine and beverage list showcasing some fab SA varieties - we’ll cheers to that!

85 Gouger Street, Adelaide

Has our list of the best Yum Cha in Adelaide got you in the mood for a weekend of food? Why not continue your culinary journey and discover more delightful flavours of Asia with the best Vietnamese in Adelaide, or perhaps the best Thai?