Complete with quality tea, traditional dim sum, and friendly vibes, these are our fave neighbourhood restaurants for yum cha in Hong Kong.
Sometimes we crave for brunches complete with eggs, avo toasts, waffles, bacon – the works! But, when the itch for yum cha (飲茶; “drink tea”) hits, we get an insatiable appetite for all kinds of dim sum with a pot of hot Chinese tea. With a smorgasbord of premium restaurants, local teahouses, and neighbourhood gems to pick from, it’s hard to lock down a list of favourite locations. But, here’s my best attempt, filled with spots I keep returning to with friends and family for yum cha in Hong Kong!
Where to go yum cha in Hong Kong for all your dim sum needs
All-you-can-eat options
First things first, let me share a secret with you: when I organize yum cha with friends with big appetites, I always choose restaurants that offer all-you-can-eat menus. From affordable to refined, I’ve handpicked a range of save to splurge options to make sure anyone can eat to their heart’s content. Say goodbye to fighting over a steamer of cha siu bao, everyone can get their own steamer at these awesome places!
Historic spots and neighbourhood gems for an authentic yum cha experience
1. Luk Yu Tea House
For a traditional teahouse experience, I recommend Luk Yu Tea House – an elegant venue with rich history that’s been serving traditional dim sum since the 1930s. Steeped in colonial architecture and decor, Luk Yu transports you to old Hong Kong amid a bustling atmosphere, where efficient staff clad in crisp white uniforms add to the restaurant’s nostalgic charm. The extensive menu presents a range of time-honoured Cantonese fare, from dumplings to hearty noodle dishes. I recommend ordering the popular custard tarts, which boasts a light and flaky crust that perfectly complements the rich, creamy filling.
Must-try items: Pork Liver Siu Mai, Fried Fun Gwor with Soup, Chicken Bun
How much: Items from $66
Opening hours: 7am – 10pm every day
Phone number: 2523 5464
Address: Luk Yu Tea House, G/F – 3/F, 24 Stanley Street, Central, Hong Kong
2. Lin Heung Lau
After a brief hiatus in 2022, historic dim sum brand Lin Heung Lau has returned to Hong Kong’s yum cha scene stronger than ever. Not only has its iconic Central location reopened for locals and tourists, but the heritage brand has expanded its footprints to Kowloon with a new branch in Tsim Sha Tsui. While the Central location continues to serve with nostalgic dim sum trolleys, you’d get your share of dim sum at a self-help counter at the new restaurant. What’s got me most excited is the 24-hour operation at the TST outpost – on top of all the late-night spots I frequent after a night out, I can now add Lin Heung Lau dim sums to the list!
Must-try items: Fermented Bean Curd Roasted Pork Roll, Extra Large Chicken Meatball Bun, Hog Maw Siu Mai, Sesame Paste Bun
How much: From $25 per item (Central). From $25 per item, $48 for all items from 5pm – 4am (TST).
Opening hours: 6am – 4pm (lunch), 6:30 – 10:30pm (dinner) in Central. 24 hours in Tsim Sha Tsui
Address: Lin Heung Lau has locations in Central and Tsim Sha Tsui.
3. Duen Kee Chinese Restaurant
Trust us when we tell you this yum cha restaurant is well worth your journey. Tucked away in the quiet Chuen Lung Village in Tsuen Wan, Duen Kee Chinese Restaurant (aka Tuen Kee) is not only a favourite among local residents, but is also specially sought-after by gourmands far and wide. All items on the menu are handmade by experienced chefs, with popular and vintage dim sum dishes taking centre stage. While you can cab or drive here, I think dining at Duen Kee is an experience best explored after a rejuvenating hike through Tai Mo Shan.
Must-try items: Silver Needle Noodles, Chicken Meatball Buns, Handmade Chinese Fevervine Sticky Rice Balls
How much: From $18 per item
Opening hours: Tue – Sun, 6am – 2pm
Phone number: 2490 5246
Address: Duen Kee Chinese Restaurant, G/F, 57 – 58 Chuen Lung Estate, Route Twisk, Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong
4. One Dim Sum (Prince Edward)
Located in Prince Edward, One Dim Sum is a Michelin-starred eatery that offers a great variety of dim sum. Expect the classic dishes like shrimp dumplings, pork dumplings, rice sheet rolls, steamed buns, and many more. A visit to One Dim Sum will not be complete without getting its popular perfectly textured roast pork buns. While One Dim Sum has opened a new branch in Central, I think the original Prince Edward location is still the top-tier for experiencing the neighbourly atmosphere of going yum cha in Hong Kong.
Must-try items: Crab Roe Siu Mai, Beef Meatballs, Sweet Egg Twists
How much: From $21 per item
Opening hours: Mon – Fri, 9:30am – 11pm; Sat – Sun, 8:30am – 11pm
Phone number: 2677 7888
Address: One Dim Sum (Prince Edward), G/F, 209A – 209B Tung Choi Street, Prince Edward, Hong Kong
5. SC Cuisine
This Chinese restaurant serves a combination of traditional dim sums as well as reinvented classics. One of my favourite things about this restaurant is the atmosphere – it’s always bustling with chatter, the clinking of ceramics as diners dig into fresh hot dim sum, and the occasional yells and shouts between waiters and kitchen staff (all friendly, of course). Nothing like some homely and teahouse vibes to complete your yum cha experience in Hong Kong!
Must-try items: Siu Mai with Black Truffle and Shrimp, Chicken Buns with Mushrooms, Crispy Milk Curd
How much: From $18 per item
Opening hours: 7am – 4pm (breakfast and lunch), 6 – 10pm (dinner) every day
Address: SC Cuisine has multiple locations across Hong Kong.
6. Old Fung Tea House
Although relatively young to Hong Kong’s yum cha scene, Old Fung Tea House has won over the hearts of many with its nostalgic flavours, retro decor, and vintage furnishings. A testament to its popularity among locals, Old Fung has several branches in residential areas like Yuen Long, Tsuen Wan, and Tai Po. I love that this teahouse strives to maintain the friendly ambience that yum cha culture represents while serving a menu of classics.
Must-try items: Quail Egg Siu Mai, Traditional Beef Balls, Steamed Layered Cakes
How much: From $25 per item
Opening hours: 8am – 10pm every day (Yuen Long, Tsuen Wan), 8am – 10:30pm every day (Mong Kok), 7:30am – 10pm every day (Tai Po)
Address: Old Fung Tea House has locations across Kowloon and the New Territories.
7. Sun Keung Kei Golden Goose Seafood Restaurant
If you ever find yourself in Tai Wai, Sun Keung Kei is a great place to go yum cha. This friendly local teahouse is no stranger to the residents in the area. So, expect to be immersed in neighbourhood gossip as you sip on your cup of tea. While Sun Keung Kee crafts quality dim sum that captures traditional flavours alongside innovative recipes, the most popular item is its signature Chicken Congee. If you think this is your usual savoury rice porridge, think again! Each bite is rich and flavourful, and is ideal for a hearty breakfast that will keep you fuelled ‘till lunch time.
Must-try items: Sun Keung Kei Chicken Congee, Siu Mai, Char Siu Bao
How much: From $17 per item
Opening hours: 8am – 3:45pm (breakfast and lunch), 5:30 – 11pm (dinner) every day
Phone number: 2613 8208
Address: Sun Keung Kei Golden Goose Seafood Restaurant, Shop 47 – 50, G/F, Holford Garden Shopping Centre, 2 – 8 Chik Wan Street, Tai Wai, Hong Kong
8. Dim Sum Square Kitchen
Despite its dim sum offerings teetering more towards the innovative side, Dim Sum Here’s Temple Street branch retains a lively and friendly atmosphere you’ll see in many neighbourhood yum cha destinations. Prices are just as friendly here, and you can easily fill up on nostalgic faves and delicious innovations. Just don’t mind the casual nature and sometimes rowdy crowd at the restaurant as you make your way to a dim sum trolley – it’s all part of the experience!
Must-try items: Quail Egg Siu Mai, Deep-fried Shrimp Dumplings, Cantonese-style Steamed Sponge Cake
How much: From $23 per item
Opening hours: 7:30am – 10:30pm every day
Phone number: 5423 7079
Address: Dim Sum Here (Temple Street), Shop 6-8, G/F, Wah Chi Mansion, 286-298 Temple Street, Jordan, Hong Kong
Did I miss your favourite? DM @honeycombershk on Instagram or drop me an email at celia.lee@thehoneycombers.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it necessary to make reservations for yum cha, especially at popular spots or during peak hours?
Yes, especially for popular yum cha restaurants and during peak times like weekend mornings and public holidays, making a reservation in advance is highly recommended at restaurants that take reservations.
What is the typical price range for a yum cha meal in Hong Kong?
The price for a yum cha meal can vary significantly depending on the restaurant's prestige and the number of dishes ordered. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from HK$150 to HK$300+ per person for a satisfying meal, including dim sum and tea. Some high-end establishments will be more expensive.
What are some common dim sum dishes I should try, and how do I order them?
Essential dim sum dishes include steamed delights like har gow (shrimp dumplings), siu mai (pork and shrimp dumplings), char siu bao (BBQ pork buns), and cheung fun (rice noodle rolls). Popular fried items include spring rolls and wu gok (taro puffs). You typically order by marking quantities on a paper menu, or at more traditional spots, by selecting dishes from passing trolleys.
