There are lots of places you can go to yum cha in Hong Kong, but here are our favourite restaurants to drink Chinese tea, eat dim sum, and enjoy traditional Cantonese treats.
While in the west, the best brunches consist of eggs Benedict, waffles, and bacon, here in Hong Kong we do it with dim sum and bottomless tea. We call this iconic ritual of Cantonese brunch yum cha (飲茶), which literally means “drink tea” as traditionally a lot of Chinese tea is involved. Living or visiting Hong Kong won’t be complete without trying the experience, but if you’re still wondering where to go for the really good options, we’ve rounded up the best restaurants for yum cha in Hong Kong. Grab your chopsticks, and get involved.
Where to go to yum cha in Hong Kong
1. Lin Heung Kui
While the famous Lin Heung Lau in Central is sadly now closed, the teahouse’s sibling restaurant, Lin Heung Kui, is still in business over in Sheung Wan. The restaurant gives a fun experience for those who want to sample the old Guangdong-style yum cha – expect traditional dim sum carts and dim sum order forms! While you’re there, be sure to get its Cantonese sponge cake, shrimp dumplings, char siu buns, and siu mai.
Lin Heung Kui, 40-50 Des Voeux Road West, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, p. 2156 9328
2. Chiu Tang
Amid the hustle and bustle of Central, Chiu Tang is humbly serving some delicious yum cha in Hong Kong. The menu is extensive but the dim sum truly shines, with the Classic Steamed “Chiu Chow” Dumplings and Pan-fried “Chiu Chow” Turnip Cakes being the crowd favourites. Expect various dumplings, rolls, and croquettes that will satisfy your palate and fulfil your yum cha craving.
Chiu Tang, 2/F, The Galleria Plaza, 9 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2526 8798
3. Ming Court, Cordis, Hong Kong
For a more sophisticated yum cha experience, head over to Ming Court at Cordis, Hong Kong for a Michelin-starred meal. Expect elegant decor, private dining rooms, and impeccable service. You can’t go wrong with the dim sum selection here, with signatures like the Wellness Dumpling Trio which includes steamed porcini, shrimp, and scallop dumplings. Want to take things up a notch? You can order a wine from the Ming Cellar, which contains over 400 of the world’s finest wines.
Ming Court, L6, Cordis, Hong Kong, 555 Shanghai Street, Mong Kok, Hong Kong, p. 3552 3300
4. Luk Yu Tea House
For a traditional teahouse experience, make sure to drop by Luk Yu Tea House, an elegant and historic venue which has been serving up dim sum since the 1930s. Steeped in colonial decor, Luk Yu transports you to old Hong Kong amidst a bustling atmosphere, with efficient staff clad in crisp white jackets adding to the charm. While the upper floors are reserved for regulars, the ground level welcomes anyone eager to sample skilfully crafted classics. The extensive menu presents a range of time-honoured Cantonese fare, from an array of dumplings to hearty noodle dishes, each prepared with a consistent dedication to flavour. You mustn’t miss the renowned custard tarts, boasting a light and flaky crust that perfectly complements the rich, creamy filling. Top off your meal with a cup of pu’er tea, and you’ll have yourself a thoroughly authentic and satisfying yum cha experience.
Luk Yu Tea House, G/F-3/F, 24 Stanley Street, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2523 5464
5. One Dim Sum
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, so make sure you leave enough room for this local favourite.
One Dim Sum, G/F, 209A-209B Tung Choi Street, Prince Edward, Hong Kong, p. 2677 7888
6. Saam Hui Yaat
Eat dim sum like the locals do at Saam Hui Yaat, a humble yum cha restaurant in Sai Ying Pun with a menu written completely in Chinese. It’s a cosy little establishment, so be prepared to rub shoulders with strangers as you perch on a mix of plastic and wooden stools during the busy hours. This eatery dishes out classic dim sum favourites, including steamed pork buns, succulent steamed prawn dumplings, and tender rice dough-wrapped beef, all accompanied by traditional Chinese teas.
Saam Hui Yaat also features on our guide to best affordable lunches in Sai Ying Pun.
Saam Hui Yaat, 11 Pokfulam Road, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong, p. 2547 3917
7. Dim Dim Sum
A restaurant specialising in dim sum, Dim Dim Sum may be small in size, but it regularly attracts a large crowd, thanks to their delicious dim sum, including shrimp dumplings, custard buns, BBQ pork buns, and more. Another thing we love about this restaurant is that although they are not the most modern, they are well prepared with various menus in Chinese, English, Japanese, and Korean, so tourists won’t have to go through a hard time ordering.
Dim Dim Sum has locations in Mong Kok and Jordan.
8. Maxim’s Palace
One of the most famous spots for yum cha in Hong Kong is Maxim’s Palace. The Guangdong-style dim sum is served the traditional way using trolleys, from which you can choose the dishes you want. Another perk of eating here is that you won’t run out of things to order, as the restaurant has over 100 choices of dim sum to choose from! They have a good vegetarian selection, too, so everyone will be smiling after this.
Maxim’s Palace has multiple locations across Hong Kong.
9. Tim Ho Wan
Opt for the deliciously reliable dim sum at Tim Ho Wan if you’re on the hunt for quality eats at an unbeatable price. This Michelin-starred gem started as a humble spot over a decade ago, charming diners with freshly made-to-order dim sum. Since then, Tim Ho Wan has blossomed and expanded to over 80 locations across Asia and beyond. While the extensive menu sticks to the classics, you can always rely on its flawlessly executed Cantonese dumplings and buns. Our top pick is the crispy and sweet baked barbecue pork buns – the signature dish and an absolute must-try.
Tim Ho Wan has multiple locations across Hong Kong.
10. Dim Sum Square Kitchen
When those mid-day dumpling cravings strike, we suggest you head straight to Dim Sum Square Kitchen. Located in the heart of Sheung Wan, this little spot serves up steaming, made-to-order dim sum without denting your wallet. Here, you’ll find all the classic Cantonese delights such as har gow, crispy spring rolls, and savoury turnip cakes, dished out cafeteria-style. Despite the unpretentious vibe that echoes its neighbourhood roots, the fare at Dim Sum Square Kitchen is nothing short of superb. Be sure to arrive early; the place is no secret among discerning locals, and queues can snake around the block.
Dim Sum Square Kitchen, LG/F, Tern Centre Tower 2, 78 Jervois Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, p. 3521 0868
[This article was originally published in April 2020 and updated in 2024 by Catherine Pun.]