Complete with quality tea, traditional dim sum, and friendly vibes, these are our fave neighbourhood restaurants for yum cha in Hong Kong.
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 Cantonese brunch yum cha (飲茶), which translates to “drink tea”, since that is the main objective: to catch up with neighbours and friends over a nice pot of Chinese tea. Partake in this iconic weekly ritual by joining us as we discover the best places to go yum cha in Hong Kong!
Where to go yum cha in Hong Kong for all your dim sum needs
1. Lin Heung Lau
Everyone in Hong Kong was devastated when Lin Heung Lau closed its doors in 2022. Luckily, the historical dim sum restaurant soon reopened for locals and tourists to experience the traditional yum cha experience in Hong Kong at its original location in Central. Try out nostalgic dim sum like Fermented Bean Curd Roasted Pork Roll, the extra large Chicken Meatball Bun, Hog Maw Siu Mai, and Sesame Paste Bun during your visit.
Lin Heung Lau, 160 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2116 0670
2. 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 yum cha experience.
Luk Yu Tea House, G/F-3/F, 24 Stanley Street, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2523 5464
3. 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. While One Dim Sum has opened a new branch in Central, we think the original Prince Edward restaurant is still the best for experiencing the neighbourly atmosphere of going yum cha in Hong Kong.
One Dim Sum, G/F, 209A-209B Tung Choi Street, Prince Edward, Hong Kong, p. 2677 7888
4. Saam Hui Yaat
Eat dim sum like the locals do at Saam Hui Yaat. This is a humble yum cha restaurant perfect for lunch in Sai Ying Pun. 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 peak hours. This eatery dishes out classic dim sum favourites. These include steamed pork buns, succulent steamed prawn dumplings, and tender rice dough-wrapped beef. Psst – you may need to order in Cantonese here Saam Hui Yaat, but don’t be shy! Finally, feel free to strike up a conversation with your fellow daap toi patrons or those seated on the next table – that’s what yum cha in Hong Kong is all about!
Saam Hui Yaat, 11 Pok Fu Lam Road, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong, p. 2547 3917
5. Dim Sum Here (Temple Street)
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 delicious items. Must-trys incude Quail Egg Siu Mai, Deep-fried Shrimp Dumplings, and Cantonese-style Steamed Sponge Cake from the dim sum cart.
Dim Sum Here (Temple Street), Shop 6-8, G/F, Wah Chi Mansion, 286-298 Temple Street, Jordan, Hong Kong, p. 5423 7079
6. Log Ye Dim Sum
If you want to experience the intimacy of a yum cha experience without sitting shoulder to shoulder with strangers, then Log Ye Dim Sum is the ideal place for you. This neighbourhood eatery in Tsim Sha Tsui has a bright and spacious dining room. Complete with a diverse menu of innovative and traditional dim sum, what’s not to love?
Log Ye Dim Sum, Shop C, G/F, Hanyee Building, 19-21 Hankow Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, p. 2336 8939
7. Sun Keung Kei Golden Goose Seafood Restaurant
If you ever find yourself in Tai Wai, then Sun Keung Kei is a great place to go yum cha. This friendly local eatery is no stranger to the residents in the area. So, you can expect yourself to be immersed in neighbourhood gossip as you sip on your cup of Chinese tea. The most popular item is also its signature: Sun Keung Kei Chicken Congee. In the mood for something lighter and more refreshing? You can’t go wrong with classics like Siu Mai, Har Gao, and Char Siu Bao.
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, p. 2613 8208
8. 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. Think har gow, crispy spring rolls, and savoury turnip cakes, dished out cafeteria-style. Despite its unpretentious vibe, 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
9. SC Cuisine
This Chinese restaurant serves a combination of traditional treats as well as reinvented classics. If you’re visiting SC Cuisine for lunch, do give its dim sum a try! We love the Siu Mai with Black Truffle and Shrimp, Chicken Buns with Mushrooms, and Crispy Milk Curd. One of our fave things about SC Cuisine is that it’s alway 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!
SC Cuisine has multiple locations across Hong Kong.
10. Old Fung Tea House
Although a relatively new addition to the scene for going yum cha in Hong Kong, Old Fung Tea House has won over the hearts of many. With several branches in residential areas like Yuen Long, Tsuen Wan, and Tai Po, Old Fung strives to maintain the friendly ambience that yum cha culture represents. You’ll find retro decor, crockery, and furnishings in Old Fung. As for dim sum, the Quail Egg Siu Mai, Traditional Beef Balls, and Steamed Layered Cakes are some of the must-haves.
Old Fung Tea House has locations across Kowloon and the New Territories.
[This article was originally published in April 2020 and updated in 2024 by Celia Lee.]
