Top 10 Yum Cha Favourites to Enjoy
If you’ve ever sat down at a yum cha table in Australia and felt that brief rush of excitement (mixed with mild panic!) when the trolleys start rolling past, you’re not alone. Yum cha is all about flavour, comfort, nostalgia and sharing great food with the people you love – so knowing what to order at yum cha can make the whole experience even better.
Whether you’re chasing the best yum cha dishes, exploring new favourites, or simply reliving childhood classics, here are 10 staples that have earned their place on tables across Melbourne and beyond. And the best part? Many of these favourites are exactly what we craft fresh and delicious every day at House of Yum Cha.
Siu Mai (Pork & Prawn Dumplings)
If there’s one dish that defines yum cha, it’s siu mai. Juicy, savoury, delicately seasoned and beautifully open-topped, these iconic dumplings are often the first thing people reach for. At House of Yum Cha, our Pork & Prawn Siu Mai are made with quality ingredients to ensure that satisfying bite every single time.
Har Gow (Prawn Dumplings)
Translucent wrapper. Plump prawn filling. Subtle sweetness with a delicate chew. Har gow are the elegant hero of yum cha dining and a must-have for anyone searching for the best yum cha Melbourne has to offer. When steamed properly, they’re glossy, tender and unbelievably moreish… exactly how we like to make them.
Gyoza
While not traditionally part of classic Cantonese yum cha, gyoza have earned their place at the modern table thanks to their versatility and flavour. Lightly crisped on one side with a juicy filling inside, they bring a little texture and contrast to the spread. They’re also an easy crowd-pleaser, loved by kids, first-time yum cha diners and seasoned regulars alike.
BBQ Pork Buns
Soft, fluffy and filled with sweet, savoury barbecue pork – this is comfort food at its finest. BBQ pork buns are the sort of dish you order “for the table” and then quietly wish you didn’t have to share. They’re warm, satisfying and universally loved, which is why they remain one of the most popular picks for anyone wondering what to order at yum cha.
Spring Rolls
Crispy, golden and packed with flavour, spring rolls bring crunch to the table. They’re perfect as a starter, perfect as a side, and honestly perfect as a “just one more” at the end of the meal. Whether filled with chicken, prawns or vegetables, they’re one of those best yum cha dishes that always disappear fast.
Prawn Toast
There’s something incredibly nostalgic about prawn toast. Crunchy on the outside, soft inside, and full of savoury prawn flavour – it’s a guaranteed favourite. It also makes a great introduction for anyone new to yum cha, offering familiar textures with that unmistakable Asian-inspired taste.
Prawn & Chive Dumplings
For dumpling lovers who want something a little more aromatic, prawn and chive dumplings deliver beautifully. The fresh chive cuts through the richness, giving you a balanced, fragrant bite (this is one of those dishes that quietly becomes a personal favourite once you try it).
Vegetarian Dumplings
Yum cha isn’t just for meat lovers – there are some incredible vegetarian options that deserve attention. A well-made vegetarian dumpling should be full of flavour, not just filler. Think rich mushrooms, fresh greens, balanced seasoning and satisfying texture. Vegetarian diners shouldn’t have to compromise, and we make sure they don’t.
Bao Buns
Soft, pillowy bao buns bring something a little bit playful to yum cha dining. Whether filled with savoury meats or enjoyed simply steamed, they’re a modern favourite that have become an essential part of the spread. They’re fun, filling and always appreciated when they hit the table.
Sweet Buns & Dessert Dim Sum
Yum cha isn’t truly complete without something sweet. From creamy custard buns to indulgent salted egg yolk buns, these little treats bring the experience to a warm and satisfying finish. They’re rich, comforting and often the unexpected highlight of the meal.
Bringing the yum cha experience beyond the restaurant
Yum cha is one of those dining traditions that feels both special and familiar at the same time. It reminds us of family gatherings, weekend rituals and the joy of sharing food that’s made with care. That’s exactly what we’re passionate about at House of Yum Cha.
We specialise in creating high-quality dumplings, baos, spring rolls and yum cha classics that are hand-crafted, made in Melbourne and designed to deliver that authentic taste every time. Whether you’re a restaurant looking for premium wholesale yum cha products, a venue wanting to expand your menu, or an event organiser seeking catering that recreates the feeling of the best yum cha Melbourne-style dining experience… we’re here to help.
Our range is created for chefs, café owners, restaurateurs and hospitality professionals who care about consistency, flavour and quality. We also work closely with venues to help shape menus, provide samples, and ensure your customers fall in love with every bite.
If you’re ready to serve some of the best yum cha dishes in town, get in touch with the House of Yum Cha team. Let’s bring authentic, mouth-watering yum cha to more tables across Australia.
