I share a special relationship with Yum Cha Restaurant as it’s a place where I had experienced a few first times. The first dim sum buffet I had with the husband. The first meal my husband had with my parents. The first pre-wedding meal between my in-laws and my parents. Time flies but the nostalgic moments remain.
I wouldn’t say Yum Cha serves up the best dim sum in Singapore but in its high tea buffet menu of almost 70 items, at least half of them are above average which are good enough to fill up the tummy of any hungry soul without breaking the bank. This dim sum hi tea buffet priced at S$21.80++ per adult and S$16.80++ per child (below 12 years of age) is only available on weekdays (excluding public holidays) from 3.00pm to 6.00pm.
Assorted Steamed Dim Sum – Pork Ribs with Sour Plum, Squid Ink Dumpling, Beancurd Roll, Phoenix Claw, Prawn Balls with Thai Sauce, Fish Roe Siew Mai and Prawn Dumpling
Steamed and fried dim sum items are placed on traditional carts that move from table to table so you can just order as and when a cart is near. In general, the steamed dim sum are pretty good in quality in terms of its freshness. Every item is served hot in a bamboo steamer basket. Some notable dishes include the Fish Roe Siew Mai that is packed with a crunch from the whole prawns that can be found inside, the Beancurd Roll that comes drenched in a lovely savoury sauce, the Phoenix Claw that is ever so addictive as well as the Steamed Pork Ribs that has a nice subtle flavour of sour plums.
Seafood Dumpling
Deep Fried Wanton & Shrimp Beancurd Roll
If you are a big fan of fried food and don’t mind the grease or oil, then these fried items would probably put a smile on your face. The Prawn & Mango Sesame Fritter is one not to be missed but sadly, it isn’t available this time I’m here. The sweetness of the mango is a great accompaniment to the freshness of the prawns. I had it every time I was here previously and they never disappointed.
The Shrimp Beancurd Roll is probably in my second spot. Crispy beancurd skin with crunchy prawns inside. Dipping this into sweet chilli sauce or mayo just spells bliss.
Pan Fried Chives & Meat Dumplings & Deep Fried Prawn Dumpling
Salted Egg Custard Bun
Unfortunately, the ‘liu sha bao’ doesn’t make its mark. While the custard inside should be a molten liquid that oozes out when you bite into the bun, this is a ‘solidified’ version. The taste is alright, it’s just the texture that disappoints.
Xiao Long Bao
The Xiao Long Bao is not Yum Cha’s signature speciality too. Though every bun is juicy, the broth isn’t one of the best I’ve had. For this, you’d have to place order with the waitress as it’d take a while for it to be served.
Daily Double Boiled Soup – Old Cucumber Pork Rib Soup
I’d never miss out on the double boiled soup whenever I’m here as I love my soups. Flavoursome, non-oily, hot and naturally sweet. Each person is only entitled to one serving of soup.
Cold Beancurd with Seaweed
This is another one of few side dishes that seems a bit more healthy and light on the palates. Nothing spectacular. It’s just plain cold silken tofu with a really starchy sauce.
Baked Mini Egg Tarts
Desserts wise, the mini egg tarts are to die for! I don’t even know how many pieces I’ve had. The layered crust is crispy and fluffy and the egg custard is smooth and not overly sweet. What’s not to like? Each tart is so small that I can just easily pop into my mouth. Absolutely delicious.
If you like the aroma of lemongrass, try their cold Lemongrass Jelly with Fruits too that is really refreshing (and probably aids with digestion too).
Overall, I have my thumbs up for their dim sum as they don’t stinge on ingredients, for example they use whole medium size prawns in their siew mai and har gow. This generous move, however, makes me feel easily sickly of the dim sum because majority have the same type of filling. For the price and variety, I have no complains. Will I return? Of course, whenever I need my dim sum fix. This is it.
Yum Cha Restaurant @ Chinatown
20 Trengganu Street (Off Temple Street)
#02-01
Tel: 6372 1717
Website
Opening hours
11.00am to 11.00pm (Mon-Fri)
9.00am to 11.00pm (Sat, Sun & PH)
Hi Tea Buffet
$21.80++ for adults and $16.80++ for children below 12
3.00pm to 6.00pm (last order at 5.30pm)
Available on weekdays only, excluding public holidays