Yum cha, literally translated to "drinking tea" in Cantonese, is what Hong Kongers call the ritual of going for dim sum. The practice hails fromthe Guangdong province - combining Chinese tea and brunch and is a quintessential part of Hong Kong dining culture.

 

Traditionally, yum cha is done during early afternoon or morning, in the company of friends and family at a local diner or tea house. For most Hong-Kongers, dim sum equates to comfort food. Char siu buns in bamboo steamers, freshly brewed pu-erh tea, steamed shrimp and chive flour rollsー Hong Kong yum cha scene is a diverse world out there!

 

Here, we give you 8 specially selected restaurants for dim sum in Central, Hong Kong’s busiest neighbourhood.

 

City Hall Maxim’s Palace 美心皇宮

A Hong Kong Classic Dim Sum Restaurant 

 

You simply can not go wrong with Maxim’s Palace. Located in City Hall in Central, Maxim’s Palace is the go-to option for many local Hong Kongers and tourists alike.

 

Enjoy a gastronomic spectacle, as trolleys filled with freshly fried snacks get pushed around. Sample local favourites like steamed pork and crab roe dumpling or steamed chicken’s feet with black bean sauce.

 

Expect some waiting time, because this place gets packed, especially on weekends! 

 

Price: $$ - $$$

City Hall Maxim's Palace, 2/F Low Block, City Hall, Central, maximschinese.com.hk, 25211303

 

 

Yum Cha 飲茶

A Modern, Fun and Whimsical Take on Yum Cha 

 

Turn your flash on and get your Instagram filters ready because Yum Cha is going to be the picture-perfect lunch spot on Des Voeux Road, Central.

 

Their fusion, modern take on classic dim sum offers some playful bites that will be rememberedー its iconic cuddly and cute “vomiting” custard buns that resemble caricatures, delectable piglet inspired char siu baos, or their doggy sausage rolls. 

 

Price: $$ - $$$

Yum Cha, 2/F, Nan Fung Place, 173 Des Voeux Road Central, yumchahk.com, 3708 8081

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Lin Heung Teahouse 蓮香樓

An 80-year-old Institution with Authentic Delicacies

 

Evoke an old-school charm and go back in time at Lin Heung Teahouse. Situated on Wellington Street, Central, this 80-year-old institution serves classic dim sum and quality teas. You’ll find some of the best lunch deals here, with no additional service charge and dishes like soy sauce chicken and fried rice noodle “sing chow” style are just under $100.

 

You’ll love the authentic vibe here, with authentic China, bamboo steamers and a true Hong Kong dim sum diner experience. 

 

Price: $
Lin Heung Tea House, 160-164 Wellington Street, Central, 2544 4556

 

Duddell’s 都爹利會館

A Glamorous, Michelin-starred fusion experience

 

Looking for a glammed up affair or the best place for business lunch in Central? Head over to Duddell’s, an art exhibition venue slash Chinese fusion restaurant that’s been awarded a Michelin-star.

 

From the plush Art Deco decor, to the personable service, there’s nothing not to love at Duddell’s. Prices here are a tad expensive but you’ll expect the best of the best from foie gras dumplings with coriander to a Western take on a shrimp rollー Duddell’s rice roll with barbecued ibérico pork, fungus and shrimp. 

 

Price: $$$

Duddell's, 3-4/F, Shanghai Tang Mansion, 1 Duddell Street, Central, duddells.co, 2525 9191

 

Dragon-i

Central nightclub for the best Dim Sum Brunch 

 

You’d be surprised to know that Dragon-i, a chic and hot nightclub also serves some of the best dim sum in Central!

 

Try their all-you-can-eat dim sum selection or maybe opt for a la carte, with their vegetarian and new Omnipork options. We love their steamed spinach dumplings, or a more decadent steamed pork and scallop dumplings with black truffle. 

 

Price: $$ - $$$

Dragon-i, UG/F, The Centrium, 60 Wyndham Street, Central, dragon-i.com.hk, 3110 1222

 

Tim Ho Wan 添好運

Affordable Michelin-Starred Dim Sum in Central 

 

A great cheap eat all throughout the city is Tim Ho Wan. Packed with business workers and tourists, you’ll find an authentic Hong Kong yum cha experience here, at the most affordable Michelin-starred restaurant in the world. 

 

From steamed eggplant stuffed with meat and shrimp to deep-fried bean curd sheet roll with shrimps, don’t expect to spend more than $100 per person at Tim Ho Wan!

 

Price: $

Tim Ho Wan (Central), Shop 12A-12B, Hong Kong Station Podium Level 1, IFC Mall, Central, timhowan.com, 2332 3078

 

Social Place 唐宮小聚 

Yum cha with a chic flair 

 

Take your friends and colleagues to Social Place for an exciting yum cha experience in the Central District. It’s a unique place specializing in contemporary Chinese cuisine with an artistically Western flair.

 

Steamed Rose shaped Floret Bun? Or how about their lavish, gold laced Charcoal Custard Buns? Maybe some vegetarian Truffle Shiitake Buns? Splurge for a special occasion and enjoy this contemporary rendition of yum cha! 

 

Price: $$ - $$$

Social Place, 2/F, The L Place, 139 Queen’s Road Central, socialplace.hk, 3568 9666

 

Mott 32 卅二公館

The most luxurious dim sum dining

 

Escape the clamour of traditional yum cha parlours, go for dim sum in a sleek basement at Mott 32. The place was awarded the ‘World Interior of the Year’ in 2014  and Foodie Forks Awards’ Best Restaurant in 2017.

 

The interior is for sure luxurious, with its dimly lit and moody space. Take note that there’s a smart casual dress code! Sample a unique kurobuta, soft boiled quail egg and black truffle siu mai or their iconic Apple wood roasted 42-days Peking duck. 

 

Price: $$$

Mott 32, Standard Chartered Bank Building, 4-4A Des Voeux Road Central, mott32.com, 2885 8688

 

^{Note:  This article was first published in April 2018. It was last updated by Ching Lam Ip (Programme & Marketing Lead, Garage Society) in April 2022.}

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Looking beyond yum cha in Central?

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Not just looking for the perfect lunch spot for your team? Whether you're a startup, small business or corporate we have flexible office solutions for you in Wan Chai and Sheung Wan! Get in touch to learn more about workspaces at Garage Society!