The Five Best Spots for Yum Cha in Auckland
From trays of classic dim sum to pork ribs and egg tarts — here's where to experience the city's best Cantonese brunches.
While most people brunch on eggs, toast and coffee most weekends, few might also have yum cha as a weekend favourite. It is, in fact, the Cantonese take on brunch, where little morsels of steamed, fried or baked delicacies are served from late morning all the way until 3 or 4pm — it is the perfect breakfast or long lunch for the whole family. Traditionally, eating dim sum together means more than just an opportunity to socialise — it is also about connecting with family members and connecting to Chinese culture.
ASIAN WOK
Up first we have Asian Wok and it's probably the best yet underrated yum cha place in Auckland. While the limelight seems to always be on the more prominent restaurants based in city, this North Shore gem is well known amongst the Chinese community on the Shore. It's packed from the time it opens until close on the weekends. Not only do they serve up classic dim sum trays such as prawn dumplings, pork ribs and pork buns, but they also innovate and trial out new items such as the tempura prawn rice roll and Portuguese egg tarts. Asian Wok is a must try, and if you are not based on the North Shore, it's worth the journey.
3 Bute Road, Browns Bay.
LUCKY FORTUNE
Lucky Fortune used to be a favourite when I worked in the area. It's popular for lunch almost every day rather than just the weekends. It's super spacious and you can't help but order more than you want when the kitchen keeps pumping out carts and carts of freshly steamed buns and dumplings that tempt you. You'll also find yourself salivating over the durian pastries, which may sound odd but are definitely worth a try.
532 Mount Albert Road, Three Kings.
STAR CAFE SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
Another gem on the Shore, Star Café is one of the oldest Chinese restaurants that is known for its great seafood and yum cha. They are known for their durian or ice cream mocha balls as dessert or gold yolk custard buns. They also have two floors and can provide a more private dining area for those who don't like the hustle.
17C Link Drive, Wairau Valley.
GRAND HARBOUR
Grand Harbour restaurant is probably one of the most acclaimed Chinese restaurants in Auckland. It's a spacious establishment that is buzzing all day long. It specialises in Chinese duck and a range of seafood by night and Hong Kong style dim sum by day. Their sister restaurant Grand Park in Greenlane is also wild popular. Grand Harbour has a range of speciality dishes including the seafood shiu mai with scallops instead of pork, a range of pastries and Chinese congee. Being one of the few yum cha establishments in town, it is favoured by families and business patrons alike. I would recommend that you book before you go.
28 Customs Street West, Auckland CBD.
HAK KA HUT
While the city might be where Cantonese restaurants are traditionally clustered, North Shore residents will be pleased to see an array of Chinese restaurants popping up serving delicious Chinese cuisine. Hak Ka Hut serves hearty dim sum that satisfies the palates of even the pickiest. They are the early adopters of overseas sensations such as the piggy custard bun as well as the hedgehog red bean buns. Hak Ka Hut is not very spacious so if you come as a pair or three people during their peak hour, be prepared to share a large revolving table with other small parties. But hey, it's probably part of the experience, so enjoy.
2 William Pickering Drive, Rosedale.
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