Yum Cha CBD

Yum Cha CBD brings an authentic dim sum and Cantonese dining experience to the heart of Canberra’s Civic district. Located at 32 West Row in the historic Melbourne Building, the restaurant offers a vibrant, fast-paced atmosphere reminiscent of traditional teahouses. The menu spans much more than its namesake yum cha, featuring an extensive selection of steamed, fried, and baked dishes, full-course chef specials, live seafood, and classic Chinese banquet fare.

The restaurant is defined by its commitment to traditional cooking methods and fresh ingredients. From handcrafted har gow and siu mai to specialty dishes like Imperial Pork Rib and Wasabi Beef Steak, each item is prepared with a focus on authentic Cantonese flavors. Yum Cha CBD also provides multiple service options to suit all dining preferences: dine-in, takeaway, and contactless delivery.

Menu Highlights at Yum Cha CBD

The yum cha menu features an array of classic dim sum, including Steamed Prawn Dumplings (har gow), Pork and Prawn Siu Mai, Steamed Dumplings (xiao long bao), Chicken Feet in Black Bean Sauce, and Steamed BBQ Pork Buns. Other popular items are Mini Sticky Rice in Lotus Leaf, Prawn and Chive Dumplings, and Egg Custard Tarts.

Beyond dim sum, the chef specials are a standout. The Wasabi Beef Steak and Stir Fry Diced Wagyu Beef in Black Pepper Sauce highlight premium proteins. The Free Range Chicken with Ginger Sauce (cold) and Imperial Pork Rib bring traditional banquet-style cooking to the table. Seafood dishes like Steamed Barramundi with Ginger and Shallot and XO PiPi Vermicelli showcase fresh Australian product prepared with classic techniques. The restaurant also carries a full selection of live seafood priced by weight, including Lobster, Mud Crab, and Coral Trout.

The Dining Experience

Yum Cha CBD occupies a lively space within the Melbourne Building, a landmark in Civic. The interior reflects the efficient, high-energy style typical of a busy dim sum house, where carts of steaming baskets move between tables during lunch service. The restaurant is suitable for both quick weekday lunches and larger group dinners, with a menu that scales from individual takeaway packs to multi-course banquet offerings.

Service is consistently highlighted across customer feedback as fast and friendly. One Google Maps reviewer described the atmosphere as “lively and efficient,” while another noted the food arrived “very quickly” and the staff were “super friendly.” The business accepts online orders through its foodbooking.com menu page, with a 10% discount available for online pickup orders.

Service Options

• Dine-in: Full table service during lunch and dinner hours.
• Takeaway: Order online for pickup with a 10% discount (excludes lunch box special).
• Contactless Delivery: Available through the online ordering platform.

Customer Reviews & Ratings

Yum Cha CBD holds a 4.1-star rating on Google Maps based on more than 420 reviews. Diners frequently recommend the restaurant for its authentic Cantonese cuisine, generous portion sizes, and value-driven pricing, with many reviewers mentioning a per-person spend between $20 and $40 AUD.

Recurring themes in Google Maps reviews include praise for the quality and authenticity of the dim sum, the prompt service, and the wide variety of dishes available. One reviewer called it “one of the best Cantonese restaurants in Canberra,” while another declared it “by far the best authentic Asian food outside Hong Kong.” The steamed dumplings, duck pancakes, and siu mai are repeatedly singled out as must-try items.

Notable review quotes from Google Maps:
“Das ist mit Abstand das beste authentische asiatische Essen außerhalb Hongkongs! Die Bedienung ist freundlich und aufmerksam. Wir bestellten gedämpfte Teigtaschen und Entenpfannkuchen, die so unglaublich lecker waren...” — Sue Briggs
“Yum Cha CBD bietet ein klassisches kantonesisches Dim-Sum-Erlebnis mitten im Herzen der Stadt und serviert eine große Auswahl an traditionellen gedämpften, frittierten und gebackenen Köstlichkeiten.” — Rod McGuire
“Ich war mit meinen Freundinnen zum Dim Sum essen und meiner Meinung nach ist das eines der besten kantonesischen Restaurants in Canberra.” — me2y chan

Yum Cha CBD in Canberra's Civic

The restaurant occupies a prime position at 32 West Row, housed within the prominent Melbourne Building in the Civic area of Canberra. Civic serves as the central business and entertainment district of the capital, with a dense cluster of offices, shops, and public transport links. The location is easily accessible by car, public buses, and Canberra Light Rail, with several major government and commercial offices within walking distance.

Nearby landmarks include the Canberra Theatre Centre, the Civic Square, and the Australian National University campus just to the north. The Melbourne Building itself is an iconic Canberra address, providing a heritage backdrop to the modern dining experience inside Yum Cha CBD.

Accessibility & Parking

The Melbourne Building offers street-level access, and the restaurant is located within a busy pedestrian-friendly zone. While Google Maps does not explicitly list wheelchair accessibility, the surrounding area is known for its wide footpaths and level access. On-street metered parking and several paid parking structures are available within a short walk, including the nearby Canberra Centre car parks.

Hours, Reservations & Contact

Yum Cha CBD operates on a split-shift schedule typical of Chinese restaurants, closing between lunch and dinner service. Based on information available through Google Maps, the restaurant is open from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM and again from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM. It is best to call ahead to confirm hours on public holidays or during seasonal closures.

Contact details and booking options:
Phone: +61 2 6262 6322
Online Ordering: Available through the foodbooking.com menu page for both pickup and delivery.
Reservations: Contact the restaurant directly by phone to inquire about table bookings, especially for larger groups or special occasions. Online reservations are not available through the current ordering platform.

Common Questions

Does Yum Cha CBD offer takeaway and delivery?

Yes, Yum Cha CBD provides both takeaway and contactless delivery. Online orders can be placed via their foodbooking.com menu page. Takeaway orders placed online currently receive a 10% discount (excluding lunch box specials).

What are Yum Cha CBD’s opening hours?

Yum Cha CBD is open from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Hours may vary on public holidays; contact the restaurant directly to confirm.

Does Yum Cha CBD accept credit cards?

Payment methods accepted are not explicitly stated in the available sources. Contact the restaurant directly to confirm whether they accept credit or debit cards.

What is the price range at Yum Cha CBD?

According to feedback from 127 users on Google Maps, the typical spend is between $20 and $40 AUD per person. The menu offers a wide range of dishes from small dim sum plates to premium live seafood priced by weight, so the final bill varies depending on the order.

Is Yum Cha CBD good for groups?

Yes, the restaurant’s extensive menu, banquet-style dishes, and lively atmosphere make it a popular choice for group dining and family gatherings. Contact the restaurant to inquire about large group reservations and any special set menus.

Does Yum Cha CBD have vegetarian options?

The menu includes multiple vegetarian dishes, such as Vegetarian Spring Rolls, Mixed Vegetable Stir Fry, Fried Bean Curd Hot Pot, and Vegetarian Fried Rice. Several items are marked with a (V) or (Vegan) label on the official menu, and some dishes indicate vegetarian options are available upon request.

When comparing Chinese restaurants in Canberra’s CBD, the combination of authentic dim sum, premium seafood, and a convenient Civic location makes Yum Cha CBD a standout choice. Ilistify makes it easy to explore local businesses like this to find the right fit for your next meal.