Sunday brunch has become somewhat of a weekend ritual for many people as it's a great way to catch up with friends, eat, relax, and as an added bonus you get a sleep in. Why not change it up and swap the scrambled eggs, focaccias and lattes for the Asian tradition known as
yum cha.
The term
yum cha when translated literally from Cantonese means, "drink tea." In Australia yum cha is a dining experience that takes place between approximately 11am – 2pm and involves the serving of a variety of small Chinese dishes accompanied by drinking Chinese tea.
Ordering is different to the way most of us are accustomed. Typically there are no menus, instead a trolley comes past your table and you pick and choose to your fancy. Each time you select items off the trolley, the waiter records your choices and will tally up the total cost at the end.
There are many choices available, dishes are usually either steamed or fried, the majority contain meat, and can be either sweet or savoury. Steamed dumplings are the most popular
yum cha dish and are available in a variety of fillings. The more daring foodies should take advantage of the more exotic items that are sure to be available.
There are a number of restaurants in Melbourne that serve
yum cha, here are a few recommendations:
Red Emperor Restaurant - 2 Southgate, Arts & Leisure Precinct. Southbank VIC 3006. Ph (03) 9699 4170. Set on the banks of the Yarra with idyllic views of the city, the Red Emperor is a good spot for a special occasion and has a reputation of serving some of the best yum cha in the CBD.
Shark Fin House - 131 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne VIC 3000. Ph (03) 9663 1555. Shark Fin House is located in the heart of Melbourne's Chinatown and has become somewhat of an institution. This three-story restaurant is always bustling so make sure you book ahead.
Tai Pan – 239 Blackburn Road, Doncaster East, VIC 3109. Ph (03) 9841 9977. Definitely worth the hike out to the eastern suburbs and has been operating for almost twenty years. Vegetarians aren't forgotten at this restaurant as many dishes are available.
Don't forget that it is customary to fill the teacups of your companions before you fill your own and the use of toothpicks between meals is perfectly acceptable as it is believed that the aftertaste of one course should not taint the following course.
