Dim Sum, more appropriately known as small portions of Chinese delicacies, is probably the proud signature cuisine of the Chinese culture. Whilst the menu offers a great range of petite delicacies, Yum Cha takes this to another level by offering dim sum buffet to any dim sum lover.

• The Vibe
  Housed on the second level of an old shophouse in Chinatown, this is as real as the deal can get. Authentic dim sum in a district true to its Chinese roots, Yum Cha Restaurant is filled with old-fashioned stone marble tables complete with wooden chairs reminiscent of the 1950s. The restaurant's interior is cast in an unpretentious light of a humble background, coupled with auspicious-red tiled ceiling exerting the true Chinese heritage.
• The Food
  Dim sum lovers rejoice – Yum Cha offers weekday high-tea buffets at $16.80++ per adult between 3pm to 6pm from Mondays to Fridays. Heart-warming baskets of steaming Cantonese pastries bring a smile to any diner in Yum Cha, especially when the dim sum tastes as good as it looks.

  The steamed varieties include Crystal Chives Dumpling ($3.50), Xiao Long Bao ($4) and classic YUMCHA Prawn Dumpling ($3.50). Their steamed dumplings are skillfully crafted with nimble fingers, with delicate translucent skin enveloping hand-rolled balls of minced meat, prawns or other ingredients. These are smooth and soft in texture, with a distinct taste of each different type of meat emitted in both aroma as well as taste. The xiao long baos are a pleasant surprise to those unfamiliar with these popular Shanghai delicacies. Handle them with care, take a bite and relish in the sweet-tasting soup oozing out from within the dumpling.

  Equally tantalizing to the taste-buds are Yum Cha's fried dim sums, especially their shrimp-filled pastries. Kick off with plates of Fried Bean Curd Skin Roll with Shrimp ($3.50), Deep Fried Shrimp Dumpling ($3.50) and Sesame Prawn & Mango Roll ($3.50). Light and fluffy, these are fried a golden crispy brown resulting in a satisfying crunch with every bite. The combination of springy prawns with soft mango slices is heavenly; with sweet mango that seemingly melts in the mouth blending harmoniously together with the juicy taste of ocean catch.

  Then, indulge in mouth-watering dessert done Chinese-style. To beat the heat try the Pomelo Sago in Mango Juice ($4), a refreshing and sweet tropical dessert topped with generous scoops of mango and pomelo fibre. This fruity dessert is balanced by the sour punch of pomelo with delightful sago bits to chew upon.

• The Service
  Although there are no pushcarts like those in China restaurants, fresh and piping hot dishes of dim sum are guaranteed with a good number of Yum Cha's staff bustling about the restaurant. With waitresses dressed in oriental-style cheongsam uniforms, dim sum tastes truly authentic when served to the table.

The SD Food Advisor's take on Yum Cha Restaurant
With its location within the heart of Chinatown, Yum Cha breathes traditional Cantonese flavour into its dim sum. Yum Cha is a great venue for introducing friends to the cuisine, or simply as a simple family fare. Weekends are packed, so do reserve a table before heading down. Or if one has the time, there is the delectable weekday high-tea buffet – now that is a temptation too great to resist.