Canberra’s food scene has really come alive over the past few years, and nowhere is this more obvious than in the city’s amazing yum cha.

These traditional Chinese tea houses serve up small plates of dumplings, buns, and other tasty bits that are perfect for sharing with mates or family on a lazy weekend morning.

The capital might not have the massive Chinatowns of Sydney or Melbourne, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in quality.

Local chefs have brought authentic techniques and fresh ingredients together to create some seriously good yum cha experiences.

From classic har gow prawns to innovative fusion dishes, Canberra’s yum cha spots cater to both traditionalists and adventurous eaters.

Whether you’re after a quick bite in the city or a proper weekend feast in the suburbs, here are five places that serve the best Yum Cha in Canberra.

Best Yum Cha in Canberra

1. Dumpling Inn Restaurant

Google Rating: 4.2

Located at 1/1 Lawry Pl, Macquarie, Dumpling Inn Restaurant is known to be one of the best yum cha spots in Canberra.

This Chinese Yum Cha restaurant will surprise you with its spacious interior that feels much larger than expected from the outside.

Moreover, weekend Yum Cha sessions create a lively atmosphere perfect for group dining experiences.

The restaurant is also famous for its freshly made dumplings at reasonable prices. Their dumpling variety includes pork and chive dumplings, seafood dumplings, and vegetarian dumplings.

Beyond dumplings, the menu features popular Chinese dishes like noodles, rice dishes, and stir-fries. The friendly staff consistently delivers fresh, tasty food in a beautiful setting.

Moreover, Dumpling Inn Restaurant offers both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to complement your meal.

The restaurant’s location in a quiet shopping complex provides convenient parking right outside.

2. Yum Cha CBD

Google Rating: 4.1

Moving from the suburbs to the city center, Yum Cha CBD at 32 West Row, Civic is another popular Yum Cha restaurant in Canberra.

This Chinese restaurant distinguishes itself by serving yum cha daily for lunch, while many competitors limit their offerings to weekends only.

Their extensive Yum Cha menu includes traditional favorites alongside classic Chinese dishes.

The lengthy yum cha menu pairs well with other popular items like fried rice, chow mein, prawn toast, spring rolls, lobster, and sweet and sour pork.

Also, the chicken feet with umami black bean sauce offer the perfect gelatinous texture, while all dumplings arrive fresh and plump.

You should also try their BBQ pork buns that have a soft pillowy texture with balanced sweet and sour filling.

In addition, do order their lobster dumplings as they will exceed your expectations with their satisfying crunch.

You can conclude your meal perfectly with refreshing coconut jelly and mango desserts.

The restaurant’s daily yum cha service and impressive dim sum range make it a great choice for those on the quest for the best Yum Cha in Canberra.

3. Natural Nine

Google Rating: 4.1

Natural Nine at 21 Binara St brings a unique “Pop Chinese” concept with modern Australian influences to traditional yum cha.

Located inside Casino Canberra, this Yum Cha restaurant combines authentic Chinese flavors with a contemporary presentation.

Also, Natural Nine holds the distinction of being Canberra’s only restaurant offering Pop Yum Cha seven days a week.

If you are planning a visit to Natural Nine, make sure to visit on Friday for their special yum cha menu.

Their talented chefs transform humble yum cha service into a modern, playful, and Instagram-friendly experience while maintaining traditional taste and flavor integrity.

Natural Nine successfully bridges traditional Chinese cuisine with modern presentation, creating a unique dining destination.

Their commitment to daily service and creative presentation sets them apart from other Yum Cha restaurants in Canberra.

Also Read: Best Indian Restaurants in Canberra

4. Ginseng

Google Rating: 4.1

Ginseng at 1 Matilda St is an award-winning Chinese restaurant that is also renowned in Canberra’s yum cha scene.

This established Chinese restaurant offers authentic Chinse food and yum cha that attract locals and tourists on weekends.

The busy atmosphere and traditional trolley service create an authentic Yum Cha dining experience, though the room layout sometimes makes flagging down trolleys challenging.

The fried whitebait and squid earn particular praise, alongside excellent siu mai (open pork dumplings).

The menu variety extends to fried noodles, Chinese broccoli, and spring rolls, along with a good variety of delicious dim sum.

The attentive service, combined with award-winning cuisine, creates a memorable yum cha experience that justifies the weekend crowds and occasional trolley navigation challenges.

5. The Scholar

Google Rating: 3.7

The Scholar at 23 Woolley St, Dickson offers an old-school yum cha experience that many consider a local favorite.

The restaurant’s unassuming exterior leads to a slightly dingy staircase and murky lobster tanks before revealing a large dining room.

Traditional round tables with retro fabric chairs fill the space, creating an authentic atmosphere.

Weekend crowds of families and friends ensure regular cart refills, keeping food hot and fresh.

The sticky rice parcels with Chinese pork sausage stand out as particularly excellent, along with bean curd rolls filled with prawns.

Multiple steamed prawn dumpling variations include prawn and pork, prawn and chives, and prawn and coriander combinations.

The pork and peanut dumplings offer a satisfying crunch that adds textural variety to the meal.

Despite the unpretentious decor and bustling environment, The Scholar delivers authentic yum cha experiences that keep Chinese foodies returning.