Five of the best yum cha spots in Hobart

YUM cha is the delicious Chinese practice of enjoying small portions of various dim sum dishes between sips of Chinese tea. Here are five of the best places to try.

Chef Sam Pang from Asian Gourmet on the Pier, holding some shao mai dim sum. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

YUM CHA is the delicious Chinese practice of enjoying small portions of various dim sum dishes between sips of Chinese tea. Whether they are steamed, pan or deep-fried, the dishes comprising yum cha are best shared with family or friends

Asian Gourmet on the Pier

u60/4 Franklin Wharf, Hobart

Yum cha at Asian Gourmet on the Pier is the perfect excuse to get together with friends or family for casual daytime dining. Available for sharing are the prawn dumplings ($9.90 three pieces), steamed dim sums ($7.90 per serve), congee (a big bowl of Chinese rice porridge, serves 3-4 for $12) and much more. Enjoy water views as you devour these dishes, every element of which is made fresh in store each day.

Castle Zayee

52 Creek Rd, Lenah Valley

Castle Zayee boasts more than 30 options on its yum cha menu (prices start from $5) at this castle turned Chinese restaurant. Each one of the diverse dishes is made with particular attention to detail. Every element is made fresh in store using quality ingredients and traditional methods. The chefs take no shortcuts when preparing their authentic and innovative meals. Some of the most popular include cheung fun, prawn dumplings and chicken feet.

Chicken and chive dumplings from Asian Gourmet on the Pier Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

Me Wah Restaurant

16 Magnet Court, Sandy Bay

Me Wah’s motto is to make sure only the best local produce goes into their traditional Cantonese dumplings on their yum cha menu. The dishes (from $8-16) are prepared by a classically trained Hong Kong dim sum chef. They are best enjoyed in a casual, lively brunch with friends or family. The most popular dumpling option is the steamed prawn dumpling with bamboo ($12 for four).

Tao House Bistro

252 Macquarie St, Hobart

The special yum cha menu at Tao House Bistro is served on Saturdays and Sundays only.

From 12-3pm you can peruse the menu of 23 items priced from $5.80-$9.80. Dishes include various dumplings, curry beef puffs, chicken spring rolls, pork and prawn beancurd rolls, XO radish cakes and BBQ pork buns. Step outside the norm for a taste of Black Bean Chicken Feet ($5.80) or Beef Tendon and radish ($6.80).

Mu Lan Restaurant

343 Elizabeth St, North Hobart

There are many delicious dishes in the 30-strong yum cha menu at Mu Lan. From duck dumplings made with diced duck breast, chestnut, vegetables and house-made hoisin sauce ($6.90 for three pieces) to roasted duck or pork, salt and pepper calamari and egg custard tarts. Yum cha is available from 12-3pm Thursday to Sunday. A yum cha trolley is available on Mother’s and Father’s day and other special occasions.