Walking into Yum Cha Restaurant in Singapore feels like stepping back into a different time.
Yum Cha is a well-known dim sum spot in Singapore, with locations in Chinatown and Changi Business Park.
It brings a nostalgic touch to dining, as the Chinatown branch sits in a traditional shophouse that adds to the charm of the experience.
Did you know that it has been around since 2000, reviving the concept of a traditional dim sum tea house experience?
This year marks its 24th anniversary.
Even more exciting is the selection of signature dim sum dishes offered at a special price of $2.40, making it the perfect time to indulge.
Among the carefully curated items on the anniversary menu are 10 special $2.40 dim sum that encapsulate the essence of Yum Cha’s culinary tradition.
With a mix of traditional favourites and new creations, let’s check them out:
Fried Yam and Scallop ($2.40)
The service staff told me this is one of the most popular items, and it is not difficult to understand why.
The golden exterior instantly draws your attention with its crispiness. I find the deep-fried exterior adds just the right amount of crunch without being overwhelming, allowing the soft and creamy mashed yam to take centre stage.
The balance between the creamy yam and the fresh, subtly sweet scallop makes this a bite-sized indulgence. Yes, must order.
Scallop Roll in Filo Dough ($2.40)
The appearance of thin, crispy dough wrapped tightly around the filling is said to resemble dragon’s beard.
Looks aside, the first bite offers a satisfying crackle, with the delicate layers of filo dough adding wonderful texture.
Inside, the scallop remains sufficiently moist, complemented by a subtle sweetness from the sesame seeds, peanuts, and shredded coconut filling. Another favourite.
Black Garlic Shrimp Dumplings ($2.40)
I was instantly drawn to the appearance, with their thin skin tinted dark from the black garlic.
Think of this as har gao with a ‘sexy’ look.
The shrimp remains the star, with its slightly briny taste, while the fermented garlic adds a soft, earthy undertone, though not too prominent.
Otak Siew Mai ($2.40)
An intriguing fusion of two favourite Asian items. Shaped like a siew mai, but tasting quite like succulent otak.
The result is a dim sum that combines the familiar texture of siew mai with green wrapper, with the punch of heat and flavour from the spicy fish cake.
The spiciness is not overwhelming, and it provided a pleasant lingering warmth. Not bad.
Squid Ink Dumplings ($2.40)
These are visually striking with their jet-black wrappers, courtesy of natural squid ink.
Inside, the filling is a mix of shrimp, scallops, and vegetables, both savoury and rich.
The squid ink wrapper adds that slight chewiness, while the fillings are quite plump and juicy.
Braised Pork with Preserved Mustard Bun ($2.40)
As I took my first bite, the pork belly immediately stood out for its melt-in-your-mouth texture, which was both rich and savoury.
The preserved mustard greens reminded me of the classic dish of “mei cai kou rou”.
This adds a contrast with its slight tanginess and crunch, cutting through the fattiness of the pork
Golden Pumpkin Dumpling ($2.40)
Quite interesting flavour profile. The natural sweetness of the pumpkin is complemented by a touch of pomegranate, which adds a subtle tartness to each bite.
Lucky Tangerine Fried Prawn Balls ($2.40)
Shaped like little tangerines, these fried prawn balls symbolise good luck and joy.
With a crispy-meets-chewy exterior that can remind some of sweet potato balls, it gives way to prawn fillings bursting with flavour.
Pumpkin Yam Golden Cake ($2.40)
A sweetish pastry made from a fragrant combination of taro and pumpkin.
The soft, natural colours of the light purple taro and the golden yellow pumpkin create a visually appealing treat. Though some may find this on the heavier side.
Yum Cha Teapot Bao ($2.40)
This Teapot Bao is exclusively introduced for Yum Cha’s 24th anniversary. Shaped so cutely like a traditional teapot, it pays homage to the essence of tea culture.
What’s really interesting is the filling. The bao’s filling, which is smooth and slightly stretchy, reminds me of lotus seed paste.
The subtly sweet paste infuses a fragrant blend of Osmanthus and premium Oolong Tea, which imparts floral notes from the osmanthus flowers, paired with the aromatic flavour of tea leaves.
The teapot bao is not only a nod to tradition but also a reflection of Yum Cha’s commitment to serving heartwarming food.
Yum Cha Promotion
10 signature menu items at a special promotional price of just $2.40++ each, available till 30 November 2024. While stocks last for each item.
Yum Cha – Chinatown
20 Trengganu Street (Off Temple Street), #02-01, Singapore 058479
Opening Hours: 10:30am – 9pm (Tues – Fri), 9am – 9pm (Sat, Sun, PH), Closed Mon
Yum Cha – Changi
ERS BizPark @ Changi #01-33, 6 Changi Business Park Ave 1, Singapore 486017
Opening Hours: 11am – 3pm, 5:30pm – 10pm (Tues – Fri), 9am – 3pm, 6pm – 9pm (Sat, Sun, PH), Closed Mon
* This entry is brought to you in partnership with Yum Cha.
