Feast on Authentic Dumplings at this Perth Yum Cha Restaurant
July 9
Immerse yourself in the tradition of Yum Cha at Silks in Crown Perth. Indulge in all-you-can-eat Dim Sum special with a variety of dishes and specialty teas.
4 MINS REAd
A tradition rooted in Cantonese culture, Yum Cha is a widely celebrated social event hosted in Chinese culture. It brings people together at large round tables, with many conversations exchanged over tea and dim sum dishes.
At Crown Perth, this rich experience is brought to life in a way that honours its history while providing modern twists on classic flavours. Explore the origins of Yum Cha, its traditional components, and the special offers at Crown's own Silks restaurant.
The term ‘Yum ha’ translates to ‘drinking tea’ in Cantonese. Its origins can be traced back to ancient China, where tea houses along the Silk Road offered weary travellers a place to rest and refresh. Over time, these tea houses began serving small snacks to accompany the tea, giving rise to the practice of dim sum.
Dim sum, which means to ‘touch the heart’, consists of a variety of bite-sized dishes that are perfect for sharing. Traditionally served in bamboo steamers, these dishes range from savoury dumplings to sweet pastries, each crafted with care and precision.
Components of a Yum Cha menu
A typical Yum Cha meal is a delightful journey through different textures and flavours. Here are some of the staples you can expect:
Har Gow (Shrimp Dumplings)
These delicate dumplings are filled with fresh shrimp and encased in a translucent wheat and tapioca starch wrapper. Their subtle flavour and tender texture make them a Yum Cha favourite.
Char Siu Bao (Barbecue Pork Buns)
Soft, white fluffy buns filled with sweet and savoury barbecue pork. These are a must-try for anyone new to Yum Cha.
Siu Mai (Pork and Shrimp Dumplings)
Open-topped dumplings filled with a mixture of pork and shrimp and wrapped in a yellow wonton skin. They are often topped with a bit of roe for an extra kick.
Cheung Fun (Rice Noodle Rolls)
Silky rice noodles rolled around various fillings, such as shrimp or Chinese fried donuts (Youtiao) and served with a sweet light soy sauce.
Egg Tarts
These sweet pastries with a flaky crust and creamy custard filling provide a perfect end to the meal.
Tea
Usually, an aromatic oolong like a Ti Kuan Yin or jasmine tea is served during Yum Cha itself whilst dining. Different to how a beverage may be seen to quench thirst or satisfy a craving at a normal dinner, tea at Dim Sum is an integral part of the experience. Without tea, there is no Yum Cha.
Traditional teas like jasmine, oolong, and pu-erh are often chosen for their ability to cleanse the palate and complement the flavours of the food.
The worldwide love for Yum Cha
Yum Cha has internationally gained popularity in the past few decades for its stylistic technique and incredible flavours. Today, the social dining experience and the artistry involved in making each dish brings many around that one polyester-draped table. The communal nature of the tradition makes it perfect for gatherings with family and friends, fostering a sense of togetherness and celebration.
The appeal also lies in its variety and the quality of ingredients. Each dish is designed to be savoured and shared, allowing everyone to try a little bit of everything. This diversity, combined with the elegance of tea drinking, makes Yum Cha a dining experience like no other. From its ancient origins to its modern-day popularity, Yum Cha is a culinary tradition that continues to captivate food lovers around the world.
At Crown Perth's Silks, the perfect opportunity awaits for you to immerse yourself in this rich tradition. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your friends and family and embark on a Perth Dim Sum adventure at Crown.
Images are for illustrative purposes and are subject to availability.