My permanent dining companion (PDC) and I enjoyed yum cha at Sharks Fin Inn today. We use to live in Sydney and are still somewhat lost as to where to go in Melbourne for Yum Cha. In Sydney once a week, we would go to the huge yum cha restaurant above Paddys market (I hear it has changed remarkably). There we were served prawn dumplings with the crunchies prawns, or cooked as you wait turnip cake. Though if we select carefully we can be satisfied with Sharks Fin Inn, where in Melbourne can I get great authentic yum cha?? All the usual media recommended places I have been to… does anybody out there have a secret place in the CBD (preferably, as a 40 min drive to the ‘burbs is not desirable on Sunday mornings!) that they consistently get fantastic dumplings, steamed buns etc at?? Help!
Jack
Just a note, the suburban Shark Fin in Burwood has closed. Observation suggests it is because Mainland Chinese have bought it and run it down. A shame; HK Chinese are much better at Dim Sum than mainlanders, many of the latter buy restaurants just to get permanent residency, and don't give a rats about the food or the profit.
ReplyDeleteThe whole yum cha scene in Sydney is differnt to down here isn't it? I used to go to that place above Paddy's and a couple of others that are equally large. Sharks Fin is great but I reckon we need to discover Doncaster.
ReplyDeleteRiccardo
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tip, so where should I be heading?
Hi Ed
The scene is very different in Melb. I remember going to the place above Paddy's; Shark Fin I think, and eating myself silly and paying about $12 for the most amazing seafood and skill in the kitchen to make the dumplings. I've been to Red Emperor a few times and I can't help but feel it's aimed at Australians out for a 'yum cha experience' (ie the all you can eat thing!)But to be honest i can't knock the all you can eat yum cha thing, as I experienced the best Yum Cha of my life in Hanoi at a fancy 5 star hotel and had all you can eat. The most amazing selection of beautiful, beautiful food for US$10 at the Sofitel Plaza Hotel. So where are you hinting at in Doncaster?
Jack
Having moved from Syd to Melb a few years ago I feel the same way about the yum cha scene Jack. There's a place on Glenferrie Rd Malvern that's surburban but pretty good. Have you tried King Bo on Russel Street?
ReplyDeleteThanks Truffle and Miss Eagle
ReplyDeleteI think I may have to concede that it's either the blurbs or a flight to Sydney (or Hanoi!). I think I have been to King bo a few years ago -is it on the corner?
If you have any particular places in mind in the 'blurbs I'd appreciate the advise.
Jack
My favourite is always Sharksfin House, though service can be quite horrible, the choices they provide is extensive...much of them u can't find at any other yum cha place, so it's always one of my fave places to go when i want to indulge. King Bo used to be good, not sure about now. Westlake also has some pretty good dim sum IMO. Ones in the suburb such as Fu Long (Box Hill), Man Mo (Docklands), Plume (Doncaster) and Oriental Tea House (South Yarra) has some pretty good reviews around. Maybe u could try those.
ReplyDeleteJack,
ReplyDeleteThere is a place in the city called Jackie's (after Jackie Chan). It only started doing yum cha maybe 6 months ago but is fantastic. It's really good value and very high quality. Think Red Emperor(southbank) quality for about 1/3 of the price. The deep fried calamari and the prawn dumplings are excellent.
Hi Anon
ReplyDeleteNow this seems like the type of tip I have been waiting for!
A quick White Pages search as confirmed your recommendation at 1/299 Queen St, the listed info even has a picture of Mr Chan himself. Must be the right place! Will definately give it a go if not this weekend then next, and post the results.
Love a good chase for a great meal!Looking forward to the dumplings
Jack
taipan in doncaster is quite good, very bustling and they do a great radish cake!
ReplyDeleteThe burbs are where it's at. Most Melbourne Southern Chinese don't live near the city, they are clustered around Doncaster, Glen Waverley and Springvale. It is here that you will find Yum Cha made by Yum Cha chefs who have migrated from Hong Kong.
ReplyDeleteMama & Papa Stickyfingers live in the south east, so we go with them to get our dim sum fix at New Royal Garden in Syndal and Gold Leaf in Springvale, where the prices are reasonable and the food is authentic.
Thanks All
ReplyDeleteTwo comments in a row about gold leaf, make it sound very interesting...
Will check it out soon.
Cheers
Jack
Jack,
ReplyDeleteMy favourites are definitely Westlake and Shark Fin House in Chinatown. If you happen to be in Malvern, Ripples is also excellent.