Yum Cha – Chinese
Steaming bamboo baskets arrive in a rhythmic procession, unveiling translucent shrimp dumplings and honey-glazed pork buns that perfume the air with ginger and five-spice. The space hums with the convivial energy of shared stories and clinking porcelain, creating a vibrant backdrop for a leisurely feast where the ancient art of tea-drinking meets a kaleidoscope of handcrafted delicacies.
228 Thompson Street, New York, NY 10012 +1-212-763-0877 https://www.yumchanyc.com/Rating: 4.7/5 (867 reviews)
Cuisine: Chinese
Price range: $$
Dietary options: high-protein, dairy-free, nut-free, vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, low-carb, keto, pescatarian, heart-healthy, plant-based, low-fat, sugar-free, paleo, mediterranean, whole30, diabetic, anti-inflammatory, clean-eating, high-fiber, low-cholesterol, atkins, south-beach, volumetrics, tlc, detox, alkaline, mayo-clinic, macrobiotic, slow-carb, pegan, candida
Currently open
Hours
- Monday - Sunday
- 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
What diners are saying
Diners celebrate Yum Cha Chinese Kitchen as a hidden gem for elegant, authentic Shanghai flavors and elevated comfort food. Guests rave about the warm, "water-town" ambiance and beautiful wooden décor, describing it as a poetic escape in NYC. Standout dishes include the juicy soup dumplings, flavorful sweet & sour ribs, and the hearty hot stone porcini mushroom rice, though some found certain items slightly salty or greasy. While service can feel rushed during busy times, reviewers consistently praise the refined presentation and cozy booths perfect for dates or family dinners.
Menu
- Chicken Soup Dumplings: Chicken, soup filling Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free
- Steamed Pork Buns: Soft bun, pork filling Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free
- Sweet and Sour Ribs: Pork ribs, sweet and sour sauce Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free
- Stewed Tofu with Minced Crab: Silky tofu, minced crab Dietary tags: High-Protein, Low-Carb, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Low-Fat, Atkins, South-Beach, Volumetrics, Mayo-Clinic
- Little Oil Eel Threads: Eel, crispy preparation Dietary tags: High-Protein, Low-Carb, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Paleo, Atkins
- Squirrel-Shaped Mandarin Fish: Mandarin fish, sweet-savory sauce Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Hot Stone Porcini Mushroom Rice: Rice, porcini mushrooms, served in hot stone Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Macrobiotic
- Braised Beef Noodle Soup: Beef, noodles, broth Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Volumetrics
- Stir Fried String Beans with Minced Pork: String beans, minced pork Dietary tags: High-Protein, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free, Atkins, South-Beach, High-Fiber
- Shanghai Greens: Tender greens Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb, Pegan, Candida
- Crispy Fried Milk: Fried milk custard Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Pomelo Tea: Pomelo, tea
- Strawberry Probiotic Bliss: Strawberry, probiotic drink
Frequently Asked Questions about Yum Cha
- What is the overall customer sentiment about this restaurant?
- Diners highly rate Yum Cha 4.7/5 for its authentic flavors and ambiance, despite occasional reports of rushed service and salty dishes.
- Which diets does this restaurant support based on its menu?
- Supported diets include vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, keto, and paleo, featured in dishes like Shanghai Greens and Hot Stone Porcini Mushroom Rice.
- What are the main concerns mentioned in customer reviews?
- Main concerns include some dishes being slightly salty or greasy, and service feeling rushed during busy periods at the restaurant.
- Is this restaurant good value for money?
- Rated 4.7/5, this moderate ($$) restaurant is described as a hidden gem for elegant, authentic Shanghai flavors and elevated comfort food.
- What is the restaurant's atmosphere and style?
- The restaurant features a warm "water-town" ambiance with beautiful wooden décor, offering a vibrant, convivial energy and poetic escape.
- What type of diner would most enjoy this restaurant?
- Diners seeking authentic Shanghai flavors and elevated comfort food in a poetic, elegant atmosphere for leisurely, convivial group dining experiences.
- Is this restaurant good for casual dining or more upscale?
- Yum Cha offers an elegant, elevated dining experience with beautiful wooden décor and authentic Shanghai flavors at a moderate price level.
- How extensive is this restaurant's menu selection?
- The menu offers 32 dietary options, featuring diverse dishes like vegan Shanghai Greens, keto-friendly greens, and high-protein Chicken Soup Dumplings.
- What's the best way to experience this restaurant?
- Experience Yum Cha through a leisurely feast of tea and handcrafted delicacies within its elegant, poetic water-town ambiance.
- Which dishes work for multiple diets at once (e.g., keto + gluten-free)?
- Shanghai Greens works for keto and gluten-free diets, while Hot Stone Porcini Mushroom Rice is both vegan and gluten-free.