How to Enjoy Yum Cha in Guangzhou

Tea comes first

Yum cha literally means drinking tea, but the experience is as much about company and dim sum. Choose a tea such as pu'er, tieguanyin or chrysanthemum, then order a few dishes to share. A per-person tea charge is common, and some restaurants add a service charge.

To ask for more hot water, many diners rest the lid at the edge of the teapot. A light tap of the fingers on the table is a customary thank-you when someone pours. You can also simply say thank you; nobody expects visitors to know every convention.

Build a balanced order

Combine steamed dumplings, buns or rice noodle rolls with a fried item, congee and something sweet. Har gow and siu mai are familiar starting points, but seasonal and contemporary dishes are part of Guangzhou's tea culture too. Order in rounds to avoid filling the table too quickly.

Menus may use price bands labelled small, medium, large, special or premium. These describe the price category, not necessarily the physical size of a dish. Find the corresponding price key before ordering.

Where the source suggests trying it

Guangzhou Restaurant's Wenchang branch represents the classic tea-house tradition. Beiyuan adds a Lingnan garden setting; Nanyuan and Panxi offer related garden-restaurant experiences. Qiuda 6 Zai Ji is highlighted for inventive variations, while Diandude and Daoxiang provide the convenience of multiple branches and, in some locations, all-day dim sum.

Timing the meal

Traditional morning service and all-day dim sum are different. Some restaurants switch to a lunch menu, and weekend schedules can differ from weekdays. The source's old price examples are useful context only: check the chosen branch's current menu, tea charge and service times before going.

From the source gallery