0 Followers
Yum Cha Chinese Kitchen & Bar
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Yum Cha Chinese Kitchen & Bar
8.0
A modern Chinese tapas and dim sum bar just off Washington Square, focusing on Shanghainese and Suzhou flavors, small plates, and cocktails in a dim, stylish space. Guests mix soup dumplings and dan dan noodles with shareable dishes and drinks, making it a lively choice for casual nights out.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crab meat soup dumplings, Porcini mushroom beef rice, Dan dan noodles
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Stylish Chinese tapas spot blending dim sum classics with regional Shanghai and Suzhou dishes.
Who should go: Small groups wanting Chinese small plates, cocktails, and buzz.
When to visit: Evenings before peak to snag a table without a wait.
What to order: Crab meat soup dumplings, porcini mushroom beef rice, dan dan noodles.
Insider tip: Build a table-wide spread of small plates—portions are ideal for sharing rather than solo entrées.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited around Washington Square; expect meters or paid garages on West 3rd or Mercer.
Dress code: Smart casual—most guests lean stylish but jeans and a nice top fit right in.
Noise level: Lively and moderately loud; conversations are doable but expect a buzzier backdrop.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes without a reservation, especially 7–9pm.
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait; the room fills later in the day.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several options including vegetable dim sum and noodle dishes; easy to build a full meal.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 small plates can work, but many items use egg or dairy.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free plates (rice dishes, certain dumplings) but cross-contact is likely; confirm with staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—dim lighting, cocktails, and shareable plates create an easy, conversational flow without feeling too formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes for small parties if you arrive early evening; peak hours usually require a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for teens than young children—no dedicated kids’ menu and the room trends stylish and busy.
Best For
Better for: A more stylish, cocktail-forward take on dim sum and small plates than nearby casual Sichuan or noodle shops.
Skip if: You want traditional banquet-style Chinese dining, very quiet seating, or a fully vegan-friendly menu.
Yum Cha Chinese Kitchen & Bar
8.3
This newer Thompson Street spot brings a more polished, Suzhou-leaning take on dim sum and Shanghai-style dishes to the South Village, pairing soup dumplings and small plates with a full bar and contemporary dining room. Strong Google and Yelp ratings highlight both the juicy dumplings and composed mains, making it a higher-touch option for dim sum-style dinners rather than just a quick snack.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pork Soup Dumplings, Shredded Garlic with Truffle Steak Cube, Yum Cha Black Fish
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 7
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Modern Thompson Street dining room where traditional dim sum and Suzhou-style dishes meet cocktails.
Who should go: Date-night couples and groups craving polished, modern Cantonese-style dim sum.
When to visit: Prime-time evenings or weekend brunch for full bar-and-dim-sum energy.
What to order: Pork soup dumplings, shredded garlic truffle steak cubes, Yum Cha Black Fish.
Insider tip: Reserve a table and aim for window or bar seating to enjoy the room’s lighting and energy.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on Thompson Street; rely on nearby paid garages on West Houston or LaGuardia Place.
Dress code: Smart casual—most diners lean stylish due to the bar and modern room.
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively; conversation is doable at smaller tables but louder during peak evenings.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially 6:30–8:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; easy to walk in.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several dim sum items and vegetable dishes are available.
Vegan options: Limited—most items include meat, egg, or dairy, but a few vegetable-forward plates can be adapted.
Gluten-free options: Partial—some rice-flour dim sum items work, but many sauces and dumplings contain gluten; confirm with staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The polished dining room, cocktails, and shareable plates create an easy-flowing, conversation-friendly date setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes for smaller parties—walk-ins are possible early evenings or later at night, but weekend prime time requires a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally suitable for kids 8+ who enjoy dumplings; no dedicated children’s menu, and the room skews more adult in the evenings.
Best For
Better for: Modern dim sum with cocktails and a more polished ambiance than the classic Chinatown spots.
Skip if: You want traditional, cart-style dim sum or a budget-focused meal.