If you’re looking for a lunchtime treat in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, look no further than Yum Cha Project. Brought to you by the people behind Ni Hao Bar, Kowloon Cafe, Stir Fry King, and Senpai Ramen, it’s a playful – and delicious – twist on traditional Cantonese yum cha. From novelty stand-outs like Peking Duck Pizza and Cheeseburger Spring Rolls to steamed and deep-fried dim sum options, you won’t be short on choice here.
First impressions
Nestled in the Grosvenor Place Piazza just off the corner of George Street and Essex Street, Yum Cha Project is at the centre of Sydney’s corporate hustle and bustle. It’s close enough to Circular Quay for a takeaway picnic or, if you’re not in the mood to fight overzealous seagulls, there’s plenty of courtyard seating too.
As we approach the restaurant, we’re greeted by bright yellow signage along with an open kitchen and a long display counter. It gives off a fun, fast, and fresh takeaway vibe but there are also options for indoor and outdoor seating if you prefer a sit-down meal. We’re here for some serious tasting business, so we head inside. The bright theme continues here with shiny yellow tiling and neon signs displaying popular dishes. According to the team behind the design, it’s a ‘loud Hong Kong vibe’.
Much like the menu, this is a light-hearted joint. It’s elevated fast food with a cheeky experimental side. What’s not to love?
Let’s talk food!
The menu is split into four major categories – Steamed Dim Sum, Deep-Fried Dim Sum, Rice/Noodle/Pizza/Soup (which some might argue is four separate categories in itself), and Dessert.
We start with some Steamed Dim Sum – the Signature Prawn Siu Mai and the Classic BBQ Pork Bun. The Siu Mai is a generous size with a meaty texture at just the right density. Meanwhile, the Classic BBQ Pork Bun is the perfect combination of fluffy and chewy. No complaints so far – the food arrives fast, filling, and flavourful.
Next up is the deep-fried section of the menu. We thought the Crispy BBQ – a fried version of the Classic BBQ Pork – would be overkill. But, to our surprise and delight, it’s our favourite dish so far – we could probably eat a few if left to our own devices! The hot and crispy coating contrasts beautifully with the soft bun and gooey pork filling. If anything, the deep-fried version feels lighter than the steamed one – we’re not sure how, but why question it when it tastes so good? (Fun fact – the chef originally experimented with this dish on a whim!)
We also try the Cheeseburger Spring Rolls. If you’ve never had this modern delicacy before, it’s exactly what you would imagine – the not-so-traditional taste of a greasy cheeseburger inside a traditional spring roll. It’s rich, flavourful, and – although it’s not our personal favourite – is bound to be a crowd-pleaser. Depending on how you prefer to cope with your hangovers – this could be exactly what you need to survive a tough ‘day after’ in the office!
Now we move on to the Rice/Noodle/Pizza/Soup section of the menu. At $12-15 a pop, these offer more of a full meal than the mix-and-match dim sum sections. We start with the Wagyu and Prawn Fried Rice – a generous portion in a cute oyster pail-style takeaway container. This is closely followed by the Peking Duck Pizza – a delightfully sweet and salty offering smothered with cheese (just how we like it). The base is more flatbread than traditional pizza, which makes it lighter than your average takeaway stodge – but still filling enough for a satisfying lunch.
We’ve eaten more than we should by this point, but we can’t resist some Fried Milky Buns slathered in condensed milk for dessert. Warm, soft, and just a teeny bit sweet, it’s the perfect way to finish off a satisfying yum cha session. We wash it all down with a light and refreshing Lychee Jasmine Tea – a ‘must try’ according to the menu!
The verdict
With the ability to mix and match dishes, Yum Cha Project is an excellent option for single diners as well as larger groups. The playful and diverse menu caters to a wide range of tastes and preferences. The food arrives hot, fast, and packed in cute takeaway containers – from pizza to burger-style boxes.
Although there are a few lighter options on the menu, this is probably not your everyday healthy lunch spot. However, it is a great place to grab a mid-week pick-me-up, a hangover game-changer, or a Thursday/Friday evening treat. It’s accessible, affordable, and – above all – fun!
Yum Cha Project: Shop 3/225 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000 (Grosvenor Place)
Trading hours: Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri 9:30am – 5:30pm, Thu 9:30am – 6:30pm
Happy Hour Drinks: Mon-Fri from 3pm and live DJs on Thursdays and Fridays from 4pm
