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Yum Cha Chinese Kitchen & Bar
$$$ · Chinese, Dim Sum

228 Thompson St, New York, NY 10012
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ZipPicks Awards

Best Chinese in Soho Best Dim Sum in Soho

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

Yum Cha Chinese Kitchen & Bar 8.0
University Village
Vibes: Girls Night Out Approved Trendy Table Hotspots Quick Bites Champions Date Night Magic
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.