As someone living in Lane Cove with a European background, I’ve grown to love exploring all kinds of cuisine across Sydney — and Yum Cha has become one of my favourite weekend rituals. Whether you’re catching up with friends or looking for a lively brunch alternative, a good Yum Cha experience really hits the spot.
In this post, I’ll share my personal take on four popular Yum Cha spots around the Lower North Shore — mainly in Chatswood and North Ryde — including their pros, cons, and what sets each one apart.
Mama Mulan in Concourse Chatswood
Visit Website | Google Reviews ★4.2**
Located in The Concourse, Mama Mulan feels like the “modern dining” version of Yum Cha — stylish interior, beautifully presented food, and a great spot if you want to impress guests. Their duck pancakes and handmade dumplings are excellent, though I found the portion sizes a little modest for the price.
Pros:
- Contemporary and stylish atmosphere
- Creative Chinese dishes
- Attentive and friendly service
Cons:
- Higher prices compared to other Chinese restaurants in the area
- Smaller portions
Star Capital Seafood Restaurant in Chatswood
Visit Website | Google Reviews ★3.9
Star Capital Seafood Restaurant specializes in Cantonese cuisine and seafood dishes. This traditional Chinese restaurant is famous for its Yum Cha, offering a wide variety of steamed and fried dumplings, buns, and other small dishes. The atmosphere is relatively casual, making it perfect for families and larger groups. However, the restaurant can become quite busy, particularly during peak hours, resulting in longer wait times and a noisy environment.
Pros:
- Wide variety of Yum Cha and seafood dishes
- Casual atmosphere suitable for families and groups
- Moderate prices
Cons:
- Can be busy during peak hours, leading to longer wait times
- High noise levels when crowded
Greenwood Chinese Restaurant
Visit Website | Google Reviews ★3.9
Greenwood Chinese Restaurant is a family-owned establishment known for its authentic Chinese cuisine. The extensive menu offers a variety of dishes, including stir-fries, noodle dishes, and traditional Chinese banquet-style dishes. The restaurant is well-liked for its attentive and friendly service, as well as its reasonable prices. The atmosphere is cozy and relaxed, but some customers have noted that the interior design could use an update.
Pros:
- Authentic Chinese cuisine
- Attentive and friendly service
- Cozy and relaxed atmosphere
Cons:
- Interior design and ambiance could use an update
- Inconsistent quality of certain dishes
House of Tong in North Ryde RSL
Visit Website | Google Reviews ★3.5
House of Tong is located within the North Ryde RSL club and is a popular destination for Yum Cha and Chinese cuisine. The restaurant offers a diverse menu of Cantonese and other Chinese dishes, with an emphasis on fresh seafood. The atmosphere is casual and comfortable, making it a great spot for families and groups. However, customers are required to sign in as a guest or be a member of the club to dine at the restaurant, which some patrons find inconvenient. Additionally, the restaurant can become busy during peak hours, leading to longer wait times and a noisier environment.
Pros:
- Wide variety of Yum Cha dishes
- Casual and comfortable atmosphere
- Reasonable prices
Cons:
- Requires signing in as a guest or being a member of the North Ryde RSL club
- Can be busy during peak hours, leading to longer wait times and higher noise levels
📊 Yum Cha Restaurant Comparison (Chatswood & North Ryde, 2025)
| Restaurant | Google Rating | Price Range | Atmosphere | Highlights | Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mama Mulan | 4.2/5 | $$$ | Modern & Stylish | Creative modern Chinese, Peking duck, dumplings, great service | Higher prices, smaller portions |
| Star Capital Seafood | 3.9/5 | $$ | Spacious & Bustling | Authentic Cantonese, seafood variety, family-friendly | Noisy during peak times, slower service |
| Greenwood Chinese | 3.9/5 | $$ | Cozy & Relaxed | Family-owned, traditional banquet dishes, good value | Dated decor, some inconsistency in dish quality |
| House of Tong (North Ryde RSL) | 3.5/5 | $$ | Casual & Comfortable | Large portions, bold Cantonese flavors, popular Yum Cha | Club sign-in required, noisy and crowded at peak times |
Conclusion
Each of these Yum Cha restaurants offers a unique dining experience, catering to different preferences and occasions:
- Mama Mulan in Concourse Chatswood is best suited for those seeking a stylish and contemporary atmosphere with creative Chinese dishes, although it comes with a higher price tag and smaller portions.
- Star Capital Seafood Restaurant in Chatswood is ideal for Yum Cha and seafood lovers who enjoy a traditional and casual atmosphere, but be prepared for potential longer wait times and noise during busy hours.
- Greenwood Chinese Restaurant is a great option for those looking for a cozy, family-owned restaurant with authentic Chinese cuisine, although its interior design and ambiance could use an update.
- House of Tong in North Ryde RSL is perfect for a casual meal with family or friends, especially if you're interested in Yum Cha, but keep in mind the requirement to sign in as a guest or be a member of the club, and the potential for longer wait times and noise during peak hours.
I hope this guide helps you choose the perfect Yum Cha restaurant for your next dining experience in Chatswood or North Ryde. Bon appétit!
