RESTAURANT OF THE WEEK Yam Yam Cha’s refined ode to dim sum in Suwon
Beef noodles and dumplings at Yam Yam Cha / Courtesy of Eddie Tam
SUWON, Gyeonggi Province — Yam Yam Cha, a traditional Chinese restaurant located on a side street near central Suwon’s Hwaseong Fortress, offers a sophisticated reinterpretation of the traditional Cantonese dim sum tea house. In a country where Chinese cuisine often leans toward northern flavors or Koreanized adaptations, this restaurant stands out by presenting an authentic taste of Guangdong — the birthplace of dim sum.
As someone who grew up with weekend family outings to bustling tea houses, Yam Yam Cha evokes nostalgia while elevating the experience. The menu features familiar favorites such as har gow (shrimp dumplings), siu mai (pork and shrimp dumplings), cheung fun (rice noodle rolls) and sticky rice wrapped in lotus leaf. Yet, it’s the refinement in presentation and ingredient quality that sets this establishment apart.
The ambiance is serene and modern, with an open dining room bathed in natural light from expansive windows. The tea service is central to the meal, with a curated selection beautifully displayed and thoughtfully paired with each dish. The staff are knowledgeable and attentive, guiding diners through the nuances of each brew.
The interior of Yam Yam Cha in Suwon / Courtesy of Eddie Tam
Helmed by two chefs with pedigrees from five-star hotels in China, the kitchen delivers its fare with precision and flair. During a solo lunch visit, I sampled the set menu (24,000 won), which included a pot of aromatic tea, three xiao long bao (soup dumplings), a choice between har gow or siu mai and a generous bowl of beef noodles. As someone who has consumed thousands of dumplings across Hong Kong, mainland China and North America, I can confidently say Yam Yam Cha’s offerings are on par with the best.
The beef noodles, rich and comforting, served as a hearty counterpoint to the delicate dim sum. Sipping tea while sunlight filtered through the windows made for a tranquil midday escape.
Though the menu isn’t extensive, it’s carefully curated. Highlights include Chongqing-style spicy chicken (22,000-32,000 won), braised beef in secret sauce (18,000 won), red braised pork belly (22,000 won) and black pepper shrimp paste with button mushrooms (16,000 won). Sides such as spring rolls (9,000 won), smashed cucumber salad (6,000 won) and passionfruit-marinated cherry tomatoes (12,000 won) round out the offerings.
For those seeking something more playful, Yam Yam Cha serves truffle dumplings and whimsical dessert dumplings filled with custard, charmingly shaped like animals and cartoon characters.
Colorful siu mai dumplings at Yam Yam Cha in Suwon / Courtesy of Eddie Tam
Final verdict: With its elegant setting, expert craftsmanship and reverence for tradition, Yam Yam Cha is a must-visit for dim sum lovers and culinary explorers alike. All dim sum is handmade fresh and daily in-store. Reasonably priced and thoughtfully executed, it’s a gem in Suwon’s dining scene.
Yam Yam Cha is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., with a break from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 0507-1379-9026 or follow @yamyamchahouse on Instagram.
Yam Yam Cha, a delightful restaurant in Suwon's Haenggung area / Courtesy of Eddie Tam
Eddie Tam is an assistant professor in Suwon and runs the Facebook foodie groups Hidden Gems Korea and Hidden Gems Suwon, Korea.