Dim Sum Showdown: Chinatown Tradition Yum Cha vs. Luxury Seafood Dim Sum Buffet

Hi everyone, Tim here! Today I'm taking you on a delicious adventure to explore two different dim sum experiences in Sydney. First, we head to the bustling Chinatown for a traditional yum cha experience. Then, we visit the luxurious Crown Sydney for a fancy dim sum buffet with a spectacular view!
There's nothing like connecting with friends and family and what better way to do it than with a great dim sum brunch! I've got some time in Sydney, Australia to explore and couldn't leave without visiting the Chinatown area for some traditional dim sum at its finest.
This brings me to a Yum Cha / Dim Sum restaurant that is a staple in the Sydney Chinatown for decades at the Royal Palace Seafood Restaurant where we were greeted by friendly and engaging servers pushing carts loaded with stacks of steaming hot dim sum dishes! From the traditional shrimp and pork dumplings to the modern creations such as a crispy spring roll wrapped in a soft silky rice roll. Dining by myself, it was rather hazardous as over ordering has taken over.
A fantastic and fulfilling experience but that wasn't over for the dim sum adventure as I discovered a luxury dim sum buffet at the Crown Sydney! After experiencing the hazards of dining alone for yum cha, I was lucky enough to dine with cousins Bernard and Anita along with the little ones for this endless unlimited dim sum feast. With all the fixings one would expect at a place that advertises a luxury dim sum experience, from the fresh seafood creations such as the abalone meat pies to the fine details of exotic hot sauces in the form of seafood xo sauces, we wanted to see if it can meet the expectations. Reviews were average to low, so I think the only way to find out is to experience it first hand. Thank you for joining us on this little culinary adventure and what's your favorite dim sum spots you've been to? Let me know!
Here are some useful links:
• Royal Palace Seafood Restaurant (皇庭海鲜舫)
• Traditional Dim Sum Yum Cha Restaurant $-$$
• royalpalace.au/
• 393-399 Sussex St, Haymarket NSW 2000, Australia
• Silks Cantonese Chinese Restaurant at Crown Sydney
• Unlimited Dim Sum Yum Cha Brunch Buffet: $95 AUD / $62 USD
• www.barangaroo.com/eat-drink/...
• Crown Sydney, Level 3/1 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo NSW 2000, Australia
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[@ladyT_VR46]

I'm super impressed with how polite both the children were but Arnold blew me away with basically wanting to be like uncle Tim and try anything once. Loved this video ❤

[@TimLeeLetsGo]

Really great kids and really great parents! Behind-the-scenes, with the filming and eating, it takes about 2 to 3 hours and just totally impressed with how adventurous and well-behaved they were

[@conniesmith3922]

Tim, thank you for sharing your family. Couldn’t believe Arnold enjoying his chicken foot, he is taking after you 😊. Thank you for taking us with you.❤

[@TimLeeLetsGo]

I know! He has such an adventurous palette

[@beecosmo6887]

Thank you for sharing your journey and family❣️ 😍💛🙏💛👍

[@TimLeeLetsGo]

It was a lot of fun and I wish I could share the food from the first dim sum place in Chinatown

[@KryCaNe]

Wow that Sydney restaurant’s yum cha range looks incredible.

[@pmorales3523]

Tim, grateful for you sharing this video. You made it feel like we included. Great family. ❤

[@TimLeeLetsGo]

It was so great to eat together… The kids were amazing and wonderfully adventurous

[@mariagodoy3805]

Yay, I’m happy you back thank you so much you make my day🧐😋🤩👍🏻👏👏

[@marthaholcomb8148]

I love family dine outs! May you have many more, because your families are long lived. ❤❤❤

[@TimLeeLetsGo]

It was a lot of fun… We did dine out a little bit too much… and keeping the local gyms in business

[@xraydonnie1]

Tim another fabulous dinning experience. It definetly is different comparing a self serve to a full service attendant. But again another Great video. Tks for all your hard work and endless efforts. Much appreciated!

[@carolmorris2705]

The children are as lovely as the food is delicious. I commend Arnold for his willingness to try everything. What a great family and food experience. 👍🏻🌹👍🏻

[@jc0730]

Another great feast, Tim. Thank you!

[@TimLeeLetsGo]

Thank you so much🙏

[@pebblesredjackson]

Peace and blessings to you Tim. It's so nice that the food comes to your table so you don't have to get up. 😁👍🏿

[@TimLeeLetsGo]

It was very nice with the attentive servers, but it was quite a lot of food in the end🤦‍♂️😉

[@dawnmatthews2354]

Yummy!!! And that Arnold is so adventurous!

[@TimLeeLetsGo]

I think we got him addicted to the XO sauce…😃

[@AutumnalMountains]

Love watching your YumCha videos, this looked so delish 🤤. Sydney is fun for a getaway. Yea, those steamed Prawn Rolls are slippery! Love those, Steamed Prawn Dumplings and Tripe. ❤ from Melbourne, Australia 🇦🇺

[@user-ph2ck7cw2j]

Those Dim Sum look great , thanks so much for posting this video 😊👍🏼💯 ! Can’t wait for the next video .

[@TimLeeLetsGo]

It was a really good experience and I do prefer the Chinatown dim sum places with the pushcarts

[@mjs28s]

That first place was too funny. You - "I should leave now" "I'm done and should go. Wait, is that another cart?" "Ok, let's wrap this meal up. I've ordered too much." "they also have food over there you can pick up if you want. Let's check it out!" "Oh, that's about it for this place wha....what is in that steamer basket?" Restaurant -

[@TimLeeLetsGo]

That’s how they get you! Each dish wasn’t very expensive, but they keep inundating you with more and more dishes with the pushcarts

[@darkphasex]

Thank you for another great video. Yum cha is what the Cantonese express when they are going to eat dim sum. Yum cha means to drink tea.

[@-SarahElizabeth-]

Happy Sunday! A Tim video! Woohoo!!! 🥳

[@TimLeeLetsGo]

A very happy weekend to you and wishing you a wonderful week ahead!

[@q0rpz368]

The little ones helped out so much more than I could've assumed! Taking them to the first spot you would've had no tasty leftovers! 😭🙌

[@TimLeeLetsGo]

It is quite impressive that they are quite adventurous! Always willing to try new foods. We’ll see how far we can push the limit.😆

[@greatwhitenorth3717]

the dim sum push carts looked amazing!!

[@TimLeeLetsGo]

There’s just something about the pushcarts that makes the experience special

[@ellier6942]

my dad is Canadian and I’ve visited Canada once or twice a year for all of my 30 years. You are Canadian through and through Tim, you make me feel like I’m visiting Canada when I’m watching your videos. As you would say, much needed :)

[@TimLeeLetsGo]

It sounds like it’s time for another visit! Summer is beautiful in Vancouver Canada

[@ellier6942]

@@TimLeeLetsGo I think you’re right! might have to stick to Ontario this year though!

[@BDY98]

Great wholesome videos Tim, glad you’re enjoying Australia.

[@fleciashreve2313]

8pm, looks like I'll be wanting to order Chinese food momentarily! 😂

[@TimLeeLetsGo]

I might do the same😋

[@MarieReese]

Hi Tim All the food looks so yummy. You have a beautiful family! ❤❤❤ your video.

[@rhonda6791]

Tim welcome to Sydney, you really have a very lovely family, thank you for taking us along. I live in Sydney and would like to try the first restaurant in Chinatown. Cheers to you!! 🎉

[@elofave3860]

Every food looks so good...❤❤

[@anniealexander9616]

Great video! ❤

[@jackiehall2935]

SUCH A WONDERFUL FAMILY I ENJOYED YOUR VO.TIM THANKS FOR SHARING

[@TimLeeLetsGo]

It was a lot of fun. Behind-the-scenes, when filming and eating, it takes a good 2 to 3 hours. The kids were so well behaved.

[@jackiehall2935]

@@TimLeeLetsGo YES THEY WERE SO SWEET.

[@jadehom8067]

Great dim sum 👍...safe travels and God Bless 😘🤗❤

[@TimLeeLetsGo]

Always nice to experience dim sum anywhere. Really nice experience there.

[@gopropeterchockey]

There is an Aussie/Chinese dumpling creation called a "Dim Sim" that I've always wanted to try but they are only available down under. They are very popular and are served in fish and chip/fast food places in Australia.

[@TimLeeLetsGo]

Oh my goodness! Thank you so much for this! There is a lively chat about dim sim with the family in Australia as we speak

[@billandlisa]

Dishes looked great at both spots! Thanks for the review, Tim!

[@YourLifeVideos1]

How amazing! Especially, the beet root wrap one. It's also so great that you try places despite bad reviews! Thank you for your honest reviews!!

[@TimLeeLetsGo]

It was certainly one of the favourite dim sum dishes there. Surprisingly very crispy and crunchy on the inside.

[@FOODWITHDREAD]

Wow, another great video of great food in Sydney! You are making it so hard for me to pick where to go eat and do m6 videos also!! Love your work ❤🙏

[@dwaynewladyka577]

The dim sum looked pretty good to me. A nice variety there. Cheers, Tim and God Bless!👍🏻👍🏻✌️🇨🇦

[@jena9176]

ALL THE FOOD LOOKS SO DELICATE, DELIGHTFUL, AND DELICIOUS ❤ 🙏 GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

[@TimLeeLetsGo]

It was a fun experience and once again, I’m really impressed with the food and restaurants in Australia

[@AussieAngeS]

I love dim sum 😍 Another great video Tim have a great rest of the week

[@TimLeeLetsGo]

Thank you so much and wishing you a wonderful week as well!

[@Pzlovewin88]

Wow the city is so beautiful and advanced. Loved the new video @TimLeeLetsGo 👍

[@gahennasonneillon8566]

a lot of fun to watch your vlog,,,

[@teresarose731]

Yummy!!! Your family is lovely.

[@Viral-Food-Travel-Channel]

looks soo yummy

[@ikiddyounot]

Love the family catch-up - Arnold is one adventurous eater! Both places looked excellent!

[@TimLeeLetsGo]

He is quite the adventurous when isn’t he!?

[@conniesanchez9114]

This is one of my favorite videos because of your family joining especially Arnold he has a great appetite 😋

[@TimLeeLetsGo]

Arnold is quite adventurist. Thank you so much for reaching out!

[@conniesanchez9114]

@@TimLeeLetsGo do you ever do dim sum in Bay Area specifically east bay; Oakland, Berkeley, El Cerrito?

[@owei2013]

Such a wonderful family and delicious looking dim sum!!! Looks even better than NY or LA 😮

[@kadegoodgirl5498]

This is kind of my favorite food here in New York as well,I like to go to flushing not in Chinatown but you can call flushing is a 2nd Chinatown in New York. Love watching your vdo. Thank you. Enjoy 😊

[@TimLeeLetsGo]

Really missing all the great food in New York as well! Gotta go for dim sum on the next vacation

[@KryCaNe]

Nice contrast between the two experiences.

[@BensTunes74]

Great job Tim Sum.

[@TimLeeLetsGo]

Ha!😆

[@soxrox2574]

Eating Dim Sum by yourself looks very challenging. I know I would like to try everything like you. You did a great job though. It was very smart to bring reinforcements with you to the 2nd one.

[@TimLeeLetsGo]

Oh my goodness, it was a lot of food and luckily had a lot of take away. I am dying to try Chinatown barbeque in Spring Mountain as everyone says it’s one of the best Chinese places in Vegas.

[@processserver8470]

Ciao Tim 👋👋👋 Greetings from Greenwich London ⚓️⛵️ Cheers 🥟🍤🍱🥢😋👍🫖

[@TimLeeLetsGo]

A very happy weekend to you and wishing you a great week ahead

[@judyduong6571]

Food looks so good 😃😋

[@TimLeeLetsGo]

I still prefer the traditional dim sum. Lots of fun and tastes amazing.

[@jackiehall2935]

THAT WAS A NICE RESTAURANTTHE FOOD LOOKED GREAT.

[@TimLeeLetsGo]

I really like the one in Chinatown! Really good food and I do like the hustle and bustle of the traditional dim sum restaurants

[@calvinmarshall1610]

Hi tim thanks for sharing the reviews before you went inside. Glad you enjoyed the foid the chicken feet looked a little well though.

[@TimLeeLetsGo]

It was a great experience on both places and really enjoyed having lunch with all the family members.

[@popeyesailorman911]

Food looks Good ✌✌

[@TimLeeLetsGo]

I think in general, all the places I’ve been to in Australia have very high-quality for food. Really enjoyable.

[@pebblesredjackson]

"Fast and furious. " 😅🤣😂👍🏿

[@TimLeeLetsGo]

🙂

[@genyosha16]

Ok there’s another place on my Sydney list to visit

[@Chloe88889]

Looks so yummy..

[@TimLeeLetsGo]

🙏

[@vickieboyd3507]

Very nice 🤠

[@TimLeeLetsGo]

It was a lot of food and very delicious

[@siobhanblake9150]

Looks nice but Red Emperor in Melbourne is still my favourite for yum cha 😃 Great review.

[@TimLeeLetsGo]

Thank you so much for the great suggestion. There have been multiple suggestions about red Emperor.

[@tonyyarbray]

worth the wait..0 liked the comparison of the dim sum spots...I really liked the look of the second place and the view was great food looked great at both places

[@shadowguard3578]

Yes you do spell pterodactyl with a ‘p’! Enjoyable video particularly with your family. Thanks!

[@TimLeeLetsGo]

Thank you so much! Off camera I did mention that I thought it was a difference between the Australian spelling and the Canadian spelling🤦‍♂️😉

[@shadowguard3578]

@@TimLeeLetsGo that’s funny! You’re welcome. ☺️

[@QDPenguin]

The first one is luxurious and fancy too..

[@TimLeeLetsGo]

Yeah, it was pretty fancy and I actually did prefer the dim sum at Chinatown

[@anitayee9084]

Hello Tim. Hello Family. We love see Family and more video with Family ❤❤ and We love your video and Food so Delicious 😋 ❤❤

[@TimLeeLetsGo]

Thank you so much for reaching out and all the best to you and yours as well!

[@salmonfire]

my fav was the honeycomb tripe!

[@TimLeeLetsGo]

That’s my favourite too. Not too many people would want to eat it, but it is delicious.

[@beekellee841]

You are great with engaging the kids Tim. Love the dim sum selections although bummed you didn't try the roast duck and ribs at the first restaurant. You definitely need a partner for dim sum. 😊

[@TimLeeLetsGo]

I was so impressed with the little ones! One thing that is not known is that it takes quite a long time at the meals with filming. We were there for about two almost 3 hours. They were so well-behaved!

[@getitherething.2653]

Golden century. Food was expensive but amazing.

[@simplelife6294]

Tim - did it use to be Golden Century ! A Sydney institution ❤️

[@TimLeeLetsGo]

That was it! It was golden century that I visited 17 years ago

[@GsCConcrete123]

thanks my frind looks good. 😁😁😁

[@TimLeeLetsGo]

It was a great experience, either eating alone or with the family. Lots of great food in Australia.

[@proudasiangirl576]

I noticed that everyone had nice etiquette when picking up food from a shared platter. Everyone was using the back side of the chopsticks as to not contaminate from the points where it's been in your mouth.

[@TimLeeLetsGo]

Really impressive with even the little one, Arnold, and the chopsticks and etiquette skills

[@jacintavaetoe6566]

Lee u make me hungry stay bless

[@frankm7707]

Arnold is the coolest dude!

[@megansong7542]

huge fan. want to watch you eat Chinese food in Sichuan.

[@cibreopirate]

Great video! Have you thought about doing food (eating) tours of Sydney and/or Melbourne?

[@TimLeeLetsGo]

I haven’t done a food tour in Melbourne, and it was very nice to get the lay of the land. It was bits and bites of various foods and nice to meet the people who are visiting as well.

[@FreddyJong-co6cb]

Bonza living the dream 😂😂❤😂😂❤❤❤❤

[@ronnieip3407]

we will be going to sydney end of this year. what was the approx cost for royal palace? thanks

[@TimLeeLetsGo]

I hope you have an amazing trip! I can’t recall the exact cost of the dishes because different dim sum plates have different pricing. But while I over ordered, my total bill was under $100. I’ve been reading a lot of comments and people have also been suggesting going to imperial Emperor As many claim that to be their favourite

[@louiscobb3003]

It's a process to go through but fried tripe is so delicious

[@TimLeeLetsGo]

It is one of my favourite things to eat, although it’s not too popular

[@10lauset]

Stuffed again just watching you. Cheers.

[@TimLeeLetsGo]

It was quite a lot of food, especially the dim sum/Yumchaa from Chinatown. Really enjoyable though but yeah, it was a lot of food.

[@cynthiamateo9450]

He’s a excellent eater

[@TimLeeLetsGo]

Really impressed with Arnold! Wasn’t afraid to try anything new

[@FreddyJong-co6cb]

Fair dinkum unbelievable 😂😂❤😂😂❤❤😂😂😂😂

[@LarryNg-mx8qz]

is the cost of living there higher than in Vancouver?

[@Borble333]

Ohh mext time you shouls go for palace chinese or sky phoenix both in cbd

[@TimLeeLetsGo]

Thank you so much for the great suggestions. Noting those down.😋

[@ninachestney-tg8eo]

The hotel website says silks has now permanently closed . That was quick after your visit Tim!

[@TimLeeLetsGo]

Talk about shutting down the place! There is a little bit of a lag between filming and editing, but it wasn’t that long. It’s a shame.

[@ninachestney969]

@@TimLeeLetsGo yes it looks like was fairly recent. A shame because the dim sum looked very good.....

[@ninachestney969]

@@TimLeeLetsGo i live in london by the way and have followed you for quite a while on you tube and I do enjoy your videos and your dry sense of humour and warmth. If you ever come over to London let me know as so many great restaurants here....not so many buffets of the quality you are used to except the glasshouse in watford perhaps.....would avoid the Ned's buffet...overpriced and not very good.

[@johnshuttleworth983]

Tim, thank you for showing us $95 seems a bit steep but

[@TimLeeLetsGo]

It was a bit steep, and I actually did prefer the traditional dim sum, but with all the dishes that were ordered it actually was a little high in prices as well, but not as much as $95

[@margi9103]

I looked up the website for Silks restaurant at the Crown. It said that a silks is now closed, so that means I won’t get to try it.

[@TimLeeLetsGo]

That’s such a shame! There’s a small lag between the filming and the editing, but not that much.

[@user-mc3zt3zt6m]

When reading reviews. Look for the most recent. Sometimes restaurant get better, and sometimes they get worse. 😊

[@TimLeeLetsGo]

Good point. It’s actually kind of fun to test the reviews as well.

[@gloriawinbush1590]

Yummy 🥹🥰🤤!

[@TimLeeLetsGo]

😋

[@lujzagarou7619]

Love the dim sum, but come to Adelaide SA, Ding Hao dim sum is much bigger and better, (The Best In Adelaide), also you can't best the Adelaide Central Market and the food and cakes they have to offer, Happy Eating!😋🤪🤗😘🌺🌻🐦**

[@lujzagarou7619]

(Meant to type YUM CHA)

[@Waltaere]

Tiiim 😃

[@TimLeeLetsGo]

Hello 👋

[@johnc3886]

To me, the dim sum at the first place appeared to look fresher, more flavorful. The second place has less of the hustle and bustle along with great company, but the food seemed good/decent but more for show.

[@BensTunes74]

Looks like a cool dude the bro in law? Tim!

[@TimLeeLetsGo]

Very fun guy! Really grateful to get to eat with everyone together

[@angelicasoup638]

👍👍👍👍

[@TimLeeLetsGo]

🙏

[@Webby965Nine]

Tim, Great video Cheers.

[@TimLeeLetsGo]

🙏

[@JF-oz3mv]

It use to be called golden century but went belly up around covid time

[@TimLeeLetsGo]

I really liked golden century when I was there 17 years ago, and really sad to hear, but glad there is still the restaurant there under a different name/owner

[@chubbs500]

have to agree... dim sum stop #1 had significantly better quality. you know its good when you can't stop ordering

[@TimLeeLetsGo]

Yeah, same here. I did enjoy the Chinatown dim sum quite a lot.

[@user-mc3zt3zt6m]

Tripe perfectly cooked is good.

[@TimLeeLetsGo]

Agreed and they cooked it really well nice and tender

[@fdr2275]

I have never seen that red spring roll before. Why is it red?

[@abcabc2680]

It used to be called Golden Century

[@TimLeeLetsGo]

Thank you so much! Happy to say that it is quite nice. Very top-notch.

[@qidongxu7339]

hmm. 62USD per person. if I go to a higher end Chinese restaurant in the Bay Area. The dim sum is from 7 to 9 USD per order. I'm not sure if a person can eat 7 or 8 orders

[@TimLeeLetsGo]

Yeah, that’s about the same price here in Vancouver Canada. I’m just figuring that out in my head and wondering if I am able to break even in the US. I think I can, but I’d be pushing it.

[@X.X.7.]

Is it me, or is Bernard’s body language saying he’s not digging the video interaction?

[@TimLeeLetsGo]

lol.. he was actually eating for two as he was looking after Evie as well😆

[@AnnaElizabethD]

It’s not just you, he definitely rolled his eyes at 27:20.

[@BensTunes74]

3:57 Looks like the Lobsters are having a good time? hehe.

[@TimLeeLetsGo]

They may have violated KZbin’s guidelines🤦‍♂️😆

[@yoandreee]

those are usually one biters lol

[@leedoulman6027]

I think some how they no you are coming, so food will be good just for you some how.

[@TimLeeLetsGo]

I think they were serving everyone the same… Although many people did come up to offer new dishes

[@wathrog]

Silks already closed down unfortunately. Higher end or good quality dim sum is harder to come by here.