While the classic tiered stands of scones and finger sandwiches have their charm, Sydney's multicultural heart offers a vibrant and delicious alternative to traditional high tea: the Cantonese tradition of yum cha. Known as "早茶" (zǎo chá) or "early tea," this experience is a bustling, flavour-packed brunch where the main event is an endless parade of dim sum—bite-sized portions of savoury and sweet delicacies served in steamer baskets or on small plates.

Instead of a quiet, formal affair, yum cha is a lively social gathering. Diners choose from trolleys laden with freshly steamed dumplings, crispy fried pastries, fluffy buns, and delicate cakes, all washed down with pots of hot tea. It's a culinary journey that captures the dynamic energy of Sydney's food scene. For those looking to explore this beloved tradition, you can find more information on the city's diverse dining options on the official Sydney tourism website.

For an authentic and popular yum cha experience, Garden Pavilion (花园阁) in Haymarket is a must-visit. Located on the second floor above the Sussex Street hot pot restaurants, this bustling spot is a favourite among locals, with a full house even on weekdays. The restaurant's popularity is a testament to the quality and freshness of its dim sum, served from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM daily.

A key highlight is the freshly made rice noodle rolls (肠粉), which are brought out periodically on a trolley and are not to be missed. The beef and egg version (滑蛋牛肉) is particularly praised for its smooth texture, non-sticky noodles, and fragrant sauce. Other standout dishes include:

• Chive and Prawn Dumplings (韭菜虾仁饺): These feature a skin so thin you can see the large, succulent prawns inside.
• Chive and Prawn Fried Spring Rolls (韭菜虾仁炸春卷): Even more delicious than the dumplings, these are generously filled with large prawns.
• Secret Recipe BBQ Pork Buns (秘制叉烧包): The buns are described as being as soft as clouds, breaking open to reveal a juicy, amber-coloured pork filling.
• Pineapple Buns with Custard (奶黄菠萝包): A perfect balance of a crispy, crumbly topping and a not-too-sweet custard filling.
• Egg Tarts (蛋挞): These feature a wobbly, pudding-like custard with a rich, milky fragrance.
• Black Sesame Balls (黑芝麻麻球): A treat for sesame lovers, these have a molten black sesame filling that is rich and flavourful.

To make the most of your yum cha experience at Garden Pavilion, a little planning goes a long way. Given its popularity, it's a good idea to be prepared for a lively atmosphere.

• Location: Level 2, 405/411 Sussex St, Haymarket NSW 2000.
• Yum Cha Hours: 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
• Cost: Dishes range from $8.80 to $19.80, with an average spend of around $20-$40 per person.
• Tips: Keep an eye out for the specialty trolleys, especially the one carrying the fresh rice noodle rolls, as they are not available in every round. If you're a durian fan, be sure to ask for the Musang King durian pastry (猫山王榴莲酥). The restaurant also offers classic steamed cakes like water chestnut cake (马蹄糕), taro cake (芋头糕), and turnip cake (萝卜糕), which can be ordered as a mixed plate to sample a variety.