Yum Cha, or 飲茶, is a Cantonese tradition of morning tea, synonymous with Dim Sum served for the meal. While typically deemed to be for breakfast or brunch, I would gladly have them any time of the day and now dim sum lovers have got another option for full day dim sum apart from Swee Choon, Wan Dou Sek or Tim Ho Wan!

I've only been to the branch at Chinatown for their weekdays high-tea buffet ($ 21.80 + + for adults) and never knew that in fact, each outlet had a slight twist of dining concept. While its flagship at Chinatown was more like a dim sum house with seafood and hotpot, this one at Changi is that of a casual kitchen serving roast delights apart from their dim sum.

Roast Platter

(Roast Duck $12.80, Roast Pork $11.80, Honey Roast Char Siew $11.80 and Soya Chicken $16)

The roast pork took centre stage for me, well-marinated with a cackling crisp skin to go. Coming a close second was the roast duck where its skin remained slightly crisp, with a thin layer of juicy fats to line the flesh. 

Prawn Dumpling ($4.60/3pcs)

One of my staples for any dim sum meal, this timeless classic typically works as the benchmark for me. The freshness of the prawns got off to a good start, though the skin was a tad too thick for my liking. 

Custard Egg Yolk Bun ($4.50/3pcs)

Filled with a rich flavourful core that was entirely flowing (or spurted out for some), it managed to strike the right balance of sweetness together with the salted egg yolk. While the fillings hit the right note, I would have preferred its skin to be fluffier and slightly moist.  

 Fish Roe Siew Mai ($3.80/3pcs)

A timeless classic that was done well in all aspects, this was a satisfying simple comfort food. Tender soft meat encased in a thin skin that didn't leave a sticky bite, topped with a generous amount of tobiko for that added crunch. 

Prawn Wanton Noodles Soup ($6.80)

Prawn Dumpling Noodles Dry ($7.20)

These two didn't quite manage to impress though, lacking in flavours and its noodles slightly overdone. Saved by the dumplings and good to mix in with their chilli if you're looking for a more robust taste. 

Steamed King Prawns Dumpling with Double Fish Roe ($3.50/pc)

(Mother's Day exclusive)

The royal cousin of siew mai, this has got king prawn and caviar for that succulent texture in every bite and a more savoury touch. A mother's day exclusive, pamper that important lady in your life with a touch of royalty.

Lavender Bun with Shredded Coconut Fillings ($2.80/2pcs)

(Mother's Day exclusive)

If you're familiar with 雞尾包 that's traditionally in Hong Kong, this comes with a slight twist with lavender infused skin. Soft, fluffy skin with a light refreshing lavender taste, it wasn't overpowering for it to taste artificial, and it came well-complemented with the shredded coconut for a slight sweetness. My personal favourite of the evening, this was a winning combination that was visually appealing, tastes that go and having varying textures in a bite!

Crispy Spring Roll ($3.20/3pcs), Prawn & Mango Fritters ($4/3pcs) and
Shrimp Beancurd Roll ($4/3pcs)

While spring roll might be commonly available, this came with a slight refresher, replacing the typical turnips with bean sprouts for that added crunch and juiciness. The mango prawn roll was a crowd pleaser with the sesame fragrance and slight sweetness of the mango. 

Pig Trotters in Vinegar ($9.80)

A bowl of sinful indulgence, I liked how the pieces of flesh fell off the bones easily, with a generous serving of meat. Flavourful with a strong vinegar taste, it would have been perfect with a stronger taste of ginger, complete with a hard-boiled egg. 

Crispy Red Bean w/ Banana ($3.80/3pcs)

A classic combination especially for Chinese restaurants, this had a good selection of ripened bananas paired with red bean paste that was just subtly sweet. Have it piping hot for that freshly breaded crunch. 

Glazed Fruit Tart ($2/pc)

(Mother's Day exclusive)

Using mandarin orange in this, it added a refreshing citrus twist and what was interesting was that different fruits complemented the custard differently, bringing about subtle flavours when taken separately. For those who're just mildly sweet tooth, I like that the custard wasn't too sweet, though tart base could have been more crumbly. 

Herbal Jelly ($3.60), Pomelo Sago in Mango Juice ($4),and
Lemongrass Jelly w/ Fruits ($4)

This was the perfect dessert to end off our sumptuous meal. Refreshing and light, the lemongrass wasn't overpowering for that typical polarising love-it-or-hate-it stand. Pretty palatable with most, another dessert on my to-order list next visit. 

Orange Peel with Honey ($2.50)

A new drink on their menu, this was the brainchild of one of their service staff getting inspiration from CNY orange peels. Similar to that of Korean Citron Tea, I would personally have preferred the orange peel flavour to be stronger, though this was a good light option to go with dim sum. 

Quite a vast difference in variety compared to what I've had at their dim sum buffet, this was a pleasant one with quality ingredients used for their dim sum and interesting creations for Mother's Day specials. I'm hoping that the lavender bun would be on its regular menu actually, so do give it a shot!  

Their Mother's Day exclusive items (Steamed King Prawns Dumpling with Double Fish Roe, Lavender Bun with Shredded Coconut and Glazed Fruit Tarts) will be available at all outlets from 5 - 11 May 2014, except 6-11pm at Serangoon Gardens Country Club.

A refreshed visit to their Changi outlet, with comfortable dining ambience away from the hustle and bustle of town. Thank you William for the invitation and Melody for the great hospitality! 

Yum Cha Changi Business Park

6 Changi Business Park Ave 1

#01-33 UE Bizhub East (next to NTUC)

Singapore 486017

Tel: 6789 1717

www.yumcha.com.sg