Yum Cha Ma? - Anthony Van Lam

Chinatown is a gathering place for yum cha, a feast of steamed dumplings, crispy delights, and fragrant tea. Upon arrival, an elegantly dressed hostess calls out numbers, guiding patrons into the lively dining hall. The meal begins with a pot of jasmine tea, setting the stage for an endless parade of dim sum—har gow, siu mai, wu gok, and more. A well-placed compliment—“leng lui” (pretty girl)—might even earn you a free tea refill!

With every bite, a sip of tea—a cherished ritual of food, family, and tradition. So, Yum Cha Ma?