Affordable Yum Cha in Melbourne CBD: A Visit to Tim Ho Wan
If you’re anything like us, finding a good spot for yum cha in Melbourne can be part of the fun — especially when it’s tucked away in a handy central location and doesn’t break the bank.
On a recent city outing, we made a beeline for Tim Ho Wan, the popular Melbourne CBD yum cha restaurant perched outside the arcade on 206 Bourke Street. With its origins as HK Tim Ho Wan, a humble Hong Kong eatery that shot to fame with a Michelin star, it’s now known across the globe for quality dim sum at wallet-friendly prices.
And let me tell you — it lived up to the hype.
Lunch at Tim Ho Wan: Sharing a Feast (for under $60!)
The three of us settled in for lunch and ordered a range of dishes from the Tim Ho Wan menu — pork buns, prawn dumplings, siu mai, spring rolls, and more. It’s a mix-and-match experience perfect for sharing, and we loved being able to try a little of everything.
The baked BBQ pork buns were a standout (they’re famous for a reason!), and everything arrived fresh and piping hot.
Even better? Our total bill came to around $60 for three people. That’s excellent value in the heart of the city, especially for a place with such a reputation. If you’re looking for Melbourne Michelin star restaurants that won’t empty your wallet, this is a winner.
Terrie’s review
Having lunch in the City of Melbourne has become like a treasure hunt. So many wonderful restaurants and this time we chose TimHoWan Chinese Restaurant at 206 Bourke St.
Easy access into the restaurant and nice spaces between the tables. With my husband and daughter we ordered a few different items off the menu and shared. This is my favourite way to have lunch!
Service was quick, you can use your phone to scan the barcode, or menus are provided on request. The food was delicious, I do have a soft spot for dumplings, enjoying all the different fillings.
Chopsticks are not my thing, no matter how hard I try! But getting a fork is no problem. Very good!
– Terrie
Tidbits for visiting Tim Ho Wan
- It’s easy to get to by public transport;
- Tables aren’t crammed together, so you’re not elbow-to-elbow with strangers;
- Variety of seating options available, including booths and chairs with full back support;
- The staff are friendly and accommodating;
- NOTE: You can ask for a paper menu to browse, but you need your phone to place the actual order via QR code;
- Toilets are located outside the restaurant within the mall.
Make a Day of It
After lunch, we didn’t have far to go — we were headed just upstairs to the Titanic VR Experience, which is currently showing in the same building. It made for the perfect combo: a leisurely lunch followed by a unique and immersive exhibition.
Accessibility and Getting There
Tim Ho Wan is located right in the heart of the city, with trams stopping nearby on Bourke and Swanston Streets. It’s an easy walk from Melbourne Central or Parliament Station if you’re coming by train.
The restaurant itself is on the ground floor, and there are accessible public toilets within the mall. Tables are well spaced, and staff are happy to assist if you need anything — including a fork instead of chopsticks!
Tim Ho Wan Melbourne is ideal if you’re looking for delicious, no-fuss yum cha in the Melbourne CBD. Whether you’re a dim sum devotee or just fancy trying something new, it’s well worth a visit. Just bring your appetite!
Tim Ho Wan Melbourne
206 Bourke Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
(03) 9663 9691
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