Yum Cha at Landmark, Sunnybank

Judging by the number of people waiting outside the restaurant it probably safe to say that Landmark is one of the most popular Chinese restaurants in Brisbane. I've heard lots of good things about its regular menu but we go there specifically for yum cha.

It's guaranteed you'll be waiting at least half an hour (if you're lucky). The wait can extend to over an hour during holiday periods.

Anyway, here's how it works at this restaurant:

1) You rock up to the guy (or girl) at the door.

2) You tell him (or her) how many there are in your party.

3) You get given a number.

4) And then you wait...and wait...

You might be horrified to be given number 347 when what's being called out is only 52. But take heart, it doesn't work sequentially, I think. I don't quite understand the system but it seems to be fairly efficient for the purpose.

There is nothing extraordinary about Landmark's yum cha selections. We tend to order pretty much the same things anyway so it is not really that big of a deal. The reason we keep coming back is because of the innovative way they serve these tasty oriental delights.

At Landmark you have a choice to either wait for the cart or pick up your favourite yum cha yourself from a very busy counter. Doesn't seem much but it makes a huge difference to very hungry diners. It's bad enough that you have to wait for a table. Having to wait some more for the carts to come by your table can turn the experience into something less than enjoyable.

And lest I forget, their yum cha taste very good too!

Yum Cha in the Valley

It’s that time of the year again when bean counters (in Australia) are busy predicting the future. That basically means I’ve got very little time to blog.

Renovated Fortitude Valley Station

So for the purpose of keeping this blog alive I’m posting some photos of Brisbane’s premier Chinatown and some of our favourite yum cha dishes.

Chinatown Pagoda being rebuilt

Wishing Fountain

Miniatures

Sharks' Fins for sale (not very eco friendly)

There are a lot better yum cha houses around Brisbane but we go to Chinahouse in Fortitude Valley for the convenience. It’s very central. Parking is ample. Their dishes are good (but could be better). The important thing to remember is to get to the restaurant early enough to guarantee freshness and to avoid long queues.

Lola and the kids enjoying their early lunch

Mom's favourite (taro dumplings)

Sticky Rice with Chicken and Lap Chong

Deep Fried Calamari

Sharks' Fin Dumplings

Pork Ribs with Black Beans

Chicken Feet, of course!

Prawn Dumplings

BBQ Pork Buns

Gai Lan w/ Oyster sauce...for balance ;)

And to finish off, custard tarts

The Bill!