Chef Wong Hawthorn East — Restaurant in Melbourne

So good to have a new local yum cha spot, and one that is able to offer something different.

Chef Wong has opened up in a location that used to be the brunch cafe Lights in the Attic, which appears to have had their space divided so that there is Chef Wong and Cru+ Bakery next door - each with its own entrance.

Chef Wong offers to-order yum cha dining in a modern cafe-like environment with some tunes overhead. The service here is incredible and really elevated the dining experience - we had eager waitstaff detailing the menu and checking to see that we have had yum cha previously, warn us when food was served particularly hot and checking in multiple times on how we were find the food. These may seem like relatively straightforward aspects of service, but those who have frequented other yum cha establishments will know that this is relatively unheard of.

You miss the trolley experience here, and this as well as the environment and the service is why Chef Wong’s offering is so different. It isn’t necessarily better or worse, it’s just different and personally I find the change refreshing. I love the trolley fun but am sometimes disappointed when the siu mai has run out, or it’s the same dishes being peddled around and they’ve settled to closer to room temp, and of course I never look forward to the perils of navigating the car park and then lining up at the restaurants with specific seating times. Will still definitely be going to trolley-based yum cha every so often, but in between i’ll be hitting up chef wong.

Food here was served quickly and hot on arrival. Siu mai and ham sui gok were standouts. Radish cake had a nice bit of char but was a little mushy on the inside for my liking. The egg tarts were tasty and fresh out of the oven - would have loved the pastry a little flakier but the filling was delicious. They’ve got all the classics on the menu. Just wish they had...

Chef Wong’s cozy yum cha spot is a lesson in contrasts. Tucked into a small outlet with limited seating, it hums with energy, anchored by a team of jovial staff whose warmth turns waiting into less of a chore and more of a shared experience. Here, there are no clattering push carts or fast-paced table-to-table deliveries. Instead, dishes are made to order, promising freshness but also requiring patience—a trade-off that, while unconventional, allows you to savor the moment and the anticipation of each dish.

When the plates finally arrive—sometimes after long waits or the occasional mix-up—they bring flashes of potential, even if some fall shy of dim sum perfection. Dumplings are generously stuffed, almost bursting with filling—a delight for some but teetering on too much for purists. Custard buns bring sweetness but lack the molten core that makes them magical, while egg tarts, though rich in flavor, could use that signature flaky crunch.

Even the ribs and cheong fun—staples of any yum cha spread—show promise, if not perfection. The ribs are tender but lean on the subtler side of seasoning, and the cheong fun’s thick wrapper hints at ambition but detracts from its silken ideal. Congee, meanwhile, surprises with a smooth texture that feels refined, even if it leans more elegant than rustic.

Value for money may be a tough sell here, with prices that don’t quite match the quality of the dishes. However, a small silver lining awaits cash payers in the form of a 5% discount—a gesture that, while modest, adds a bit of charm to the overall experience. Chef Wong may not deliver a flawless yum cha outing, but it offers a chance to appreciate the little quirks and imperfections that make dining out memorable, if...

This has easily become one of my fave yumcha spots in Melbourne ⭐️ you have to try this for yourself if you haven’t already!

What we ordered: 🥟 HK Style Xiao Long Bao $2.90ea 🐷 Pork Siu Mai $3.10ea 🐔 Chicken Siu Mai $3.10ea 🦐 Scallop & Prawn Dumpling $3.60ea 🥓 Crispy Pork Belly Bao (2pcs) $12.80 🍄 Tempura Enoki Bao (2pcs) $11.80 🍆 Crispy Sichuan Eggplant $9 🦪 XO Oysters (2pcs) $8.20 🤎 Beef Hor Fun $11.80 🍞 Sesame Prawn Toast $4.30ea 🧡 San Choy Bao Spring Roll $3.50ea 🍤 Prawn Twister (3pcs) $9.50 🤍 Chinese Donut Steamed Rice Roll $11 🥩 Beef Steamed Rice Roll $10 🔥 Egg Tart $3.90ea 🥭 Mango, Ube, Strawberry Crepe $7.50ea

The story behind how this restaurant came about is very heartfelt and reflected in the quality of the food served. Chef Wong was previously a head chef at Chinese restaurants like Gold Leaf but retired as he was diagnosed with cancer. Out of boredom during covid, he started selling homemade dumplings to friends and family.

As this home delivery service grew in popularity, their home based commercial was due for an upgrade. This then led to them opening their first restaurant in Huntingdale and second in Hawthorn East! Also to let you in on a little secret - I’ve been told that there’s a third one coming soon so keep your eyes peeled on their socials.

After a long battle, Chef Wong has now passed and his legacy continues to live on through this family run establishment.

If I had to pick some faves, I’d highly recommend ordering the mango crepe, crispy eggplant, prawn twister. steamed rice rolls & their HK style XLB.

The food here is truly delicious and I already know I’ll be back for...