YUM Chinese — Restaurant in Sofia City

Went a couple of months ago but had a situation where I sat down with a person who was a tad bit late on her way there & we were waiting for a third who did not end up making it in the end. Despite that, I made sure to order a proper amount of food because I felt guilty & like I had to make it up to the staff as the third person didn’t show up but the restaurant wasn’t busy at all mind you.

Ended up giving a crazy amount of money for a few plates of food. It was tasty but not filling at all. I’ve had a lot of Chinese friends & visited plenty of proper Chinese restaurants & their portions are always so large you’re convinced it’ll be up to your grandkids to finish them so it was a surprise that the portions here are made for mice.

The staff was okay. They don’t feel very genuine & we felt guilty throughout our meal despite the wait staff barely coming by & rarely checking on us. They did check on me continuously while waiting for the second person while becoming increasingly colder & disinterested in my patronage, & again, I get it, it’s a small restaurant, but you had two at most three other tables apart from mine & there was no line outside. The other person with me felt so guilty she scrambled the last of her cash, which was coins, to leave as a tip.

I get it it’s a small place but it does have potential that could be easily fulfilled if the staff are better organised & friendlier/more understanding toward customers, & if the size of the portions justifies their price. I understand it’s a relatively young business trying to establish itself & we don’t know its financial situation but suggestions should be taken into consideration.

Additionally, that whole thing with not taking reservations really could be excused if the restaurant space is bigger & the place is better established, otherwise it’s pretentious. Would return again, though probably not...

The location and ambience are great. The interior decor is beautiful and the service courteous.

The venue is small and I suspect the kitchen is also "cozy" because they don't have enough space to fit in a dishwasher (instead they have a man who washes the dishes manually and is visible from the tables that are near the kitchen).

The limited menu is not really Chinese 🇨🇳 It is beef, chicken or pork with various marinations and a few non-inspiring veggie plates.

There is only one soup on the menu (hot and sour) and it was ok except that it was cooked well in advance (possibly the evening before because it was 13:00) and had a visible layer of oil on top (think soups you typically find in a "Bulgarian Kitchen" self service eatery).

Last and unfortunately least the rice (as mentioned by other viewers) disappointed.

It was scooped out of a rice cooker that stood on the floor less than two meters from my seat.

I ate from even more cramped eateries in South East Asia so the fact it is on the floor doesn't bother me.

What I didn't like is that the rice was not even lukewarm and its quality.

I suspect they have two rice cookers (one in the kitchen the other on the dining hall floor) and because the afternoon was slow (there were only four diners besides me) the rice sat in the cooker for a longer time than is optimal.

I am sure this is not always the case but seeing there are space and technical limitations I think it would be wise to transform this establishment from a restaurant to an Asian wok noodle fast food or Vietnamese pho soup place because as far as I can see Sofia lacks this genre but there are plenty of below average Chinese restaurants...

Nestled discreetly downtown, Yum quietly captivates with its authentic flavors and welcoming ambiance. A recent visit left an enduring impression, unveiling a journey through traditional Chinese cuisine marked by attentive service and a cozy atmosphere.

Entering Yum feels like stepping into another world, where ornate Chinese decor sets the stage for an intimate dining experience. Soft lighting and subtle melodies create an ambiance that lulls patrons into a state of relaxation, setting the perfect backdrop for culinary exploration.

The menu at Yum offers a rich tapestry of classic Chinese dishes, each crafted with care and authenticity. From delicate dim sum to aromatic stir-fries, the selection caters to a range of tastes. One highlight was the Peking Duck, flawlessly roasted and served with pancakes, cucumber, and hoisin sauce—a culinary masterpiece that delighted the senses.

Service at Yum is attentive and unobtrusive, with staff members eager to enhance the dining experience. Their knowledge and passion for Chinese cuisine shine through in their recommendations and attention to detail, ensuring a seamless meal from start to finish.

Yum Chinese Restaurant offers an enchanting glimpse into the culinary landscape of China—an experience that transcends mere dining. For those seeking an expedition into the flavors of the Far East, Yum promises a journey...