Yumcha Steam King at Ratchaphreuk serves Cantonese delights that have got that yummy-yum.

BY AIDEN JEWELLE GONZALES

While there is no dearth of culinary options in town, Cantonese cuisine always stands apart for their fresh ingredients; subtle – yet still delicious – flavours; range of sauces and seasonings, as well as healthier cooking options that mostly focus on steaming and stir-frying, with minimal oil and fat. And of course, there are some days where nothing will hit the spot except for the heavenly mouthfuls that come with a proper spread of Cantonese dim sums and baos. 

Yumcha Steam King, located on the second floor of Lotus’s North Ratchaphruek in Nonthaburi, is well worth the visit when you’re craving Cantonese cuisine, especially with their original and authentic recipes, and freshly-made dim sums served hot by an experienced chef hailing all the way from Hong Kong. 

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Lotus’s North Ratchaphreuk itself is a destination in that part of town, with intriguing indoor and outdoor spaces, and the restaurant is deceptively large despite what looks to be an intimate foyer when you walk in. Beyond the entrance, and past their private rooms that can be reserved ahead of time, you’re faced with outsized, end-to-end windows that look out into lush greenery, often a rarity in Bangkok. Wooden screens and paper lanterns in gentle ecru take full advantage of the glut of sunlight that spills in, transporting you to a place of serenity, while ceiling features in the same colour gently undulate through the space, drawing your eye up and providing a sense of movement; I was pleasantly surprised by the simple artistry of the ambience. There is plenty of space for groups of all sizes, and yet the high ceilings and stunning views ensure the eatery will never feel too crowded. 

FOOD AND DRINK

As with any great Cantonese restaurant, you’re invited to eat your fill of their dim sums, baos, and barbecued delights, and if you’re craving this experience, you should avail of their buffet for either THB 899++ or THB 1,199++ depending on what you would like to order. Make sure to visit soon, as their current promotion has reduced these prices to THB 699++ or THB 999++, respectively, while children between 121-140cm are given 50 percent off, and children under 120cm eat for free. 

Of course, when the delightful spread was brought out, I immediately tucked into their assortment of dim sums, each type served hot and fresh in the quintessential bamboo steamer. The aromas of each, when opened, immediately transported me to childhood feasts, and I couldn’t get enough of their moreish Shrimp siu-mai dumpling (THB 120), my undisputed favourite; their melt-in-your-mouth Shrimp hargow dumpling (THB 120), and their Shrimp and spinach wonton (THB 120), a healthier but still delicious choice. For the carnivores, make sure to order their BBQ set (THB 700 for the small set or THB 1,200 for the large set) which consists of a selection of tender roast pork; crispy pork with the delightfully crispy snap that one would crave; and of course, the archetypal roast duck to complete the meal. All were seasoned perfectly, and will be sure to leave you satiated. All of these can be availed on in their small-sized buffet set. 

The large-sized buffet has a selection of special dishes that you can order, such as their Baked snow bun (THB 150), perfectly fluffy spheres with a savoury filling that will keep you craving more. For a more indulgent, yet still healthy, serving, opt for their Crispy prawn rice roll with truffle (THB 250), made with rice noodles and shaved truffle flakes for an unusual but complimentary combination. Or, if you prefer it without truffle, their Prawn rice rolls (THB 150) will hit the spot, especially with the soy sauce mix that it’s served in. I can’t resist a fried snack, so I was especially delighted by their Deep fried prawns with tofu sheath (THB 120), with the fried tofu skin on the outside adding a particularly satisfying crackle. And finally, if you want something a little on the sweeter side, their Sesame rice ball salty egg lava (THB 120) adroitly toes the line between sweet and savoury, and is wholly irresistible.

Yumcha Steam King also has an à la carte menu where you can order all of the above, as well as other authentic dishes such as their not-to-be-missed Poached spinach with century egg and salted egg (THB 250), a heartwarming stew that was both savoury and light. To pair with your dishes, there is of course freeflow hot or iced tea, always a pleasure when having a Chinese meal.

MASALA RECOMMENDS

The Crab roe clay pot (THB 650) from their Special Menu, which was served with an eye-catching orange crab shell and a dollop of crab roe, and warmed us from the inside out. Packed with flavour, it’s both unique and comforting at once.

YUMCHA STEAM KING

Floor 2, Lotus’s North 

Ratchaphruek

Om Kret, Pak Kret District, 

Nonthaburi 11120

Open daily from 10am to 9pm

Tel: 096 364 4545

Facebook:  @ ycsteamking

Instagram: @yumcha.steamking