Imagine indulging in a culinary experience that transports you straight to the heart of traditional Chinese cuisine. This is precisely what Ginseng Chinese Restaurant offers, having delighted the Canberra community with its authentic dishes for over two decades. Among the highlights are their exceptional yum cha offerings, which many locals and visitors alike rave about.
Rockie Cheung, the owner of Ginseng, emphasizes that this establishment is deeply rooted in family values. It originally opened its doors as a modest restaurant in Manuka before relocating to the Hellenic Club approximately 16 years ago. Remarkably, despite the passage of time, the essence of their menu has remained largely unchanged.
"We pride ourselves on delivering traditional Chinese fare instead of modern interpretations. Our Cantonese-style yum cha is crafted using age-old techniques, and we even feature live seafood tanks during dinner service," Rockie shared with Region.
At Ginseng, there are three dedicated chefs exclusively focused on perfecting dumplings. Each dumpling offered on the yum cha menu is meticulously handmade, with an impressive selection of about 40 to 50 varieties available. However, when you visit on weekends, you can expect around 30 different options to choose from.
People travel from as far as Goulburn and Cooma to savor the yum cha at Ginseng, demonstrating its popularity. For some, yum cha is a special occasion treat, while others have made it a cherished weekly ritual. Regular patrons come from all corners of Canberra, eagerly anticipating their favorite dumplings.
During a recent Saturday morning visit with friends, we were immediately greeted by the sight of trolleys filled with tantalizing dishes: "Spring roll? Steamed dumpling?" The experience felt almost like a delightful endurance challenge—I prefer to pace myself rather than overwhelm our table with too many dishes at once. Following Rockie's advice, I allowed myself to unwind, sip some tea, and select one or two items from each passing trolley.
We kicked things off with crispy spring rolls, quickly followed by delicate scallop dumplings and prawns wrapped in soft, steamed rice paper, all drizzled with soy sauce. The dish was so well-received that when a pork-filled version appeared on the trolley, a charming Chinese aunty made a beeline for our table, eager to share her enthusiasm.
Among Rockie's personal favorites are the pork and prawn Sui Mai dumplings. Our table was soon overflowing with deliciousness—sui mai, BBQ pork, fried squid, stuffed eggplant, sticky rice parcels, and of course, dumplings galore. While the fried lobster dumpling holds the title of the most popular dish, Rockie encourages diners to explore the less conventional options as well.
"I always try to promote dishes like chicken feet and beef tripe; they might not be everyone’s first choice, but they offer an authentic taste of tradition," he noted. In fact, he mentioned that chicken feet have become surprisingly popular among adventurous eaters.
Enjoying yum cha is best done in a group setting, as it allows for an array of flavors to be sampled. Having at least one person strategically placed to spot the various offerings as they circulate is a smart move. This individual may also find themselves making decisions for the group, ensuring that the meal flows smoothly without prolonged deliberations.
In addition to their renowned yum cha, Ginseng is celebrated for its fresh seafood dishes, such as mud crab and lobster, which further enhance its reputation. If your jasmine tea pot runs low, simply leave the lid slightly open to signal for a refill—help is never far away.
While I had a craving for the five-spice whitebait that I hadn’t spotted on the trays, I confidently asked one of the servers, who promptly placed an order for me. So, if there’s something specific you desire, don’t hesitate to make your request!
And remember to save room for dessert! An egg tart or coconut jelly makes for the perfect sweet ending to your meal.
Ginseng is conveniently located at Woden Hellenic Club, 1 Matilda St, Phillip. They serve lunch from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, Monday through Friday, and dinner from 5:30 PM every evening. Yum cha is available for lunch on Saturdays, Sundays (with 90-minute sittings), and Mondays, so be sure to make a reservation. Stay updated by following Ginseng on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
