Food, Lifestyle, Travel & Photography: Yum Cha Chinatown

Thursday, July 9, 2026

Yum Cha Chinatown

In celebration of Singapore's 61st Birthday, Yum Cha is introducing a special National Day Limited Time Menu, available from 1 July to 30 September 2026. Inspired by familiar local flavours and reimagined with Yum Cha's signature dim sum touch, these seasonal creations offer a unique way to celebrate the nation's birthday.

Yum Cha

Whether you're a long-time fan of Yum Cha or simply looking for something different to enjoy with family and friends, this limited-time menu is one you won't want to miss before it's gone.

Yum Cha Chinatown

Singapore's favourite local flavours take centre stage at Yum Cha this National Day season with a specially curated menu inspired by some of the nation's most iconic dishes. From Bak Kut Teh, Chilli Crab and Laksa to Satay and Nanyang Kaya, each creation transforms familiar hawker favourites into inventive dim sum and restaurant-style dishes. Available for a limited time from 1 July to 30 September 2026, the menu offers a fun and nostalgic dining experience, complemented by a meaningful charity initiative that celebrates the true spirit of giving back this National Day.

National Day 2026 Specials

The Nanyang Kaya Layer Cake was a delightful surprise. Layered with kaya, sweet potato, corn and red beans, it offered a pleasant mix of textures and natural sweetness without being overly rich, making it a satisfying way to end the meal.

Nanyang Kaya Layer Cake with sweet potato, corn and red bean.

Nanyang Kaya Layer Cake 南洋咖椰千层糕

These adorable Chilli Crab Buns were almost too cute to eat. Beneath the crispy golden exterior was a soft, fluffy bun filled with the rich, sweet and mildly spicy flavours of Singapore's iconic chilli crab, making them both fun and delicious.

Crispy Chilli Crab Buns at Yum Cha Singapore

Chilli Crab Bao 脆皮辣椒蚧包

The Assam Cod Fish Steak featured a lightly pan-seared cod fillet that was tender and flaky. Paired with a tangy assam sauce, it struck a nice balance of sweet, sour and mildly spicy flavours, while the fresh cucumber and pineapple added a refreshing crunch.

Assam Cod Fish Steak with tangy assam sauce.

Assam Cod Fish Steak 亚参鳕鱼

A true taste of Singapore, the Satay with Fried Rice paired fragrant satay-seasoned fried rice with tender, flavourful satay skewers. Served alongside bite-sized ketupat cubes, this dish brought together the familiar flavours of a classic satay feast in one satisfying plate.

Satay with fried rice and mini ketupat at Yum Cha Singapore.

Satay Fried Rice 沙爹炒饭

One of the highlights from Yum Cha's National Day Specials was the Bak Kut Teh Xiao Long Bao (肉骨茶小笼包). Although this seasonal favourite has appeared on their National Day menu over the years, it was my very first time trying it. Instead of the usual white wrapper, this xiao long bao comes in a distinctive brown skin to resemble the herbal Bak Kut Teh broth. Bite into it and you will be greeted by a rich, peppery soup filling that replaces the traditional pork broth, delivering the familiar warmth and robust flavours of a comforting bowl of Bak Kut Teh in a single dumpling. It is a creative local twist that perfectly captures the essence of one of Singapore's most beloved dishes.

Bak Kut Teh Xiao Long Bao (肉骨茶小笼包) with peppery broth at Yum Cha Singapore.

BKT Xiao Long Bao 肉骨茶小笼包

The Pork Prata Pancake puts a local spin on a classic Chinese pancake. Wrapped in a flaky, crispy prata-like pastry, the savoury pork filling makes it a satisfying snack that combines familiar Singaporean flavours with dim sum.

Pork Prata Pancake

The Otak Siew Mai is one of Yum Cha's signature dim sum items that's available all year round. Filled with fragrant otak, it delivers a pleasant spicy kick while the texture is softer and more delicate than a traditional siew mai, making it one of my personal favourites.

Otak Siew Mai 乌打烧卖

The Laksa Crispy Rice Roll was an interesting fusion creation. The crispy rice roll soaked up the rich, aromatic laksa gravy beautifully while still retaining a light crunch, delivering the familiar flavours of Singapore's beloved laksa with an enjoyable contrast in texture.

Laksa Crispy Rice Roll with laksa gravy.

Laksa Crispy Rice Flour Roll

Beyond the food, Yum Cha is also giving back through a meaningful Five Stones Charity Initiative. Priced at $10 per set, every dollar from the sale goes to the Children's Aid Society to support children, youths and families in need. There's also a Five Stones Challenge, where participants stand a chance to win a $20 Yum Cha dine in voucher by putting their five stones skills to the test. It's a nostalgic keepsake that lets you relive a classic Singaporean childhood game while supporting a worthy cause.