An Amazing Dim Sum Experience at Yauatcha Waikiki

Last month Nadia and I were fortunate to have attended the Grand Opening Party of Yauatcha Waikiki, a new dim sum teahouse located at the International Market Place.

We were able to enjoy a few delicious bites as samples were passed out at the event, but we felt as if we did not get experience all that Yauatcha truly has to offer.

So there was no hesitation to accept an invitation to have lunch there, and we were excited that Nat was able to join us, since she was was unable to attend the grand opening party.

Upon arrival at Yauatcha Waikiki, one of the first things we did was order tea, since you can't go to a dim sum teahouse without ordering some tea, right?  We went with the exclusive "Waikiki" tea.

"Waikiki" tea

The Roasted tender branch Jade Oolong tea with Hawaiian hibiscus flower, which can only be found at the Waikiki location and was made in partnership with Five Mountain Heirloom Organic Tea, had a very lovely hue and aroma, as well as a mild, pleasant taste.

Sauces and pickled cucumber

A variety of sauces was soon brought to the table, along with housemade cucumber pickle to cleanse the palate.

We ordered several dishes, and in typical dim sum fashion, most dishes included three pieces (which was perfect for the three of us on the Hawaii Mom Blog team).

I really enjoyed the variety of dim sum we ordered, which included Char Siu Bun, the Chinese Chive Flower Dumpling, the Crispy Prawn Dumpling, and Shanghai Siew Long Bun (pork soup dumpling).

Char Siu Bun

Chinese Chive Flower Dumpling

Crispy Prawn Dumpling

Shanghai Siew Long Bun

My favorite dish (and Nat's favorite too!) was the Prawn and Bean Curd Cheung Fun. Steamed rice flour pastry enveloped minced prawns that were wrapped in bean curd pastry and deep fried. Soy sauce is poured tableside. I really enjoyed the contrasting textures and the overall flavors of this dish. This is definitely a dish I'd order again and again.

Prawn Bean Curd Cheung Fun

Nadia's favorite was the Venison Puff. She could not stop talking about how much she loved the flaky puff pastry that was stuffed with tender, seasoned venison.

Venison Puff

The Roasted Duck Pumpkin Puff was as delicious as it was cute. Savory duck paired nicely with the sweet, crispy shell.

I also enjoyed the Scallop Shui Mai. Open-topped, steamed dumplings were filled with prawn and wrapped in egg flour skin pastry, topped with a scallop and tobiko caviar - indulgence in each bite!

Scallop Shui Mai

My least favorite dish was the Sticky Rice in Lotus Leaf. It's purely a preference thing, as the textures and flavors of the sticky rice combined with chicken and egg yolk did not appeal to me. However, Nadia really enjoyed it and took home the leftovers.

Sticky Rice in Lotus Leaf

Sticky rice unwrapped

We were absolutely stuffed from all of that we ordered for lunch, but of course we left enough room for dessert.

The offering of European desserts is just one of the features that sets Yauatcha apart from other dim sum restaurants.  The selection of petits gateaux was a feast for the eyes (the dessert display is one of the first things you'll see upon entering the restaurant), and the presentation of each dessert was simply stunning - truly art on a plate!

The Raspberry Delice, a signature dessert at Yauatcha and probably one of the most Instagrammed Yauatcha desserts, was just beautiful! The rose-shaped dessert consists of a raspberry majari chocolate mousse with a lychee panna cotta center, and is served with a raspberry lychee ice cream

Raspberry Delice

The Tropical Dome was my favorite, however.  Offered only at the Hawaii location, the tart and sweet flavors of lilikoi and pineapple really shone through in this dessert.  It was fruity, refreshing, and simply divine!

Tropical Dome

Nat and Nadia both liked the Red Fruits Mascarpone best, which was served with strawberries and a raspberry and black currant compote.

Red Fruits Mascarpone

The Apple Choux was reminiscent of an apple pie, and was very delicious.

Apple Vanilla Choux

All of these desserts are a must-try!

We had an exceptional lunch at Yauatcha Waikiki.

It's a fantastic place to get together with friends to try out a variety of dishes. 

Although there is no separate kids menu, I look forward to taking the family there, as there are plenty of items kids will enjoy (our server said the Roasted Duck Pumpkin Puff is a kid favorite).

The prices are a bit on the high side compared to other Dim Sum restaurants on the island, and people may be hesitant to dine at Yauatcha because of that, but what you get at Yauatcha Waikiki is quality ingredients in each expertly-prepared dish, as well as friendly and knowledgeable service (and kama`aina get a 10% off discount!).

I can't wait to return with the family and try out new dishes (and order the Prawn and Bean Curd Cheung Fun again!).

Mahalo to Yauatcha Waikiki / Hakkasan Group for the amazing lunch. Gratuity was paid on our own.