Page 12 - Masala Lite Issue 159 March 2024

12 MUNCHING

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

BY AIDEN JEWELLE GONZALES

hile 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 which consists of a selection of tender roast pork; crispy
place of serenity, while ceiling features in the same colour pork with the delightfully crispy snap that one would
gently undulate through the space, drawing your eye up crave; and of course, the archetypal roast duck to
and providing a sense of movement; I was pleasantly complete the meal. All were seasoned perfectly, and
surprised by the simple artistry of the ambience. There will be sure to leave you satiated. All of these can be
is plenty of space for groups of all sizes, and yet the high availed on in their small-sized buffet set.
ceilings and stunning views ensure the eatery will never
feel too crowded. The large-sized buffet has a selection of special dishes
that you can order, such as their Baked snow bun
FOOD AND DRINK (THB 150), perfectly fluffy spheres with a savoury MASALA RECOMMENDS
filling that will keep you craving more. For a more
As with any great Cantonese restaurant, you’re invited indulgent, yet still healthy, serving, opt for their The Crab roe clay pot (THB 650) from their Special Menu,
to eat your fill of their dim sums, baos, and barbecued Crispy prawn rice roll with truffle (THB 250), made which was served with an eye-catching orange crab shell
delights, and if you’re craving this experience, you should with rice noodles and shaved truffle flakes for an and a dollop of crab roe, and warmed us from the inside out.
avail of their buffet for either THB 899++ or THB 1,199++ unusual but complimentary combination. Or, if you Packed with flavour, it’s both unique and comforting at once.
depending on what you would like to order. Make sure to prefer it without truffle, their Prawn rice rolls (THB
visit soon, as their current promotion has reduced these 150) will hit the spot, especially with the soy sauce
prices to THB 699++ or THB 999++, respectively, while mix that it’s served in. I can’t resist a fried snack, so I was YUMCHA STEAM KING
children between 121-140cm are given 50 percent off, and especially delighted by their Deep fried prawns with tofu
children under 120cm eat for free. sheath (THB 120), with the fried tofu skin on the outside Floor 2, Lotus’s North
adding a particularly satisfying crackle. And finally, if you Ratchaphruek
Of course, when the delightful spread was brought out, I want something a little on the sweeter side, their Sesame Om Kret, Pak Kret VIEW VIDEO
immediately tucked into their assortment of dim sums, rice ball salty egg lava (THB 120) adroitly toes the line District,
each type served hot and fresh in the quintessential bamboo between sweet and savoury, and is wholly irresistible. Nonthaburi 11120
steamer. The aromas of each, when opened, immediately
transported me to childhood feasts, and I couldn’t get Yumcha Steam King also has an à la carte menu where Open daily from
enough of their moreish Shrimp siu-mai dumpling (THB you can order all of the above, as well as other authentic 10am to 9pm
120), my undisputed favourite; their melt-in-your-mouth dishes such as their not-to-be-missed Poached spinach Tel: 096 364 4545
Shrimp hargow dumpling (THB 120), and their Shrimp and with century egg and salted egg (THB 250), a heartwarming Facebook:
spinach wonton (THB 120), a healthier but still delicious stew that was both savoury and light. To pair with your @ ycsteamking
choice. For the carnivores, make sure to order their BBQ set dishes, there is of course freeflow hot or iced tea, always Instagram:
(THB 700 for the small set or THB 1,200 for the large set) a pleasure when having a Chinese meal. @yumcha.steamking
MASAL A LITE ISSUE 159 - MARCH 2024