Spin-off delivering the yummy factor
A ONE time empire of Chinese cuisine in Cairns City has sprouted a spin off that is taking on a new market.
Yum Sing at 183 Lake Street is a partnership between the Comfort Inn and Ray Sou, formerly of Cafe China.
The once sprawling chain of Chinese restaurants were a Cairns favourite but downsized with the drop in tourism from China and the COVID pandemic.
Cafe China owner Harry Sou relocated after opting not to renew the lease at the Reef Hotel Casino and reopened a smaller venue at 79 Mulgrave Road.
But brother Ray chose to stay closer to the CBD.
“I have known Ray for five or six years,” Comfort Inn manager Jacky Ni said.
“It was a pity Cafe China left the casino, there used to be three or four locations.
“Ray was looking for new opportunities and locations; and we wanted to attract the local and domestic tourism market.
“The local market is the most stable right now and that is our focus.”
The restaurant forms part of Comfort Inn guest packages but is also located to appeal to North Cairns residents.
“We are right across the road from the private hospital and have residential units nearby,” Mr Ni said.
“We have the market; at night diners can relax on the outside deck without being bothered by traffic.”
Mr Sou has retained a core of Cafe China chefs — between the three working in the kitchen it is believed they have the most experienced Chinese cuisine specialists in the city.
Although Mr Sou and Mr Li shook hands on the Yum Sing venture in December, the fit out and opening had been delayed by COVID.
“We missed Chinese New Year in February due to logistics and labour issues,” Mr Li said.
But they expect a teeming trade in August during the Mid Autumn festival, a major occasion on the Han calendar.
The Yum Sing menu pays homage to the greatest hits of Mr Sou’s former business, and specialises in iconic Dim Sim and Cantonese cooking.
Twelve varieties of home made dumplings feature on the lunch menu, alongside 13 stir fried dishes and the Cafe China crowd favourite, laksa.
The restaurant is also open for weekend yum cha.
“We will maintain the reputation that was built by Cafe China, but with new branding,” Mr Li said.
Yum Sing is open Monday, Wednesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner, and Sunday lunch.