Overview

Nestled in the historic heart of Rylstone at 28 Louee Street, 29 Nine 99 Yum Cha & Tea House is a distinctive culinary gem that brings authentic Chinese dumpling and tea culture to the Gardens of Stone foothills. Occupying the heritage-listed former Bridge Hotel building, this unique restaurant offers visitors a relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere where tradition and local charm blend seamlessly.

At its core, 29 Nine 99 shines with handcrafted dumplings that showcase a diverse range of fillings. From the delicately flavored prawn and garlic chives to the intriguingly spiced turmeric chicken with coriander and carrot, each bite offers finesse and freshness. The option to select the number of dumplings allows for a tailored dining experience, appealing to both individuals and groups eager to explore varied tastes without feeling overwhelmed. Particularly memorable are the BBQ duck dumplings and the rich pork bun infused with shiitake mushrooms, providing a satisfying conclusion to the meal.

The restaurant’s tea selection elevates the experience further. Offering traditional brews such as oolong tie guan yin, dan chong, and chrysanthemum tea, alongside jasmine and craft teas, the menu caters to both seasoned tea drinkers and newcomers eager to complement their meal with soothing infusions. This reflective tea service enhances digestion and complements the meal’s flavors, rooting the experience in authentic Yum Cha tradition.

The setting itself invites guests to linger. With seating spilling onto the verandah overlooking the quiet main street, diners can enjoy a moment of calm, soaking in Rylstone’s sandstone-lined streets and historic charm. The atmosphere strikes a balance between cozy intimacy and casual social dining, making it ideal for locals, travelers, and food enthusiasts who appreciate an authentic, well-crafted meal away from urban bustle.

29 Nine 99’s dedication to authenticity is evident not just in their food and drink but in the service ethos. Prompt, friendly staff ensure smooth dining flow, whether you’re savoring a simple tea with dim sum or hosting a group eager to sample the combination steamed dumplings. The location’s accessibility, with ample parking and a well-known phone reservation line, further supports a seamless visit in this quiet, off-the-beaten-path destination.

For those who treasure authentic Chinese culinary art delivered with thoughtful presentation and local heart, 29 Nine 99 Yum Cha & Tea House is a must-visit. It captures the essence of Yum Cha dining with a distinctive Rylstone twist, making every visit a memorable journey into tradition framed by the natural beauty of New South Wales.


Amenities & Services

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Healthy options
Small plates
Wine
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Historic
Trendy

What Customers Say

Lisa Imbruglia
Dec 11,2025
5/5
My brother in law recommended this place. Apparently people come from town to eat here. Fantastic food. Great variety. Great atmosphere. Would totally recommend.
Kate O'Neill
Dec 11,2025
5/5
Wonderful selection of Teas served with fresh, hot steamed dumplings. A treasure of a place in the heartland of the Gardens of Stone foothills. I'll be back!
_ “‪Van-go-Golf‬” _
Dec 11,2025
5/5
No visit to Rylstone is complete without dining at 29 Nine 99. The dumplings are so fresh and tasty. We had the 12 piece set, and it was plenty. They cater well for groups too.
Jackie McMillan
Dec 11,2025
4/5
We’re flying down back roads at 100kmph heading to a dumpling lunch in Rylstone. The town is somewhere between Lithgow and Mudgee, closest neighbour Kandos. Its streets are lined with historic buildings made using blocks hewn from sandstone. The oddly named 29 nine 99 - Yum Cha and Tea House is no exception: it occupies one end of the former Bridge Hotel, a heritage-listed pub which opened in 1871. It’s an incongruous place for a Chinese dumpling and tea house, but here we are, sitting on the verandah sipping oolong tie guan yin, watching the odd car pass by on the quiet main drag. I’ll give it to Na Lan, not only does she pleat up a beautiful array of hand-made dumplings, she’s also solved how best to eat them! Unlike Sydney restaurants where you have to buy dumplings by the plate, here you pick the number of dumplings you wish to eat—we chose ten ($36.80)—and ten different ones arrive in arrangements of three or four. The price also includes tea—I chose dan chong, a semi-fermented oolong tea that aids digestion—and a savoury or dessert bun to finish. Of the dumplings I was most impressed with the flavoursome prawn, garlic and spinach, and the unusual turmeric-heavy chicken, coriander and carrot. Crescent-shaped BBQ duck dumplings were another winner. The finishing pork bun, its interior rich and syrupy with shiitake mushrooms, was another standout, eclipsing my lotus leaf wrap. If you’re not into tea, a short list of wines lets you road test the locals. Keeping it in Rylstone, the De Beaurepaire La Comptess Chardonnay ($46) is an affable and well-priced daytime dumpling companion wine. We spent $130 all up including a tip and would return if we found ourselves near Rylstone.
Thai T
Dec 11,2025
5/5
Quite an unusual find in this part in Rylstone. Bring CASH. I was skeptic on how can a place serving authentic chinese dumplings be out here. I wasnt disappointed. The dumplings were great and no worst than what you’d find at top yum cha places in Sydney. Pricing is ok for 10 pieces + tea for $35 pp. The tea selection was good with some of the more non mainstream Chinese teas on offer. Place was easy to find, plenty parking and service prompt. Liked the place and it gave it an authentic chinese ambience.
Felix Torres
Dec 11,2025
4/5
For those from Asian background, this yum cha is not our tradition yum cha, they feature Tea (cha) and mainly dumpling and some buns. check out the menu I attached. We had the 8 pieces and 10 pieces. We liked the duck dumpling and requested to repeat .
Scott Jackson
Dec 11,2025
5/5
This is always a favourite for us. We travel over from Mudgee 4-5 times a year and recommend it to the guests of our BnB. Good fresh food. Simple menu. Friendly service. The building is a quirky old hotel with extra seating out the back in a separate building or yard. We always grab a few extra fresh dumpling for home as well. This won’t disappoint. Can get busy on weekends so u might want to book ahead just in case. This is freshly made steamed Yum Cha. I notice a few people ask for something fried. But there aren’t other cooked options.

Leave a Review

Location

Opening Hours

Monday 11:00 AM - 02:00 PM
Tuesday 11:00 AM - 02:00 PM
Wednesday 11:00 AM - 02:00 PM
Thursday 11:00 AM - 02:00 PM
Friday 11:00 AM - 02:00 PM
Saturday 11:00 AM - 03:00 PM
Sunday 11:00 AM - 03:00 PM
Top Picks for You

More Restaurants in Rylstone, New South Wales, Australia

Handpicked spots for food lovers. Your next favorite meal awaits!