Chef Lon Symensma and ChoLon Restaurant Concepts (CRC) are opening their newest concept, YumCha Dumpling & Noodle Bar this Wednesday, November 17, 2021 in Denver’s Lower Downtown neighborhood at 1520 16th St Mall, Denver, CO 80202.
The space is fresh, playful and located right next door to the brand’s flagship ChoLon. Inspired by the bustling noodle shops from Symensma’s travels around Asia and time spent in New York City, YumCha is an upbeat and cozy spot for lunch, dinner and happy hour in the heart of Downtown Denver.
The dining room seats 40, including ten at the bar, and there is space for four on their intimate patio.
YumCha features an exciting menu of handmade dumplings and Symensma’s travel-inspired noodles. Menu highlights include Crunchy Shrimp Balls with Creamy Nuoc Cham; Shiitake Mushroom Crystal Dumplings, with Kecap Manis; and show-stopping Vietnamese Pho Soup Dumplings with Beef Meatball.
“We had so much fun creating this menu,” says Chef Lon Symensma. “I want people to feel excited about being in downtown Denver and enjoying restaurants again. It’s a small but fun and focused menu, plus, we are so lucky to have Chef Michelle Xiao as part of our team here in Denver. This menu really is a space to showcase her exceptional dumpling talents. Let’s roll up our sleeves and slurp some noodles!”
Chef Michelle Xiao, who was a dim sum chef at Buddakan when Symensma served as Executive Chef, moved to Denver from New York City in 2019. Xiao has over thirty years of dim sum experience and YumCha will showcase her unique skills in the form of delicate dumplings. The menu is rounded out by Chef Symensma’s noodles, drawing inspiration from his travels throughout Asia.
YumCha Dumpling & Noodle Bar will be open for lunch and dinner (dine-in and carryout) Wednesday through Sunday, with daily Happy Hour.
