In Cantonese dining, what does 'yum cha' literally mean?

In Cantonese dining, “yum cha” literally means “drink tea.”\n\nThe Cantonese expression is written 飲茶: 飲 means “to drink” and 茶 means “tea.” In everyday usage, however, yum cha usually means more than simply consuming tea. It refers to the Cantonese social meal or brunch in which diners drink tea and share small dim sum dishes.\n\nThe tradition is associated particularly with Guangdong, Guangxi, Hong Kong and Macau, and it has spread through overseas Cantonese communities. Tea is not merely a beverage alongside the food; it is central to the meal’s identity. Diners may choose varieties such as oolong, pu-erh, jasmine or chrysanthemum tea.\n\nEnglish speakers sometimes use “yum cha” and “dim sum” interchangeably, but they emphasize different things. Yum cha names the tea-centered dining occasion, while dim sum refers to the small dishes. Traditional etiquette includes pouring tea for others first and tapping two fingers on the table to show thanks.