Press

What People Are Saying

A good place to eat hardly goes unnoticed. Here are just some of the articles we have received about our food, atmosphere and service. We are always happy to share our press coverage and appreciate all your feedback.

9 Denver restaurants where you can celebrate Valentine’s day for around $25 a person or less

YumCha was recently featured in The Denver Post!
“Fans of Denver chef Lon Symensma’s East Asian food can find it at a new and more casual dumpling and noodle bar downtown. His menu of dumplings, bao buns and more street food bites is best enjoyed during happy hour, when prices range from $3 to $10 (with sub-$10 sake and cocktails on the side). Try Shanghai-style pork and crab soup dumplings (two pieces for $6) and “firecracker” chicken bao buns (two pieces for $8) and go from there.”

Meet Master Dumpling Maker at ChoLon

“Meet ChoLon’s secret weapon: Michelle, a master dumpling maker! Founder and executive chef Lon Symensma shows GDC’s Jenna Middaugh the behind-the-scenes of what it takes to make authentic dumplings.”

Come watch as Chef Lon and Michelle Xiao discuss the dumpling making process!

 

Where Americans Are Headed for Valentine’s Day 2022

It’s not all sunshine and beach days for Americans, though. Some are embracing cold-weather destinations in mid-February and all the perks that come with them (see also: Salt Lake City)—like winter sports, après-ski, and like-minded tourists. And that’s precisely what’s landed Denver at spot number four….And by night? Choose from hotspots like… YumCha (for dumplings and noodles) 

The Hottest Restaurants in Denver Right Now, January 2022

“In the old Cho77 space, Lon Symensma and his former Buddakan colleague Michelle Xiao — a 30-year expert in all things dumpling-related — have built a playful, color-splashed ode to dim sum parlors and noodle shops alike. A few old favorites will be familiar to regulars of both nearby ChoLon and the former occupant, including bacon cheeseburger shumai and crab rangoon purses; new hits-in-the-making range from meatball pho–filled xiao long bao to Peking duck flatbread to apple-sesame ice cream buns.”

Check out Eater Denver’s website to see another one of ChoLon Restaurant Concepts’ restaurants make the list!

Short Stop: Restaurant Hopping at YumCha, LeRoux, and ChoLon

“Denver’s dining scene is making a big comeback — and we’re hungering to go out. With so many new ventures and old favorites to visit after more than a year of restaurant shutdowns and restrictions, the choices can be overwhelming. So we’re serving up Short Stop, with recommendations for things that should definitely be on your culinary short list. This week, hit up three spots in one night: YumCha, LeRoux and ChoLon.

After years of working in New York City restaurants and traveling in Asia, restaurateur Lon Symensma moved to Denver and debuted ChoLon Modern Asian at 1555 Blake Street in 2010. It’s been considered one of Denver’s top restaurants ever since — don’t miss the French onion soup dumplings — while the chef’s ChoLon Restaurants Concept Group has continued to evolve.”

ChoLon Restaurant Concepts to Open YumCha Dumpling & Noodle Bar in Denver

“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.”

YumCha Opens November 17 on the 16th Street Mall

“When you’re looking for food on the 16th Street Mall these days, chains make up the majority of options, save for a few notable locally owned holdouts. One of those had been Cho77 at 1520 16th Street, located around the corner from restaurateur Lon Symensma’s flagship ChoLon.”

ChoLon Restaurant Concepts to Open YumCha Dumpling & Noodle Bar in November

“Chef Lon Symensma and ChoLon Restaurant Concepts (CRC) today announce their newest concept, YumCha Dumpling & Noodle Bar will open next month in Denver’s Lower Downtown neighborhood at 1520 16th St Mall, Denver, CO 80202.

Formerly home to CRC’s own Cho77, the group took some time during the pandemic to rethink the space and the brand, creating with YumCha Dumpling & Noodle Bar. With a fresh new look and an exciting menu of handmade dumplings and Symensma’s travel-inspired noodles, the team is excited to bring the concept to life next month.”