A sign went up Monday night on the door of 700 Somerset St. W., announcing that 'Yangtze – Modern Chinese Dining' was 'coming soon.' The new restaurant is expected to open this fall, reviving a beloved dim sum destination that closed in November 2024 after 42 years of operation.
New Ownership and Menu Plans
Yukang Li, executive director of the Somerset Street Chinatown BIA, confirmed that he has spoken with the new owner, who declined to speak to media. Li stated, 'Much of the menu will remain very similar to the original Yangtze, while adding some additional styles and offerings.' The new Yangtze will continue to serve dim sum, addressing a key question from loyal customers. 'A lot of people have asked me this question,' Li added.
Dim Sum Landscape in Ottawa
The reopening comes amid a series of dim sum closures in Ottawa. In recent years, the 36-year-old Mandarin Ogilvie in the east end, Palais Imperial on Dalhousie Street, and Hung Sum in Chinatown have all shut down. The original Yangtze was among Ottawa's largest Chinese restaurants, seating up to 250 guests in its prime and 190 post-COVID. Its downstairs banquet room was a popular venue for weddings and parties.
Previous Closure and Sale
The original Yangtze served its last meals in mid-November 2024. Owned and operated by the Ng family for 42 years, owner Ricky Ng retired at age 73. The building was listed for sale at $3.28 million in March 2024 and sold two months later. Li expects the new Yangtze to open in September or October, ending nearly two years of speculation among Ottawa's Chinese food enthusiasts.
Competition and Regional Cuisine
The original Yangtze specialized in Cantonese cuisine, which has faced competition from regional Chinese cuisines introduced by Chinese students who stayed in Canada. Examples include Takumi BBQ on Merivale Road (Northeastern Chinese grilled meats), Bite & Bite Shanghai Fried Bun on Merivale Road, and several hand-pulled noodle restaurants representing Gansu province. Meanwhile, a modern Chinese restaurant called 99 VIP Seafood opened on Rideau Street last fall but closed in March, owing over $80,000 in rent.
