Locals left reeling as popular dining spot shuts its doors without warning
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A cherished dining spot is preparing to close its doors, leaving regulars reflecting on years of shared meals and special moments.
The unexpected announcement has stirred a wave of sadness among those who considered it more than just a place to eat.
For many, its closure signals the end of a tradition woven into countless family gatherings and celebrations.
Since opening in 2021, Mr Yip has become a culinary cornerstone on Military Road, drawing food lovers from all over Sydney with its authentic xiao long bao, snow mountain BBQ pork buns, and those irresistible purple sweet potato pastries.
Under the expert hands of owner and dumpling master Kirk Yip, every dish was a testament to tradition, skill, and a genuine love for good food.
The news broke via a heartfelt Instagram post from the Mr Yip team: 'We would like to sincerely thank you for your support of Mr Yip Dumpling. Due to family reasons, we will be closing our business at the end of this month. Sunday, 28 September, will be our last day of service. Until then, we will continue to prepare every meal with care and dedication, and we warmly invite you to visit us once again.'
The response from the community was immediate and emotional. 'Hands down one of the best dim sum places we’ve tried. Authentic, delicious, great service,' wrote one fan.
Another praised the 'flavourful and juicy' soup dumplings, marvelling at the skill required to make xiao long bao with such delicate, paper-thin wrappers.
For many, Mr Yip wasn’t just a place to eat—it was a second home, a spot where the staff knew your name and your favourite order.
It’s not just Mr Yip that’s closing its doors. Just up the road, Green Sprouts Vegan Chinese Restaurant—another Neutral Bay institution—served its final yum cha on 31 August.
Known for its Hong Kong–style vegan dim sum carts and a menu that delighted both vegans and meat-eaters, Green Sprouts was a rare gem.
Regulars are already mourning the loss of their favourite turnip cakes, mango custard buns, and vegan duck pancakes.
The closure of these two beloved eateries is part of a worrying trend in Sydney’s hospitality scene.
2025 has already seen a string of high-profile casualties: Manly Wharf’s Saké and El Camino Cantina shut their doors after 15 years, and Darlinghurst’s Lankan Filling Station is set to close soon, with chef-owner O Tama Carey calling it 'the end of an era.'
So, what’s behind this wave of closures? While Mr Yip’s team cited family reasons, the broader picture is more complex.
Rising rents, staff shortages, and the lingering effects of the pandemic have all put pressure on small businesses.
For many restaurateurs, the decision to close isn’t just about dollars and cents—it’s about work-life balance, health, and family priorities.
After years of long hours and hard work, sometimes the best recipe is to step back and savour time with loved ones.
For locals, the loss is deeply felt. 'Military Road will be a little emptier—and a whole lot less delicious,' one regular lamented.
For others, it’s a reminder to support the small businesses that make our neighbourhoods unique. After all, once they’re gone, they’re gone for good.
If you’re a fan of Mr Yip or Green Sprouts, there’s still time to pay one last visit, relive your favourite dishes, and say thank you to the teams who made every meal special.
And if you’ve got a favourite local spot, now’s the time to show them some love—because you never know when your next meal there might be your last.
Have you lost a favourite local restaurant recently? What memories do you have of Mr Yip, Green Sprouts, or other Sydney icons? Share your stories in the comments below.
Read more: Suspended Townsville mayor Troy Thompson gets pay rise despite CCC probe
The unexpected announcement has stirred a wave of sadness among those who considered it more than just a place to eat.
For many, its closure signals the end of a tradition woven into countless family gatherings and celebrations.
Since opening in 2021, Mr Yip has become a culinary cornerstone on Military Road, drawing food lovers from all over Sydney with its authentic xiao long bao, snow mountain BBQ pork buns, and those irresistible purple sweet potato pastries.
Under the expert hands of owner and dumpling master Kirk Yip, every dish was a testament to tradition, skill, and a genuine love for good food.
Dumpling house set to close after years of serving locals in Neutral Bay. Credit: Google Maps
The news broke via a heartfelt Instagram post from the Mr Yip team: 'We would like to sincerely thank you for your support of Mr Yip Dumpling. Due to family reasons, we will be closing our business at the end of this month. Sunday, 28 September, will be our last day of service. Until then, we will continue to prepare every meal with care and dedication, and we warmly invite you to visit us once again.'
The response from the community was immediate and emotional. 'Hands down one of the best dim sum places we’ve tried. Authentic, delicious, great service,' wrote one fan.
Another praised the 'flavourful and juicy' soup dumplings, marvelling at the skill required to make xiao long bao with such delicate, paper-thin wrappers.
For many, Mr Yip wasn’t just a place to eat—it was a second home, a spot where the staff knew your name and your favourite order.
It’s not just Mr Yip that’s closing its doors. Just up the road, Green Sprouts Vegan Chinese Restaurant—another Neutral Bay institution—served its final yum cha on 31 August.
Known for its Hong Kong–style vegan dim sum carts and a menu that delighted both vegans and meat-eaters, Green Sprouts was a rare gem.
Regulars are already mourning the loss of their favourite turnip cakes, mango custard buns, and vegan duck pancakes.
The closure of these two beloved eateries is part of a worrying trend in Sydney’s hospitality scene.
So, what’s behind this wave of closures? While Mr Yip’s team cited family reasons, the broader picture is more complex.
Rising rents, staff shortages, and the lingering effects of the pandemic have all put pressure on small businesses.
For many restaurateurs, the decision to close isn’t just about dollars and cents—it’s about work-life balance, health, and family priorities.
After years of long hours and hard work, sometimes the best recipe is to step back and savour time with loved ones.
For others, it’s a reminder to support the small businesses that make our neighbourhoods unique. After all, once they’re gone, they’re gone for good.
If you’re a fan of Mr Yip or Green Sprouts, there’s still time to pay one last visit, relive your favourite dishes, and say thank you to the teams who made every meal special.
And if you’ve got a favourite local spot, now’s the time to show them some love—because you never know when your next meal there might be your last.
Read more: Suspended Townsville mayor Troy Thompson gets pay rise despite CCC probe
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Rubbish!
