Several established Chinese restaurants in Auckland, renowned for serving authentic Cantonese dim sum, have gone into liquidation in recent months.
Some of the Chinese eateries still standing say they are struggling to stay in business.
Yum cha, a Cantonese dining tradition that pairs tea consumption with small, shared dishes known as dim sum, has long been a hallmark of Chinese restaurants nationwide.
Now, however, the long-standing tradition is under strain.
Sluggish consumer spending, rising operational costs and changing dining habits have forced some operators to shut their doors.
Imperial Palace Restaurant, which opened in Mt Wellington in 2009, was placed into liquidation on June 4.