Melbourne's Dumpling Scene: Worth The Hype?

does melbourne australia have good dumplings

Melbourne, Australia, is a city with a vibrant food scene, and dumplings are a staple. From pan-fried to steamed, and with a variety of fillings, Melbourne's dumpling game is strong. The city's culinary landscape is shaped by its love for Asian flavours and creative fusion, with dumplings being a favourite among locals and visitors alike. Melbourne is home to numerous restaurants and eateries serving delicious dumplings, ranging from modern Chinese cuisine to traditional Nepalese offerings. With so many options to choose from, foodies can embark on a delectable dumpling journey, indulging in the versatile and mouth-watering delights that the city has to offer.

Characteristics Values
Dumpling restaurants in Melbourne Tao Dumplings, Shanghai Village, Shark Fin Inn, Tao Tao House, New Shanghai, CBD Yulongfu, CBD Ruyi, CBD Lucy Liu Kitchen & Bar, CBD Red Door Yum Cha, Windsor Borsch Vodka and Tears, Windsor Flower Drum, CBD Gingerboy, CBD Supernormal, CBD Spice Temple, Southbank Secret Kitchen, CBD Red Emperor Chinese Restaurant, ShanDong MaMa, Chotto Motto, HuTong, Juicy Bao, Din Tai Fung, Oh! Dumplings, Shanghai Street, China Red, Empress of China, Shanghai Dragon Dumpling House, Tao, Flinders Lane and Elizabeth Street, Darling Dumplings, Bulleen, Pierogi Pierogi, Lah Bros, Neko Neko, Bowl Bowl
Types of dumplings Steamed, boiled, fried, pan-fried, floating in broth, covered in chilli, xiao long bao, gyoza, wontons, siu mai, har gow, prawn and chive dumplings, barbecue pork buns, chilli wontons, prawn dumplings, veggie dumplings, pork dumplings, vegetable dumplings, fish dumplings, chicken dumplings, duck dumplings, pierogi, momo dumplings

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Melbourne's best dumpling spots

Melbourne's dumpling scene is brimming with variety, from pan-fried to steamed, and everything in between. Here are some of the best spots to get your dumpling fix in the city:

Tao Dumplings

Beloved by locals, Tao Dumplings offers excellent value for money. Their pan-fried dumplings come with a feather-light crispy lacing, and their steamed veggie dumplings are considered some of the best in the business. With outlets across the city, including South Yarra, Brighton, Camberwell, Northcote, and Mentone, it's a convenient choice for dumpling lovers.

Shanghai Village

Shanghai Village is a beloved Melbourne institution, known for its spirited atmosphere and fast-paced service. It's a popular spot for broke uni students and BYO enthusiasts alike, offering tasty dumplings at affordable prices. You'll find large tables filled with animated diners, making it a perfect spot for a night out with friends.

Shark Fin Inn

With locations in the inner city and suburbia, Shark Fin Inn is a reliable choice when those dumpling cravings hit. Expect white-clothed tables, dapper waitstaff, and a mouthwatering menu of classics. From pork siu mai to glossy har gow and vegetarian dumplings, there's something for everyone. Their pan-fried pork dumplings with a golden crust and crispy deep-fried wontons are not to be missed.

HuTong

HuTong is a Melbourne staple and a go-to suggestion for anyone looking for delicious dumplings. Their XLB dumplings, served with black vinegar and ginger, offer a multi-textured revelation. If you prefer something spicier, their wontons in chilli oil are hailed as some of the best in Melbourne.

Ruyi

Located on Liverpool Street in the CBD, Ruyi takes an ultra-refined approach to Modern Chinese cuisine. This sleek tiled diner was awarded the best Chinese restaurant in 2017, and its dumplings certainly deliver on that promise. Their pork and crab xiao long bao are flavour explosions, and their house-made pork wontons in Ruyi chilli sauce are out of this world.

ShanDong MaMa

Tucked away in Bourke Street's Mid City Arcade, ShanDong MaMa is a hidden gem serving up some of the best dumplings in Melbourne. Their menu showcases traditional cooking techniques from China's Shandong peninsula, so expect a seafood focus. The 'fish' dumplings are a popular choice and a great way to start your culinary journey here.

Melbourne's dumpling scene is vibrant and diverse, offering something for everyone. Whether you're a traditionalist or an adventurous foodie, these spots will surely satisfy your dumpling cravings.

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Dumpling varieties in Melbourne

Melbourne has a diverse dumpling scene, with a variety of cuisines and cooking styles represented. Here is a guide to some of the city's best dumpling varieties and where to find them:

Chinese Dumplings

Melbourne is home to several renowned Chinese dumpling houses. HuTong, a Melbourne staple, serves up a range of handmade dumplings, including the signature soup-filled xiao long bao and chilli wontons. Ruyi, a sleek tiled diner in the CBD, offers modern Chinese cuisine with popular pork and crab xiao long bao and house-made pork wontons in a signature chilli sauce. Shanghai Street is another go-to for dumplings, with homemade boiled or fried dumplings filled with pork, chicken, prawn, beef, or vegetables. Tao Tao House, headed by a former Flower Drum chef, serves an expansive dim sum menu with classics like pork and prawn siu mai and prawn and chive dumplings, as well as more inventive options like chilli-spiked chicken dumplings. For those seeking a more upscale experience, Tim Ho Wan, a Michelin-starred dumpling joint from Hong Kong, offers excellent baked barbecue pork buns. Spice Temple, a glamorous restaurant at Crown, also showcases the spicier regional cuisines of China through their steamed dumplings.

Nepalese Dumplings

For those seeking something different, Melbourne has some excellent Nepalese dumpling options. Momo Station is a casual, no-frills eatery serving authentic Nepalese momos. Lah Bros, founded by Kathmandu-born chef Rajeev Chakradhar, offers Nepalese black lentil pancakes and mushroom choila alongside their dumplings. Pierogi Pierogi, a famous Melbourne market stall, serves European-style dumplings that can also be enjoyed at their popular Brunswick East restaurant.

Japanese Dumplings

Melbourne's Japanese dumpling offerings are also impressive. Chotto Motto, opened by Tomoya Kawasaki of Neko Neko, specialises in a specific type of gyoza from Hamamatsu, Japan. Hakata Gesuke's gyoza, steamed and then pan-fried, creates a perfect crispy shell packed with delicious pork filling. Chiki Chan & Hiki Bar in Mordialloc pushes dining boundaries with their creative fusion cuisine, including Japanese-inspired dumplings.

Other Varieties

In addition to the above, Melbourne has a range of other dumpling varieties to explore. Heartling offers a unique dining experience with heart-shaped dumplings and a focus on 'slow' dining. Yulongfu, a dumpling wonderland, hand-folds dumplings fresh to order, including their signature black truffle xiao long bao. For those seeking a more substantial meal, Glen Waverley's Dumpling Empire takes dumplings seriously, with a classically Shanghainese lineup, all handmade in-house daily. Finally, Shanghai Village is a beloved Melbourne establishment, known for its spirited energy and fast-paced service of steaming dumplings.

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Melbourne is known for its dumpling restaurants, with a variety of cuisines represented, from Chinese to Nepalese. Here are some of the most popular dumpling spots in Melbourne:

Tao Dumplings

Beloved by locals, Tao Dumplings offers excellent value for money. Their pan-fried dumplings come with a feather-light crispy lacing, and their steamed veggie dumplings are some of the best in Melbourne. They have outlets in South Yarra, Brighton, Camberwell, Northcote, and Mentone.

Shanghai Village

A lively Melbourne institution, Shanghai Village buzzes with animated diners and fast-paced service. It's a popular spot for large groups, and their steaming plates of dumplings are delivered within seconds of ordering.

Shark Fin Inn

With locations in Melbourne's inner city and suburbs, Shark Fin Inn is a classic choice for dumpling lovers. The menu offers a range of traditional options, including pork siu mai, har gow, xiao long bao, and vegetarian dumplings. They also have pan-fried pork dumplings, crispy deep-fried wontons, and juicy prawn dumplings in ginger broth.

Tao Tao House

This restaurant, headed by a former Flower Drum chef, serves top-notch Chinese food. Their dim sum menu is expansive, with favourites like pork and prawn siu mai, prawn and chive dumplings, and soft barbecue pork buns. They also offer more unique options like pork and peanut dumplings and parcels stuffed with roast duck. Their popular yum cha service runs daily.

Chotto Motto

Specialising in gyoza from the Hamamatsu region of Japan, Chotto Motto has become a staple for dumpling lovers since its opening in 2019.

HuTong

A Melbourne staple, HuTong is often recommended for its XLB dumplings, which are served with black vinegar and ginger. They also offer wontons in chilli oil, hailed as some of the best dumplings in the city.

Ruyi

With an ultra-refined approach to Modern Chinese cuisine, Ruyi won the award for Melbourne's best Chinese restaurant in 2017. Their popular pork and crab xiao long bao burst with flavour, and their house-made pork wontons are served in a signature chilli sauce.

Supernormal

While not exclusively a dumpling destination, Supernormal, by Andrew McConnell, features some of Melbourne's best dumplings. Their menu includes prawn and chicken dumplings in black vinegar and chilli sauce, potsticker dumplings with a classic pork and cabbage filling, and vegetable dumplings with ginger vinegar.

Pierogi Pierogi

A popular market stall in Melbourne, Pierogi Pierogi serves European dumplings. They also have a restaurant in Brunswick East, where you can enjoy their pierogi dumplings with sour cream and cheese or filled with juicy beef.

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Affordable dumpling eateries in Melbourne

Melbourne is a food-loving city, with new restaurants opening all the time. The city has a vibrant dumpling scene, with many dumpling eateries to choose from. Here are some of the best affordable dumpling spots in Melbourne:

Tao Dumplings

Beloved by locals, Tao Dumplings offers excellent value for money. Their pan-fried dumplings come with a feather-light crispy lacing, and their steamed veggie dumplings are some of the best in the business. You can find Tao Dumplings in South Yarra, Brighton, Camberwell, Northcote, and Mentone.

Shanghai Village

A Melbourne institution, Shanghai Village is frequented by students and BYO enthusiasts alike. This lively venue offers fast service and delicious dumplings at affordable prices. It's the perfect place to start your night out.

HuTong

A Melbourne staple, HuTong is known for its authentic Shanghainese cuisine, including a stand-out selection of handmade dumplings. The dishes are affordable and generous, so you can feast without spending a fortune. With four locations across the city, HuTong is a convenient option for dumpling lovers.

Chotto Motto

Specialising in gyoza, a specific type of dumpling from Japan, Chotto Motto has become a staple for dumpling lovers in Melbourne. The restaurant is owned by Tomoya Kawasaki, who also owns the popular Neko Neko.

Pierogi Pierogi

For something a little different, head to Pierogi Pierogi in Melbourne's famous market. This stall serves up delicious European-style dumplings, or pierogi. If you like what you taste, there's also a popular Brunswick East restaurant run by the same owners.

With so many affordable dumpling spots to choose from, Melbourne is a great place to indulge in this universally adored dish.

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Creative dumplings in Melbourne

Melbourne is a city with a diverse range of dumplings on offer, from traditional Chinese to creative fusion options. Here is a list of some of the most creative dumplings and dumpling restaurants in Melbourne:

Chiki Chan & Hiki Bar

Inspired by Melbourne's love for Asian flavours, this restaurant pushes dining boundaries. Their dumplings menu includes chicken siu mai, as well as scallop and prawn dumplings.

New Shanghai

This Melbourne dumpling house handcrafts delicious dumplings with various fillings, including pork, Chinese cabbage, chicken, and prawns. They make all their dishes from scratch, sourcing local ingredients and freshly blending sauces and spices.

Chotto Motto

Specialising in a specific type of gyoza from the central Japanese region of Hamamatsu, Chotto Motto is a gyoza house that has quickly become a staple for dumpling lovers in Melbourne.

Ruyi

With an ultra-refined approach to Modern Chinese cuisine, Ruyi is a sleek tiled diner that won the award for Melbourne's best Chinese restaurant in 2017. Their dumplings, such as the pork and crab xiao long bao, are flavourful and served with a signature chilli sauce.

Tao Dumplings

While offering modern design, Tao Dumplings maintains the excellent value that dumpling houses are known for. Their pan-fried dumplings have a feather-light crispy lacing, and their steamed veggie dumplings are highly regarded.

Pierogi Pierogi

This famous Melbourne market stall serves European dumplings that can also be enjoyed at their popular Brunswick East restaurant. The dumplings are simple yet satisfying, served with sour cream and cheese or filled with juicy beef.

Melbourne's dumpling scene offers a variety of creative options that showcase the city's love for Asian flavours and fusion cuisine. These restaurants are just a few examples of the diverse and delicious dumpling offerings available in the city.

Frequently asked questions

Melbourne has a vibrant dumpling scene, with many restaurants serving up delicious dumplings. Here are some of the top spots:

- Tao Dumplings

- Shanghai Village

- Shark Fin Inn

- Tao Tao House

- ShanDong MaMa

- Chotto Motto

- HuTong

- Ruyi

- Supernormal

- Din Tai Fung

- Juicy Bao

- Shanghai Street

Melbourne offers a wide variety of dumplings, from traditional Chinese and Japanese to Nepalese and Polish. Here are some varieties to try:

- Xiao Long Bao

- Gyoza

- Pan-fried dumplings

- Steamed veggie dumplings

- Pork siu mai

- Har gow

- Wontons in chilli oil

- Prawn and chive dumplings

- Chilli wontons

- Momo dumplings

Yes, absolutely! Many dumpling restaurants in Melbourne offer vegetarian options. Here are some places known for their vegetarian dumplings:

- Tao Dumplings (steamed veggie dumplings)

- Tao Tao House (dim sum options)

- Shanghai Village (vegetable dumplings)

- Ruyi (house-made pork wontons in chilli sauce)

- Supernormal (vegetable dumplings with ginger vinegar)

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