The ultimate dumpling guide to Melbourne

Steamed, fried, baked or boiled – there’s no such thing as a bad dumpling. Check out these delicious little numbers at these Melbourne restaurants.

HuTong Dumpling Bar

HuTong Dumpling Bar in Market Lane is ground zero for serious dumpling devotees. Come here for the signature soup-filled xiao long bao or zippy chilli wontons. Be hypnotised by the deft hands of the chef  as they whip up delicate dumplings behind glass.

ShanDong MaMa

ShanDong MaMa is a no-frills dumpling house that has been a crowd favourite for years. Try MaMa’s signature mackerel dumplings. The Melbourne pot-stickers contain mixed seafood, chicken, lemon, parsley and garlic. Vegan dumplings are filled with zucchini, tofu, spring onion, coriander and ginger.

Yamato

Yamato is a cute, eclectic little morsel of authentic Japanese dining. Its laneway location is 100 per cent Melbourne. Try their pan-fried pork dumplings and their shrimp and crab gyoza. They're served with homemade sauce. Oishi! 

East China Trading Company 

Handmade dumplings and handcrafted cocktails: two of life’s great pleasures. The best of both at East China Trading Company. Order up vegan dumpling and steamed har gow to go with a sprightly cocktail. 

Shanghai Street

At Shanghai Street, homemade dumplings come boiled or fried. They also come swimming in chilli oil or bobbing in soup. Fillings include pork, chicken and prawn. There's also beef, vegetable or our favourite, kung pao chicken. Vegetarians have some un-bao-lievable options too!

Spice Temple

Spice Temple, a glamorous restaurant at Crown, showcases the spicier regional cuisines of China. First, try the chef’s selection of steamed dumplings. Do not miss the silky prawn wontons in aged black vinegar dressing. They are truly memorable.

China Red 

China Red specialises in plump, juicy, xiao long bao. The menu also has a range of delicious dumplings, including Peking pork. Sit under the glow of red lanterns, order from a touch screen and wait for those bamboo baskets to arrive.

Rice Paper Scissors

This South-East Asian hawker-style eatery is all about finger food, including mouth-watering dumplings. The lobster dumplings are a must. They're stuffed with ginger, chives, pork and lobster. They also come drenched in a finger-lickin’ good chilli black bean sauce.

Tim Ho Wan

Tim Ho Wan is famous for being a tiny, budget dumpling joint in Hong Kong that earned itself a Michelin star.  The Melbourne branch is more upmarket and the dumplings here are excellent. Make sure you order the barbecue pork bun. This global phenomenon is baked, slightly sweet and thoroughly addictive. Then end on the gold streaked charcoal custard buns.

Le Charme De Saigon

This Chinatown gem is known for its duck dishes. Although the dumplings here are equally show-stopping. Our favourites are ‘Aunty Li’s Dumplings’ – pan-fried and packed with chicken and prawn. 

TuanTuan Chinese Brasserie

TuanTuan blends Chinese cuisine with Melbourne brunch style. Their signature dish is their spin on the Xue Shan Boa, also known as TuanTuan Snow Buns. These Hong Kong-style buns are filled with crispy pepper beef and are a light, spicy delight.

Momo Station

Don’t tell anyone we told you about this hidden dumpling destination. Momo Station is a no-frills eatery that pumps out chunky Nepalese dumplings (momos). Try the chilli momo, pan-fried and tossed in sticky red onion and capsicum chilli sauce.