Melbourne is renowned for its culinary prowess and there is no food culture quite like Chinese cuisine. Chinese food is designed to perfection and the exterior is just as immaculately presented as the interior.
This is reflected the most through their wonderfully crafted dumpling dishes and Melbourne does not lack in that department. This city boasts a wide range of Chinese eateries that serve some of the best dumplings that you’ll ever experience.
Whether you’re seeking traditional options with finely diced shrimp meat or looking for more experimental alternatives, you’ll undoubtedly find the right spot to suit you in Melbourne.
These dumplings also come served with an array of tangy, spicy, sweet, or mild sauces that you can coat your delightful parcels in to complete your taste sensation. Read on to find out all about the 15 best dumplings in the entire city.
We’re kicking off our look at the best dumplings in Melbourne with a venue that is incredibly popular amongst locals and visitors alike. Big, bold and with a surprisingly large Wine List, Golden Dragon Palace Chinese Restaurant has lots going for it.
But over attractions aside, you’ll definitely be fighting to get through those doors but it is so worth it to sample the Yum Cha delicacies on offer here.
Their Ha Gow (Prawn Dumplings) are to die for and their Siu Mai (Pork Dumplings) come served with a beautifully spicy XO Sauce. What’s more, this is the perfect spot for a quick bite to eat as each sitting is only for 50 minutes.
Location: 7/200 Bourke St, Melbourne, VIC 2000 Ph: (03) 9650 3818 & ShanDong MaMa Mini Location: Majorca Building, 5 Centre Pl, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Ph: 0416 662 992
Whilst the setting might not be the enticing (a brightly lit shopping arcade), you can’t fault the Dumplings at ShanDong Mama.
These tiny parcels of joy are crafted with Chinese excellence. The Dumplings served here are all handmade and whilst they may not be the most intricate to look at, the fillings contain plentiful amounts of Coriander and Ginger Root to add a boost of flavour.
Don’t let their looks deceive you. These are amongst the finest dumplings in Melbourne. So much so that the team has now opened ShanDong MaMa Mini.
Location: 37 Toorak Rd, South Yarra, VIC 3141 Ph: (03) 9866 3818 See Website For Further Locations
With outlets in Camberwell, Brighton, Northcote & Mentone, as well as South Yarra, Tao Dumplings are a much-loved Chinese restaurant chain.
We’re big fans of the Tao Dumplings Camberwell – and given how busy this cosy, attractive dining spot is on a Saturday night – we’re not alone.
There’s a great range of budget-friendly dishes, from Steamed Chicken and Prawn Dumplings to Pork Spare Ribs with Spicy Salt & Chilli. And whilst the dumplings are the main drawcard, the menu has plenty of other classic Chinese dishes on offer. The Crab Meat & Corn Soup is a real winner on a chilly Melbourne afternoon.
So why not book a table near the open kitchen and watch the skilled chefs whip up your dumplings to order?
Location: 222 Exhibition St, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Ph: (03) 9988 7778 See Website For Further Locations
This is definitely amongst the finest Dumpling establishments in the whole of Melbourne. Their Yum Cha is grounded in Chinese tradition and they do not mess around with the traditional ingredients and flavours that they use.
However, if you are feeling experimental then definitely try out their Mushroom Buns containing an assortment of Truffles. Their Siu Mai Dumplings are also all mixed with a house XO Sauce and their Rolled Rice Noodles come complete with a delicious fried Prawn concoction.
Make sure you book well in advance as this is an incredibly popular spot.
When you call yourself Juicy Bao, your Dumplings had better not be dry. Thankfully, at this popular Chinatown spot, knocks out fantastic juicy Bao, Wontons and more on a regular basis.
The Signature Steamed Juicy Boa fly out of the door as soon as they are ready. The Pork Xiao Long Bao are delicious, but we prefer the Seafood sweetness of the Crab and Pork Xiao Long Bao. Similarly, we frequently have a craving for the Pork and Prawn Wonton in Peanut Chilli and Spice Sauce.
Location: Chinatown Village, 112 Little Bourke St, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Ph: 0432 826 862
This buzzy Chinatown favourite is a 2-level temple to Dumplings and more.
Definitely one of the busiest eateries on the block, it’s no-frills, honest fare, put together at lightning speed. Everything has bags of flavour and is clearly made with fresh ingredients.
Better still, apart from being some of the best Dumplings in Melbourne, Shanghai Village Dumplings are also amongst the cheapest.
Join the queues outside on a Saturday night and see for yourself.
You really can’t talk about the best Dumplings in Melbourne and not mention the legendary Flower Drum Restaurant.
This restaurant pays exquisite attention to minute details when crafting their sensational Dumplings. But then, the staff has more than twenty years experience in creating the finest possible parcels. All we know is that this is 100% evident in the food produced.
Their Seafood Soup Dumpling contains a wonderful combination of Mud Crab, Prawns, Mushrooms and Scallop. Add this Dumpling of joy to a delicious Chicken Broth and you have heaven in a bowl. This is a favourite dish for a reason and you’d be foolish to miss out!
Also as Hu Tong Dumpling Bar at Unit 1/162 Commercial Rd, Prahran, VIC 3181 Ph: (03) 9098 1188See Website for Further Locations
This spot always has queues out the door, but that’s for a very good reason. We can confirm that the food is utterly phenomenal.
You should definitely order a number of their superb Soup Dumplings and accompany them with their beautifully marinated Pork Belly. We predict that you will not be disappointed.
This is the perfect Dumpling spot to pop into and rest after a long days shopping or a visit to the movies. Their juicy, nutty Prawn Wonton Dumplings are beautifully textured and served with a delicious Chilli Oil. We’re also very keen on their Beef & Coriander Dumplings. You’re guaranteed to be recharged after visiting here!
The menu at Tora is short but sweet and their in house specialities are utterly to die for. You should definitely indulge in their Pork and Prawn Wonton Dumplings that come with a gorgeous Peanut and Sesame Sauce that brings a Satay-sparkle to your parcels.
There are lots of ways to perfectly stream a dumpling. Or indeed, to fry it. But did you know that some of these appliances are now capable of lots more cooking functions? Click here for more information and prices.
This sauce coats your Dumpling skins perfectly and makes them stand out as one of the best spots for Wonton-style Dumplings in the entire city.
Like with the Flower Drum above, David’s is synonymous with best Dumplings in Melbourne for many people. In fact, it’s reputation and the quality of its Dumplings is such that you can get them delivered via the prestigious Providoor website.
This restaurant has a minimalistic vibe which works perfectly. There are a range of differing regional shared dishes that are perfect for a lunchtime visit with friends. If you are looking for great food and a relaxed, no-fuss ambience, then this is definitely the spot for you.
This South Eastern Asian restaurant boasts one the best atmospheres in Melbourne and their food is equally as vibrant. Their Prawn Siu Mai comes served with a Black Vinegar and Chilli Dressing and their Pork Wontons with spicy Chilli Oil are utterly brilliant.
You’ll definitely leave her feeling more than sufficed by this tastebud-tantalising experience. You shouldn’t be put off by this restaurant’s busy and bustling vibe as its stream of customers is a testament to the culinary excellence that is on offer here.
If you want a lively night out, give Chin Chin a go. After all, aside from a great vibe and some superb Asian fusion dishes, they also make some of the best Dumplings in Melbourne.
Also at 455 Chapel St, South Yarra, VIC 3141 Ph: (03) 9826 0168 & 202 Albion St, Brunswick, VIC 3056
The rich Duck Dumplings served here make the perfect accompaniment to their Cha (tea) options.
This restaurant only uses tray service (with the exception of weekends) but makes for the perfect spot for a quick bite to eat and catch up with friends over a delicious traditional brew.
Whilst this particular spot is renowned for it’s Tea, the lack of food options is not an issue when you try one of the delicious parcels that they do have on offer.
You are guaranteed to leave this venue with a full understanding of why it is known as being one of the best spots for authentic Dumplings in the whole city.
You should definitely visit this spot for the traditional Dumplings on offer here. After all, this is the Melbourne outpost of the Michelin-starred Tim Ho Wan of Hong Kong.
A favoured dish here is also their Barbecue Baked Pork Buns. Tim Ho Wan serves a flavour sensation unlike anywhere else and is definitely the place to try (and return to!) They are, without doubt, amongst the top Dumplings in Melbourne.
Location: 572 Station St, Box Hill, VIC 3128 Ph: (03) 9890 3719
In bustling Box Hill, trendy eateries come and go in the blink of an eye. But not Dumpling King. This stalwart of Dumplings and so much more seems to have been in the same spot on Station Street for forever.
And rightly so. The kitchen at Dumpling King makes tasty, tradition fare – including a great range of Dumplings. We’re fans of the Beijing Pan-Fried ones which come with a choice of filling. Try a portion of these and you’ll agree that this spot serves some of the best dumplings in Melbourne.
Having said that, if you don’t mind a touch of Chilli, the Sichuan Eggplant is a must order. Just be careful, as it comes to the table piping hot.
To conclude, Melbourne boasts an array of Chinese eateries that serve some of the finest dumplings that you’ll ever try outside of China.
This city has an outstanding reputation of it’s culinary excellence for a reason and this is because it is an incisive and welcoming place that embraces all aspects of differing culture.
The food served within the city is undoubtedly reflective of it’s warm and generous ethos and these eateries are also generous with regards to their portion sizes and efficient service.
Dumplings make the perfect bite-to-eat on a rushed lunch hour and can also serve as a heartier meal when reuniting with friends or dining with family.
Everyone is guaranteed to find something to suit their own individual palate and the sauces presented with each of these favoured dishes ensure that your taste buds are tantalised in every way possible.
Chinese food is anything but bland and whether you are seeking a traditional mince-style dumpling or you are looking for chunkier meat parcels, you’re guaranteed to find the right spot and dish to suit you at one of the restaurants that I have listed above.
Dumplings are not just a dish for the avid traveller and the traditional meat-loving Aussie will definitely still feel sufficed by indulging in one of these dishes, despite their intricate appearance.
If you are looking to experience culture, authenticity and finest ingredients that Melbourne has to offer, then swing by one of these spots and let your taste buds do the talking for you. With so many options to choose from, working your way through the best dumplings in Melbourne is a foodie’s dream assignment!
When it comes to great places to eat in Australia, the list really is endless. There are so many different restaurants, cafés, and chains to try that you really are spoiled for choice. From Italian food, to Japanese food, to a good ‘ole rump steak, the food options are endless.
This is why I decided to set up my blog, Eatability, to share the best food and drink spots in Australia with as many people as possible. Hi, my name is Dylan Cole, and I moved to Australia five years ago from England, UK.
Through this blog, I will be sharing and recommending some of my favorite places you need to visit, such as where to find the best pizza in Adelaide, and the best bakery in Brisbane. Whatever food you are fancying, I have got you covered!
