Melbourne’s CBD is where you’ll find the best and most authentic dumpling joints in Melbourne with both institutions that were born here and brought here from Hong Kong immigrants.
If you’re craving that specific high, that only a plate of good dumplings can satisfy, then we’ve got some pretty solid spots for you to try.
Here’s where to find the best dumplings in Melbourne.
HuTong Dumpling Bar
Market Lane, CBD
HuTong Dumpling Bar is where all the dumpling devotees flock to, and for good reason. They’ve been slinging delicious xiao long bao since 2008, with a two-storey, well-oiled restaurant operation, complete with a fabulous wine/beer list and endless dumpling options. Apart from their renowned xiao long bao, we love their chili wontons, pan-fried dumplings and steamed crab meat dim sim.
You can book here or just walk-in.
ShanDong MaMa
Bourke Street, CBD
A crowd favourite, ShanDong MaMa is your classic no-frills dumpling house, with a very comforting and familiar food court vibe. They offer up your classic steamed and fried dumplings, as well as flavours you might not have tried before like green chili Waygu beef or squid ink dumplings. Their vegan dumplings are also bloody delish. They’re always busy, bustling and loud, it’s the perfect atmosphere for a quick drop-in snack in between CBD activities.
Walk-ins only.
Shanghai Street
Little Bourke Street, CBD
Shanghai Street always has a line out front, but it’s worth the wait. Their menu is a literal laminated book filled with homemade dumplings. Either steamed or fried, plates of piping hot dumplings arrive at your table either swimming in chili oil or bobbing in soup about five minutes after you order them — they’ve mastered the art of the quick turnaround. Fillings include pork, chicken, prawn and beef, as well as veggie and everyone’s fave: kung pao chicken. Their Little Bourke Street venue is the OG dumpling house, but they also have a tiki-style spot on Elizabeth Street.
No bookings. Walk-ins only, BYO accepted (there’s a cheap bottle shop across the road).
China Red
Bourke Street, CBD
Underneath the red lanterns in this slightly elevated dumpling house right in the centre of Melbourne’s CBD, you can order dumplings to your heart’s content via an iPad screen and watch them be handmade behind the glass at China Red. A part of HuTong’s ever-expanding dumpling empire, this two-storey, well-lit dumpling house is truly authentic, with both its feel and its amazing offering. From dolphin prawn dumplings, to pan fried pork buns to Peking pork dumplings, the menu at China Red is set to satiate any dumpling-related craving possible.
Book here or walk-in.
Tim Ho Wan
Bourke Street, CBD
Tim Ho Wan has a pretty rich history. Born as a tiny, budget, hole-in-the-wall dumpling joint in Hong Kong, that earnt itself a Michelin star for it’s incredibly delicious dim sum. Melbourne’s version is slightly more upmarket in style, with excellent dumplings (obviously) and a world renowned BBQ pork bun that you absolutely can’t leave without trying. You also can’t really avoid their gold streaked charcoal custard buns for dessert.
No bookings, just walk in.
Momo Station
Bourke Street, CBD
Momo Station is a truly no frills dumpling spot, which is still considered to be a hidden, unsuspecting, jewel. Pumping out juicy Nepalese dumplings — called momos — they’re known to be a bit richer in style and flavour. Our fave is the chili momo, pan fried and tossed in sticky red onion and capsicum sauce. Their soup moms are delish too, with your choice of filling served in a chicken broth soup. Think the perfect combo of PHO broth, and thick, generously filled dumplings, bursting with flavour.
No bookings.
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