Amidst the city’s smorgasbord of flavours and aromas, one delightful dish has captured the hearts of many: dumplings. These petite parcels of perfection, whether they come steamed or fried, have established themselves as a cherished staple.
For those seeking the quintessential dumpling experience in Sydney, we’ve done our own groundwork and embarked on a culinary quest, scouring the city to hunt down the best dumpling establishments.
Here’s where you can find the best dumplings in Sydney.
BoBo Dumpling Bar, Circular Quay
Hailing from Cantonese stalwart Tao, in Sydney’s CBD, Bobo Dumpling Bar focuses solely on plump, chewy dumplings filled with everything from prawns to vegetables. At BoBo, age-old recipes meet contemporary flavour profiles, offering a fun take on beloved classics.
Expect fried chicken gyoza, king prawn pot stickers, and vegetarian spring rolls. There is also a selection of larger dishes to share, from beef fillets in teriyaki sauce, seafood udon, and red braised pork belly. Located in Sydney Place, BoBo is set to be a go-to for an affordable mid-week lunch.
Din Tai Fung, Multiple Locations
Our journey commences with an icon — Din Tai Fung. Nestled in World Square, Pitt Street and other major hubs, this Taiwanese chain has attained legendary status for its painstakingly crafted dumplings. The xiao long bao, or soup dumplings, are a revelation, their delicate skins enfolding savoury broth and succulent fillings.
Mr. Wong, CBD
Venture down an alley to find Mr. Wong, a little slice of of 1930s Shanghai. Within its opulent interiors, a feast of dumplings awaits, including har gow and prawn dumplings. Complement your meal with their extensive cocktail menu for an unforgettable dining experience.
New Shanghai, Multiple Locations
While New Shanghai has multiple locations, the Chatswood outpost is our favourite. Here, dumplings are an art form, lovingly crafted by skilled hands. Be sure to try the pan-fried pork buns and the delectable crab meat xiao long bao.
The Eight Modern Chinese Restaurant, Haymarket
Nestled within the Market City complex, The Eight offers a classic, buzzy, chaotic Chinese restaurant, with carts being pushed around, filled with dumplings, buns, chicken feet, and other yum cha favourites. Be sure to try their crystal prawn dumplings and the black truffle dumplings — both masterpieces in their own right.
The Dumpling & Noodle House, Surry Hills
Discreetly tucked away in Surry Hills, this unassuming eatery has gained a devoted following for its dumplings. The handcrafted chicken and mushroom dumplings, along with the classic pork and chive dumplings, are crowd-favourites.
Lotus Dumpling Bar, Circular Quay and Walsh Bay
It’s called a dumpling bar for a reason. Whenever you need a pillowy, chewy dumpling fix, head to Lotus. Served in sets of four, the dumplings have fillings such as scallop and pork shumai, and mixed mushrooms. The pan-fried pork buns are also worth a try.
Related: 5 Sydney Restaurants That Put the Yum in Yum Cha
Related: Explore China’s Regions By Plate at 14 of the Best Chinese Restaurants In Sydney
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