Dumplings are hard to turn down, especially the creative and delicious options we have on offer in the heart of the city. Everything from prawn and coriander to mince and cheese, there’s a place, flavour and combination to satisfy every meal time.
Pork and prawn shaomai, $12.50 | Sue Hsiao Liu Chinese Restaurant | 4 Lorne Street
Sue Hsiao Liu on Lorne Street is a culinary gem and ideal if you're seeking exceptional, authentic Chinese cuisine. As you order at the counter, take a moment to glance over at the open-plan kitchen, where the skilled chefs expertly craft dumplings by hand. Our top pick is the pork and prawn shaomai - perfectly tender and bursting with flavour.
Steamed pork dumplings, $9.80 | Potstickers, 12-26 Swanson Street
Nestled just off Queen Street, Potstickers is a hidden gem that's well worth discovering. Perfect for a quick bite or gathering with a group of friends, this spot might just become your new go-to. These classic steamed dumplings filled with flavourful pork and umami soup taste just as good as they look.
Image credit: Anna Kidman
Pork and prawn shaomai, $18 | Perch, 23 Galway Street
With a menu focused on dumplings, spring rolls and cocktails, this cosy corner bar is the perfect place to get your fix. Perch specialises in traditional Chinese dumplings and spring rolls but sources ingredients from throughout East Asia to offer a wonderful range of flavour profiles. Their pork and prawn shaomai are a true crowd-pleaser. If you enjoy a bit of heat, we strongly suggest adding a dash of chili oil for an extra kick.
Beef and cheese dumpling, from $13.80 (regular) or $18.80 (large) | Sumthin Dumplin, 12 O'Connell St
Taste dumplings like you’ve never had before with this novel, cross-cultural dumpling which is filled with beef mince, melted mozzarella and encased in a delicious wholemeal dumpling dough. Level up your dumplings with your choice of sauce from either their in-house chili oil, sriracha mayo, sesame, garlic vinegar or sriracha.
Fresh mushroom and spinach dumplings, $11 | Huami Bar | Federal Street
Tucked behind a bamboo screen on Federal Street, Huami Bar offers a sanctuary in the heart of the bustling inner city precinct. Travel to 1920s Shanghai as you perch up at the bar or cosy up in a booth and make the most of their moreish bar snacks and drinks. They've got a delicious range of dim sum, from squid ink, chives and prawn to Shanghai-style pork and leek dumplings. A top pick for vegetarians is the delectable fresh mushroom and spinach dumplings.
Dim sum dumplings, prices vary | Grand Harbour Restaurant, Corner Pakenham Street & Customs Street West
One of the best ways to indulge on dumplings is Yum Cha style, a Chinese custom of eating small plates of food (dim sum) while sipping on herbal tea. From Chinese cabbage to coriander or deep fried prawn, Grand Harbour's dumpling selection is a must-try!
Prawn & coriander crystal skin dumplings, $16 | White + Wong's, 149 Quay St
Look out over Princes Wharf and enjoy White + Wong's incredible crystal skin dumplings. Savour the fresh prawns and fine seasoning of this fusion delicacy as you dine in absolute bliss. Bringing you modern Asian flavours, White + Wong’s reimagined menu is something to look forward to.
Pork wonton with sesame sauce & chilli oil, $12 | Dumpling Hours
Dumpling Hours take affordable dining to a whole new level, with every single dish priced at just $12. It's a culinary dream come true for those looking for quality food without breaking the bank. Their traditional Chinese dumplings (otherwise known at wontons) come in a glorious bowl of sesame sauce and chilli oil.
Prawn and coriander dumplings, $10.80 | Dragon Boat Restaurant, 7 Elliott Street
With a touch of tradition as well as modern Asian-inspired cocktails, this Cantonese eatery has it all. Their dim sum is top tier, so be warned, it'll be hard to stop. You can't go wrong with their perfectly balanced prawn and coriander dumplings, served piping hot in a steam basket.
Prices are correct at the time of publishing – subject to change and availability.