Where to Find the Best Dumplings in Melbourne

People talk a lot about the dumpling scene in Melbourne. The city has some of the best dumplings you’ll find outside of Asia, whether you’re walking through Chinatown’s bright laneways or looking for excellent food in Fitzroy, Richmond, Collingwood or South Yarra. Melbourne has a dumpling for every taste, from juicy xiao long bao (soup dumplings) to flawlessly pan-fried potstickers and silky wontons bathing in chilli oil.

This article will show you the best dumplings in Melbourne, what to order and what makes each place unique for Australian diners. If you love dumplings or just want to know where to eat next, this guide is for you.

Why Melbourne is a dumpling lover’s paradise

Dumplings do well in Melbourne since the city’s cuisine culture is so diverse. People from China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan and other places that love dumplings have been coming to the city for a long time. Chefs present real recipes, old-fashioned methods and new twists to a hungry audience that values flavour, texture and getting a good deal.

People in Melbourne love dumplings for several reasons:

• Dumplings are filling and inexpensive.
• They work for group meetings, lunch, dinner and late-night snacks.
• They come in a limitless number of flavours: steamed, fried, soupy, spicy and vegan-friendly.
• On cold days in Melbourne, they are really comfortable.

Best areas in Melbourne for top-tier dumplings

Before we get to the eateries, here’s where dumpling culture really shines:

• Chinatown (Little Bourke Street & surrounding lanes): Quick, lively and home to dumpling shops that have been around for decades.
• CBD laneways: Cool, sleek and ideal for short meals in the city.
• Richmond (Victoria Street): Known for its excellent Vietnamese and Chinese food.
• Footscray: Footscray is a centre for many cultures and offers some of the best affordable food in Melbourne.
• Springvale and Box Hill: Two excellent places to get real, family-run Asian restaurants in the suburbs.
• Inner North (Collingwood, Fitzroy, Northcote): Fusion, modern and innovative dumpling twists.

Best dumpling restaurants in Melbourne

1. HuTong Dumpling Bar – CBD

HuTong has been a favourite for a long time and is generally the first place people go for xiao long bao. Their soup dumplings are always smooth, tasty and expertly folded. The restaurant is often busy, so it’s a terrific place to go for a casual or special night out.

What to order:

• Xiao long bao
• Wontons in hot oil
• Dumplings with pork that have been fried in a pan

2. ShanDong MaMa – CBD

ShanDong MaMa, a cult favourite hidden away in MidCity Arcade, is known for its Shandong-style dumplings. Their fish dumplings are light, fragrant and well seasoned. There’s nothing else like them in Melbourne.

What to order:

• Dumplings with mackerel (steamed or pan-fried)
• Mama’s wontons with chilli oil
• Dumplings for vegetarians

3. Juicy Bao – Chinatown

This busy dumpling shop is famous for making fresh dumplings right in front of the window. Their famous “Juicy Bao” is a huge soup dumpling that is full of flavour.

What to order:

• Xiao long bao with crab and pork
• Wontons with a kick
• Buns that are fried in a pan

4. Shanghai Street – Multiple locations

Shanghai Street is a wonderful place to get a quick supper because they provide big portions, fair prices and dumplings that are always tasty. Locals and tourists alike love their pan-fried buns.

What to order:

• Pork xiao long bao
• Sheng jian bao (soup buns that are fried in a pan)
• Dumplings with chicken and shrimp

5. RuYi Modern Chinese – CBD

If you want something more upscale, RuYi has lovely dumplings in a comfortable atmosphere. The flavours are contemporary but nevertheless honour the past.

What to order:

• Crab xiao long bao
• Wontons with pork and shrimp
• Dumplings with wagyu

6. Tao Dumplings – Multiple suburbs

People appreciate this local chain because their prices are low, their venues are family-friendly and their dumplings are always well-made. Tao is always tasty, whether it’s steamed or pan-fried.

What to order:

• Dumplings with pork and chives (cooked in a pan)
• Dumplings with no meat
• Dumplings with chicken

7. Mr. Huang Jin – CBD

Mr Huang Jin is known for his Taiwanese-style dumplings, but he also makes thick, soupy xiao long bao and homemade noodles. The tastes are strong, soothing, and very gratifying.

What to order:

• Xiao long bao in the style of Taiwan
• Wontons with a kick
• Dumplings with pork and cabbage

8. Shanghai Village – Chinatown

Shanghai Village is famous among college students for its big portions and low costs. It’s not elegant but it’s well-known. Great for eating with friends, hanging out or late-night munchies.

What to order:

• Dumplings with fried pork
• Dumplings with chicken and corn
• Dumplings in hot and sour soup

9. Tora Dumplings – Fitzroy

This trendy place serves Japanese-style dumplings and sauces that are out of the ordinary. Their peanut-sesame dressing is one of the best and it goes excellent with pork or shrimp fillings.

What to order:

• Wontons with pork and shrimp with sesame sauce
• Gyoza with beef
• Bowl of vegetarian dumplings

10. Supernormal—CBD

Not exactly a dumpling restaurant, but its dumplings are famous in Melbourne. The modern Asian menu at Supernormal has cult favourites that people keep coming back.

What to order:

• Dumplings with chicken and shrimp
• Potstickers with pork and cabbage
• Lobster rolls (not a dumpling, but too tasty to pass up!)

Types of dumplings you’ll find in Melbourne

Xiao Long Bao (Soup Dumplings)

Thin wrappers, thick broth and soft filling—take your time and enjoy.

Sheng Jian Bao (Pan-Fried Soup Buns)

Fluffy on top, crunchy on the bottom and juicy on the inside. A fantasy of texture.

Chilli Oil Wontons

One of Melbourne’s most famous types of dumplings is soft, silky and swimming in a spicy, acidic sauce.

Pan-Fried Potstickers

Soft on top and crisp on the bottom. Goes wonderfully with fresh ginger and black vinegar.

Har Gow & Siu Mai

Cantonese yum cha classics with pork or shrimp within.

Japanese Gyoza

Thin, crunchy and gently salted—perfect with beer or cocktails.

Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-friendly dumpling options

Melbourne is very open to those with different dietary demands. Here are several places that are recognised for their tasty vegetarian dumplings:

• Fina’s Vegetarian Café in Richmond has dumplings that are completely vegan.
• Oriental Teahouse (CBD & South Yarra) has exciting fusion dishes and vegetarian dumplings.
• A decent assortment of steamed vegetable dumplings can be found at Tao Dumplings, which is located in several suburbs.

It’s advisable to contact ahead if you require gluten-free dumplings. Most wrappers have wheat in them, but some places can make them without it or give other options.

Tips for ordering dumplings like a local

• Mix styles: Choose one steamed, one fried and one spicy dish.
• Always try the chilli oil: Many eateries manufacture their own, so don’t miss it.
• Share everything: Dumplings are meant to be shared.
• Pair it with the correct drink: Chinese tea, sake, or a cool beer are all excellent choices.
• Avoid over-soaking wrappers: Dip lightly to keep the dumpling whole.

Conclusion

Melbourne has some of the best dumplings in Australia since it has a wide range of foods and a never-ending thirst for variety. Whether you’re a fan of soup-filled xiao long bao, crispy potstickers or silky wontons coated in chilli oil, the city provides everything from inexpensive food to elegant dining experiences.