Dumplings are quite possibly the best eats ever invented. They’re bite-sized, they’re juicy, and whether you like yours poached, steamed or pan-fried, you know that saying yes to a cheeky dumpling run of any sort will leave you feeling pretty wrapped.
CHU THE PHAT | SOUTH BRISBANE
Try anything on the menu at Chu The Phat and you’ll be one happy bean, but get the dumplings and you’ll be singing with joy. Dig your chopsticks into a plate of wagyu dumplings with XO and lime or perhaps their bacon and kimchi dumplings with bonito mayonnaise? One of each please…
NEW SHANGHAI | CBD
If the decor doesn’t get you in the door, the specialty soup dumplings just might! House-made in the ‘dumpling theatre’, order the crispy pork and prawn dumplings or the crowd fave shepherd’s purse for a spicy and crispy explosion in your mouth.
STANLEY | BRISBANE CITY
Stanley has some of the best dumplings by the Brisbane River. Whether it’s steamed baked or even fried dumplings your after, we can guarantee that Stanley’s signature dim sum platter will cater to all your taste buds.
PHOENIX | CBD
This export from the south serves up some seriously impressive dumplings; we’re talking fresh crab meat xiao long bao, prawn and snow pea dumplings, and black pepper beef shumai. Now that’s a menu worth rising from the ashes for…
LITTLE RED DUMPLING | VARIOUS LOCATIONS
Go for the pork and chives, and stay for the rainbow dumplings (a selection of dumplings in colourful wrappings), or feast your way through the entire list. With stores scattered across Brisbane you’re bound to fix your dumpling craving.
DONNA CHANG | CBD
There’s dumpling about Donna… this gorgeous Sichuan and Cantonese-inspired restaurant is home to some of Brisbane’s most sensational dumplings, including their scallop and prawn wontons with aged black vinegar and chilli, pork xiao long bao, or their Moreton Bay bug dumplings. For those craving a midwork dumpling, Donna Chang is now offering takeaway making it the perfect lunch time-spot for those in the CBD.
MEI WEI DUMPLINGS | CBD
Dumpling by name, dumpling by nature. Mei Wei’s signature xiao long bao, translucent veggie dumplings, or steamed chicken dumplings are not to be missed.
FAT DUMPLING | BOWEN HILLS & FORTITUDE VALLEY
Dumplings take a fancy turn down at Fat Dumpling. These dumplings come fried, poached or steamed and in a myriad of flavours. Our favourite is the poached chicken and asparagus, but the pan-fried pork and Chinese cabbage go down reeeeeal easy.
SONO | PORTSIDE WHARF, HAMILTON
Manners be damned, these crispy pan-fried pork gyozas are just too good not to scoff down! Albeit simpler than the largely posh nosh on this modern Japanese menu, we’d happily chow down on a serve (or three) any day of the week. Extra points for the finger-lickin’ dipping sauce.
KING TEA CHINESE | PADDINGTON
Although you might not think of this spot, when you think of dumplings, this suburban spot shouldn’t be missed. Their classic pork and lemongrass wontons are packed full of flavour, not to mention great value for money.
HARAJUKU GYOZA | VARIOUS LOCATIONS
Calling all dumpling lovers on a budget, this ones for you. We know that there is nothing better than a dumpling feast that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg and Harajuku Gyoza have all the classic gyoza flavours that you know and love plus some unique bites such as their cheeseburger gyoza and mozzarella gyozas.
SNACK MAN | FORTITUDE VALLEY
Think part wine bar, part dumpling haven. Snack Man’s potato and herb wontons in soy and chilli oil are a chef’s kiss. Paired with tipples from around the world it makes it the perfect spot for a dumpling date.
SOUTHSIDE | FISH LANE, SOUTH BRISBANE
You know the dumplings are good when they are hosting a whole festival dedicated to these humble morsels. Pop along to Southside’s Dumpling festival on Sunday, February 4 and sample a selection of their delectable bites. Our favourite dim sum is their Singapore chilli crab & pork xiao long bao.
HELLO PLEASE | SOUTH BRISBANE
One word, (well maybe three!) Bay Lobster Dumplings from Hello Please are enough of a reason to visit this pan-asian Fish Lane spot alone. These drool worthy dumplings with fermented chilli butter will have you coming back for seconds or even thirds. Their sauces are so good we wish we could bottle them up and pour them on everything.
We know what we’re doing for dinner tonight!
