Best Dumplings in Melbourne For a Steamy Food Fix

We’re a long way from the street stalls of Shanghai and tea halls of Hong Kong, yet dumplings have become as much a part of Melbourne’s food DNA as pasta, flat whites and smashed avocado-on-toast. What we love about them is their infinite variety – they’re equally delicious steamed, fried, boiled or swimming in a cold-busting soup. 

Whether you prefer formal and fancy or BYO at a simple but bustling hole-in-the-wall diner, we’ve handpicked the very best dumpling restaurants in Melbourne for your next Friday night dinner date.

Hoppy Dumpling

Hoppy Dumpling in Melbourne CBD feels like stumbling on a secret treasure. Their pan-fried pot stickers, packed with juicy Kurobuta pork and fragrant garlic chives, deliver that perfect crispy crunch you didn’t know you were craving. Wash it down with a cold local craft beer from Rocky Ridge or Hop Nation, and suddenly, you’re hooked.

Sitchu Tip: Their pork and mushroom dumplings are another must-try.

164 Russell Street, Melbourne

Dumpling Max

Dumpling Max in Carlton doesn’t just serve dumplings — it unleashes a fiery flavour bomb. Picture prawn wontons drenched in tongue-tingling Sichuan heat and pork dumplings swimming in chilli oil that lingers with a cheeky numbness. Every bite hits like a flavour knockout, with crunchy textures and bold spices that refuse to quit. If you want dumplings with attitude and a serious kick, Dumpling Max is where Melbourne’s spice fiends unite.

70 Victoria Street, Carlton 

Song’s Dumplings

Song’s Dumplings in South Melbourne turns dumplings into a fiery celebration with their pork wontons drenched in chilli oil that lands like a slow-burning knockout. Silky and juicy, each bite bursts with bold, layered flavours that linger long after. The pan-fried pork dumplings deliver that perfect crispy-bottomed punch every time. For the best dumplings in Melbourne that demand attention and pack serious heat with heart, Song’s is the unapologetic, unforgettable go-to.

212 Clarendon Street, South Melbourne

Mr Huang Jin

Mr Huang Jin Dumplings in Melbourne’s CBD is pure dumpling magic. From delicate prawn and pork steamed dumplings to crispy pan-fried delights, every bite bursts with authentic Taiwanese flair. The xiao long bao? Next-level juicy perfection with a kick of ginger. The chilli pork is version is a must.

24 Katherine Place, Melbourne

Ping’s Dumplings Kitchen

Ping’s Dumpling Kitchen feels like a well-kept secret — until you taste their dumplings and can’t stop coming back. The pan-fried pork dumplings boast crispy bottoms and juicy fillings, while the Shanghai mini buns are pure, pillowy perfection. No frills, just bold, authentic flavours that make every bite unforgettable. If you’re hunting for honest, crave-worthy dumplings in Melbourne’s north, Ping’s is your answer.

358 High Street, Preston

Lucy Liu

Three dumpling dishes. All fire. At Lucy Liu Kitchen & Bar, dumplings aren’t just food — they’re bold, fearless bursts of flavour and innovation. The prawn and spinach crystal skin dumplings surprise with their delicate bite and sharp red vinegar zing, while the crispy pork buns deliver a ferocious hit of house-made kimchi and sriracha mayo. This is Asian cuisine with swagger: playful, vibrant, and utterly addictive. A must for anyone chasing dumpling greatness in Melbourne.

23 Oliver Lane, Melbourne

Secret Kitchen

Secret Kitchen in Melbourne’s Chinatown is dumpling heaven with a luxe twist. This buzzing spot serves up standout bites like juicy Shanghai pork dumplings, black truffle prawn parcels, and king prawn dumplings that sing with freshness. Dive into their seafood dumpling soup for a rich, warming hug in a bowl, or finish on a high with their silky steamed custard buns. With traditional yum cha vibes and next-level flavours, Secret Kitchen is where Cantonese classics meet bold, unforgettable flair.

Chinatown and Doncaster

Tim Ho Wan

Tim Ho Wan in Melbourne’s CBD delivers Michelin-starred dim sum magic straight from Hong Kong. Made-to-order dumplings steal the show — from delicate prawn parcels and pork with shrimp to the iconic baked BBQ pork buns encased in golden, flaky pastry. The pan-fried turnip cake offers a perfect crispy-soft contrast, rounding out a menu bursting with authentic flavours.

206 Bourke Street, Melbourne 

China Red

China Red in Melbourne’s Chinatown is dumpling royalty with a modern twist. Part of the Hu-Tong family, this vibrant spot dazzles with its open kitchen and sleek, lantern-lit interiors. Their Shanghai-style xiao long bao burst with rich broth, while prawn and chive, Peking pork, and veggie dumplings deliver authentic, bold flavours. Craving spice? Don’t miss the fiery wontons in chili sauce.

206 Bourke Street, Melbourne

Biang Biang Noodles

Biang Biang Noodles in Melbourne’s CBD is a dumpling lover’s dream come true. Their hot and sour dumpling soup packs a punch — juicy dumplings bathed in a fiery, tangy broth that warms you from the inside out. Add in their hand-pulled noodles and bold Xi’an flavours, and you’ve got a flavour explosion that never quits.

419 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne 

255 Swanston Street, Melbourne

Tao Dumplings

Tao Dumplings is a Melbourne favourite, slinging handmade dumplings across the city with locations in South Yarra, Northcote, Camberwell and beyond. Their pan-fried pork dumplings come golden and laced with crispy edges, while the steamed veggie dumplings and wontons in Sichuan chilli sauce deliver big flavour with every bite. Add a few xiao long bao and you’ve got yourself a dumpling feast worth writing home about. It’s casual, affordable, and always hits the spot — every single time.

Multiple locations around the city

LTJ Food Service Chinese Dumpling Restaurant

Over on Whitehorse Road, LTJ Food Service is dishing up dumplings with soul — the kind that feel like a warm hug and a late-night story rolled into one. Their menu leans into Chinese and Xinjiang-style traditions, with plump, golden pan-fried parcels and silky steamed dumplings filled with pork, green onion, prawn and tobiko. Pair it with their house-made yoghurt drink for the ultimate east-meets-west flavour moment. It’s low-key, full of charm, and totally addictive.

601 Whitehorse Road, Surrey Hills

Dainty Sichuan South Yarra

Dainty Sichuan? It’s where bold spice meets dumpling delight. Famous for fiery Sichuan flavours, their pan-fried pork buns and chicken with mushroom dumplings bring balance with comforting, juicy bites. Set behind an inviting entrance of water fountains and Buddhas, this spot offers more than just heat — it’s a full sensory experience. Perfect for those craving expertly crafted dumplings alongside authentic, tongue-tingling Sichuan dishes.

176 Toorak Road, South Yarra 

Dumplings Prime

Located in the heart of Mount Waverley’s Hamilton Place, Dumplings Prime is a local favourite serving up some of the city’s most satisfying dumplings. With a bold red interior and a menu that means business, expect flavour-packed parcels like steamed pork and green onion, pan-fried prawn and tobiko, and their signature prime seafood dumplings. Handcrafted with care and full of flavour, this is a must-visit for any dumpling lover in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.

18 Hamilton Place, Mount Waverley

Token

With moody lighting, an open kitchen and a playlist to match, Token brings sleek izakaya energy to the heart of South Yarra. While the menu spans sushi, skewers and small plates, the dumplings are not to be missed — think pan-fried pork and wombok gyoza, prawn wontons in chilli sesame, and crispy corn and cabbage parcels. Visit during Social Hour (5pm to 7pm, Tuesday to Sunday) for $1 dumplings, champagne, oysters and more — the perfect excuse for a luxe new ritual.

151 Toorak Road, South Yarra

SilkSpoon

Hidden above MoVida Aqui, SilkSpoon is one of Melbourne’s best-kept dumpling secrets. Dreamt up by Victor Liong (of Lee Ho Fook fame), this chic CBD canteen fuses bold Silk Road flavours with pan-fried perfection. The dumplings? Juicy, golden, and full of soul — from pork and cabbage to mushroom delights. Say hello to your next flavour-packed lunchtime escape for under $20. $18 in fact, eight pieces a serve. We stan.

Shop 6/500 Bourke Street, Melbourne

Flower Drum

She’s an icon, she’s a legend — and yes, she serves dumplings. Flower Drum is Melbourne’s original fine dining darling, bringing elegance and authenticity to Cantonese cuisine since 1975. The dumplings here are next level: from delicate prawn har gao and scallop siu mai to Berkshire pork xiao long bao and their iconic seafood soup dumpling, swimming in a golden chicken broth. Each one is handcrafted with precision, bursting with flavour, and served with old-school grace. Every bite here is worth it.

Chinatown, 17 Market Lane, Melbourne

Eat Pierogi Make Love

From cult-favourite food truck to permanent digs, the team behind Pierogi Pierogi has set up shop in Brunswick East with their cheeky and charming eatery Eat Pierogi Make Love. This spicy little spot is all about Polish dumplings — think pillowy pierogi stuffed with potato and cheese (the classic Ruskie), alongside flavour-packed vegan options. It’s cosy, fun, and full of heart. Bring your date, share a plate (or three), sip some wine, and laugh your way through the ultimate dumpling love story.

161 Lygon Street, Brunswick East

Oriental Teahouse 

An authentic Chinese teahouse reimagined for modern times, Oriental Teahouse dishes up some of the best dumplings in Melbourne across its two beloved locations. Here, tradition meets creativity — think classic siu mai alongside playful parcels filled with chilli wagyu beef or even white chocolate. It’s a delicious balance of old and new, made for dumpling lovers of all kinds.

Sitchu Tip: Saturdays are for roaming dumpling trolleys. Let the feast come to you — and don’t hold back.

378 Little Collins Street, Melbourne 

455 Chapel Street, South Yarra 

RuYi Modern Chinese

With award-winning interiors and a menu that fuses tradition with modern flair, RuYi is where relaxed fine dining meets bold Chinese flavour. Tucked down a classic Melbourne laneway, this long-time favourite reimagines regional Chinese recipes for the local palate — and the dumplings are worth the hype. Think delicate vegetarian steamed parcels, soupy xiao long bao that burst with flavour, and golden pan-fried pork and chive dumplings with perfect lattice crunch. Every bite is artful, juicy, and packed with big dumpling energy.

Sitchu Tip: They’re chilli wontons hit like nobody’s business.

Ground Floor, 16 Liverpool Street, Melbourne 

New Shanghai

If you’re after one of the most authentic Chinese dining experiences in Melbourne, look no further than New Shanghai. Specialising in cuisine from the Shanghai region, the menu features over 200 mouth-watering dishes — including 10 standout dumpling varieties. From the classic pork and cabbage to prawn, fish, and a unique lamb and leek combo, you really can’t go wrong. And with so many options, you’ll want to come back again (and again) to try them all. Conveniently located in Melbourne Central, these dumplings are the ultimate pre- or post-shopping fuel. 

Melbourne Central, Level 3, Latrobe and Swanston Streets, Melbourne

Yulongfu

While Yulongfu is famous for its delicious steamed buns, you also need to allow space on the table for one more dish; their truffle xiao long bao. Specialising in Cantonese and Sichuan dishes, you’re guaranteed a good feed from the moment you step inside of their restaurant. Run don’t walk – these are some of the most indulgent soup dumplings in Melbourne. 

136 Bourke Street, Melbourne

Juicy Bao

Juicy Bao is one of Chinatown’s most popular haunts… and for good reason. They’re serving up some of the best dumplings in Melbourne, not just in flavour, but also in variety and price point. It’s the perfect location for a friendly mid-week dinner, where you can tuck into pork wontons in chilli oil, pan-fried pork, wombok and chive dumplings, and their signature authentic Shanghainese xiao long bao. The only question you need to ask yourself is ‘how many dumplings is too many?’ Our answer: there’s no such thing! 

178 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne

Golden Dragon Palace

Relax and enjoy a wide selection of dim sum and delectable homemade dumplings at this need-to-know stalwart in Templestowe. A truly traditional yum cha trolley experience awaits at Golden Dragon Palace, as does the abundance of traditional Shanghainese dumplings you can greedily leap at from the table. Bring your appetite and a big group of friends or family. 

363 Manningham Road, Templestowe 

Bowl Bowl Dumpling

Inspired by the tastes of Sichuan cuisine, Bowl Bowl Dumpling offerings are as legit as they come (even if their dining room is far sleeker than your average dumpling joint). Plump, juicy and handmade, there are multiple varieties to dig into, from classic pork and chive to soup-filled xiao long bao and spicy wontons. The menu stretches well beyond dumplings with plenty of noodles, stir-fries and rice dishes to suit every craving. 

88 Smith Street, Collingwood

Chotto Motto

In true Collingwood style, Chotto Motto’s presence is felt long before your food hits the table. Rocking some serious curb appeal, its standout building on Wellington Street oozes retro charm. Specialising in Japanese gyoza, these parcels of pan-fried perfection are made daily. Supercharge your plate and pick your dipping sauce – the Yuzu Ponzu is a must!

287 Wellington Street, Collingwood

Supernormal

You’ve probably heard about this CBD foodie hotspot’s iconic New England lobster roll — but what you might not know is that Supernormal’s dumplings are just as legendary. Showcasing Asian fusion at its finest, each dumpling boasts the perfect dough-to-filling ratio. For a classic hit, go for the prawn and chicken dumplings, served with a punchy chilli and vinegar sauce that’ll light up every tastebud. They also do a mean potsticker situation.

180 Flinders Lane, Melbourne

Gong De Lin

Vegetarians, these might just be the best dumplings in Melbourne — and they’re all yours. Gong De Lin is a plant-based paradise, where every dish is vegetarian and the dumplings are flavour-packed bundles of joy. Set in a minimalist space with cosy booths and warm wooden décor, it’s the perfect spot for a plant-based dumpling date. Simply choose between steamed or pan-fried (or treat yourself to both), and don’t miss their signature chilli wontons — they’re nothing short of magical. 

3/264 Swanston Street, Melbourne 

ShanDong Mama & ShanDong Mama Mini

Is there anyone you’d trust to make delicious dumplings more than mama? This cheerful diner’s namesake hails from a fishing village in China, so it’s fitting that their fragrant mackerel, ginger and chive dumplings are the stuff of legend. ShanDong Mama is known for veering from stock-standard fillings, offering lamb, calamari and even a vegan number with zucchini, tofu and wood ear mushrooms. The mackerel filled one’s are a must try.

Mid City, 7/200 Bourke Street, Melbourne

5 Centre Place, Melbourne

Dumpling King

Head to Box Hill for yum cha, noodles and Chinese classics in this bustling restaurant with a side modern, cheerful décor. Dumpling King does what it says on the tin; they’ve gone ahead and mastered the art of dumplings. Settle in for a serving or three of pan-fried Beijing pork dumplings and Shanghai pork wontons in chilli oil, steamed prawn and even chicken too. Nom nom. These are some of the best dumplings in Melbourne’s East. 

572 Station Street, Box Hill

Shanghai Street

There seems to be a Shanghai Street on every second block in the CBD these days, but here’s a secret: the pint-sized branch on Little Bourke (number 342) is still the best. Every item on the menu’s a winner, but you can’t go wrong with classic pan-fried pork and chive dumplings. Golden and crispy on the bottom but perilously juicy inside, they’re a prime target for those snaking lunch hour queues.

342 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne

146/148 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne

303-305 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne

HuTong

When you’re not just after a quick plate to smash and go, head to HuTong in the heart of Chinatown. The best seats in the house are in front of the glass-walled kitchen, where you can watch on as chefs skillfully fold pork wontons, prawn crystal dumplings and fluffy buns filled with veg. With so much variety on offer, you’ll want to settle in for the long haul – good thing they do BYO.

14-16 Market Lane, Melbourne

David’s

Here, you’ll find what’s a rare commodity at most dumpling spots — a light-filled, airy dining space and actual elbow room. But don’t let the relaxed setting fool you — the food is the real deal. Gather your crew and head to David’s for their all-you-can-eat yum cha sessions, where bottomless crispy prawn wontons, soupy xiao long bao, and even Peking duck dumplings are all on the menu. Come evening, the menu shifts to dishes inspired by Zhouzhuang — a rural town in Shanghai — offering an authentic taste of local Chinese cuisine, right here in Melbourne.

4 Cecil Place, Prahran

One Noodle Friendship

Noodles are in the name but dumplings are the game at this tiny, no-frills diner. If you’re not fussed about comfy chairs or chirpy service, head to this neighbourhood darling, One Noodle Frienship, for fast and flavourful comfort food. The eye-catching veggie dumplings deserve special mention, their wrappers dyed green with a shock of spinach juice, encasing tofu, spring onion and vermicelli.

417-419 High Street, Preston

Borsch, Vodka & Tears

You’ve been to Borsch, Vodka & Tears for the collection of 100 vodkas, now come back for the pierogi, which are pan-fried Polish dumplings filled with ingredients like porcini mushroom and sauerkraut or cheese and potato, fried with sour cream, beetroot and caramelised onion. Knock back a plate or two with a glass of Piasecki quince and you’re in Eastern European heaven.

173 Chapel Street, Windsor

Momo Shop

A must-try destination for dumplings in Melbourne, Momo Shop serves up homestyle momo handmade from scratch using the freshest local ingredients. As Nepal’s favourite snack, these flavour-packed bundles are a delicious introduction to the unique tastes of the Eastern Himalayan region. Choose from five mouth-watering varieties — vegie (with fresh tofu, cabbage, carrot, red onion, ginger, coriander and house spices), mushroom, chicken, pork, and even free-range brisket. Juicy, freshly made, and bursting with flavour, they’re best enjoyed drenched in Momo Shop’s signature homemade tomato achar sauce. Trust us — you’ll devour the lot in seconds.

68 Poath Road, Hughesdale 

Eaten your way through the best dumplings in Melbourne and keen to continue the foodie adventures? Work your way through our roundup of Melbourne’s best Thai and Japanese restaurants for more flavourful feasts or take a trip to the Mediterranean and check out our favourite Italian and Greek joints around the city. 

Writer

Kelsey Harrington

22 June 2025

Kelsey Harrington is a Melbourne-based writer with a sharp eye for the city's ever-evolving food, wine, arts, and culture scene. Her journey into the creative industry took the scenic route—what started as a passion for capturing Melbourne’s energy through a camera lens led her to Sitchu, where she worked her way up to Melbourne Editor. With over four years in the industry, she’s all about uncovering the best places to eat, drink, and explore. Off the clock? You’ll find her diving into a platter of fresh oysters and crudo, gallery-hopping, or sipping an extra dirty martini while plotting her next adventure.