Shanghai to Malaysia: An old favourite gets a new name (and menu)

Posted on 19 February, 2024

Malaysian for ‘many things to eat’, Makanan Dumpling House is a refreshed and updated version of a well-known and well-loved favourite.

Opened by his parents as Shanghai Dumpling House in 2009, co-owner Tyler Liu is excited to extend the offering for loyal locals and new visitors alike to his new restaurant, which sits on the border of ANU and the city.

Running a successful Melbourne dumpling restaurant in the late nineties, Tyler explains that his parents heard from a friend that Canberra didn’t have many good places to eat. Moving to Canberra and opening one of the city’s best known dumpling venues, they found quick success.

“From the first day it was a hit, we were the first dumpling restaurant back then,” says Tyler.

After decades of success, Tyler said it was time for a change.

Partnering with Peter Wong, who owns and operates the very popular Forster Noodle Bar in Forster, Tyler says the new Malaysian menu (which is also Halal!) gives more people access to great food – and you know you’ll get a truly authentic experience with Tyler bringing in two Malaysian head chefs, specially to create authentic Malay cuisine at Makanan.

Tyler Liu (left) is excited to bring new flavours to his parents’ successful city business.

Continuing in his parents’ footsteps, who were renowned for offering affordable and honest meals, Tyler is passionate about delivering great food that isn’t expensive.

“I wanted to make a place where people could still enjoy a really nice meal and not have to worry too much about the price of things.”

Tyler says most people can grab a great sit-down lunch for around $15 and if you miss lunch, Makanan is open from 11 am until 9.30 pm and serves food the whole time.

Chow Mein Crispy.

We were lucky to visit during a buzzing lunch session, served up the Char Kway Teow first – described by Tyler as “wok flavoured”, it was deeply flavoursome, with a perfect smokiness and a hint of spice.

The Vegetarian Laksa arrived shortly afterwards, proving to be lighter than many other Canberran laksas, with a hint of coconut and without the punch of spice – perfect for those looking for a true taste of Malaysia.

Our favourite, however, was hands-down the Angel Hair Prawns. With lightly battered prawns hidden in an airy nest of ‘angel hair’ created by wok-frying egg yolk until it becomes almost the texture of shredded coconut, it was light as a feather and melted in the mouth.

Salt and Pepper Squid.

Finally, the Beef Rendang paired perfectly with fried rice, and devotees of the original menu will rest easy knowing that the vegetarian dumplings were just as delicious as they’ve always been – perfect fried or steamed.

But wait, there’s more! In the new year, Tyler says they plan to start delivering meals locally via all of the usual apps.

Want 10% off? Mention HerCanberra when you pay at the counter for your meal.