For the love of dumplings

Posted on 25 July, 2016

What is it about dumplings that evokes such passion?

Perfect little parcels of flavour, there are few more simply satisfying dishes than dumplings. We round up nine of our favourite Canberra purveyors.

CBD Dumpling House

This place is super quick which makes it perfect for a weekday lunch. If there are just two of you ask for a seat on the bar, gaze in the window and watch the whole dumpling-making process take place.

The dumplings at CBD Dumpling House are exceptional with loads of options — we love the prawn and pumpkin, and the leek are also worth a try.

CBD Dumpling House | 148 Bunda Street, Canberra City

Morks Restaurant

It’s hard to pick a favourite at Morks – there’s a reason this contemporary Thai eatery is always packed. But we’re talking dumplings today, and their  Sweet Potato Dumplings, topped with Panang Curry, are worth a post of their own. Offered as an entrée, order these as a brilliant opener to your meal.

Morks Restaurant | 18-19 Eastlake Parade, Kingston Foreshore 

XO

For little parcels of deliciousness, add XO‘s dumplings to your order. This cheeky one year old restaurant likes to blur the lines between Asian cuisine and casual and fine dining, leaving you with a fusion menu to die for. Pair these bad boys with some of XO’s amazing small plates like Asian Bolognese and Mouth Watering Chicken.

XO | 16 Iluka Street, Narrabundah

The Hungry Buddha

Surprised to find The Hungry Buddha on this list? You may not equate Nepalese cuisine with dumplings, but these traditional Nepalese steamed chicken dumplings served with homemade tomato pickle and tamarind sauce are the goods. Order a Nepalese beer to chase them down.

The Hungry Buddha | 44 Curtin Place, Curtin Shops

Chairman & Yip

Dumplings filled with pork, prawn and dill.

One of our favourite additions to Chairman and Yip‘s new menu is plump dumplings filled with pork, prawn and dill—a sauce of black vinegar, sesame and soy adding a salty kick. Yum.

Chairman and Yip | Burbury Close, Barton

Wild Duck

Wild Duck is a bit of a hidden gem, tucked away from the main Kingston Foreshore action, but it’s worth tracking down for their refined take on dumplings. Choose from Balmain Bug Dumplings, served with pickled ginger and rice vinegar, or Wagyu Beef Dumplings served with tangy yuzu chilli vinaigrette. One to add to the ‘date night’ list.

Wild Duck | 77-78/71 Giles Street, Kingston

Dumpling Inn

If you’re looking for fancy minimalist decor and a high street location, best not hit this place up — but if you’re serious about your dumplings, this is worth the trip to Macquarie. A stone’s throw from Jamison Plaza, Dumpling Inn is everything you love about the traditional ‘Chinese restaurant’ and the food is tasty (and reasonably priced). You can’t leave without trying the Lobster Dumplings, and we recommend following it with their highly-rated Peking Duck.

Dumpling Inn | 1/1 Lawry Place, Macquarie

Dickson Dumpling House

With over 20 varieties to choose from, Dickson Dumpling House is the place to take that super-picky friend. The fried pork dumplings are a hit, and don’t be surprised if you end up ordering more that you can eat — the menu is so diverse it’s hard to narrow it down. Treat yo’self.

Dickson Dumpling House | 2 Cape Street, Dickson

Akiba

There’s a reason AKIBA took home Australian Financial Review Top Restaurants People’s Choice Award for 2016. An exciting share plate menu includes two choices of dumplings: prawn and chicken dumplings with ginger and black vinegar dressing, and for the vegetable lovers, shiitake and water chestnut dumplings with red vinegar and chili oil. Yum.

Akiba | 40 Bunda Street, Canberra Street

Have we missed your favourite? Leave a comment and let us know!