Where Can I Find the Best Dumpling Soup in Melbourne?
Melbourne is a great destination for dumpling soup and xiaolongbao, particularly around Chinatown and the CBD. Popular places to explore include HuTong Dumpling Bar, Shanghai Street, Yulongfu, China Red and ShanDong MaMa. Each offers different dumpling styles and fillings, making Melbourne's Chinatown a great place to explore if you're looking for hot, juicy soup-filled dumplings.
Melbourne Sphere editors · Editorial team
2 min read
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Melbourne is a great destination for dumpling lovers, particularly if you enjoy soup-filled dumplings, or xiaolongbao. These delicate dumplings contain hot, flavorful broth inside a thin wrapper and are best enjoyed fresh from the steamer.
Melbourne's CBD and Chinatown are especially well known for dumpling restaurants, with several popular spots serving xiaolongbao and other dumpling varieties.
1. HuTong Dumpling Bar
HuTong is one of Melbourne's well-known destinations for soup-filled xiaolongbao. Located on Market Lane, the restaurant is known for delicate dumplings made by skilled chefs.
The soup-filled xiaolongbao are a popular choice, while chilli wontons and other Chinese dishes can be ordered alongside them. Melbourne's official visitor guide specifically highlights HuTong for its famous xiaolongbao.
2. Shanghai Street
Shanghai Street Little Bourke specializes in Shanghainese-style xiaolongbao. Its soup-filled dumplings are known for their juicy filling and are one of the restaurant's signature dishes.
The Little Bourke Street location is right in Melbourne's Chinatown, making it convenient to combine with a walk through the CBD.
3. Yulongfu Steamed Buns Restaurant
Yulongfu Steamed Buns Restaurant is another option for visitors looking for soup dumplings. The restaurant uses a family recipe dating back to 1904 and hand-folds its dumplings.
One of its more distinctive options is black-truffle xiaolongbao, alongside other steamed and pan-fried dumplings.
4. China Red
China Red is another Chinatown option known for juicy, soup-filled xiaolongbao. The restaurant also offers a range of other dumplings and Chinese dishes.
Its location on Bourke Street makes it easy to visit while exploring Melbourne's Chinatown and surrounding CBD attractions. Melbourne's official city guide describes China Red as a destination for particularly soupy xiaolongbao.
5. ShanDong MaMa
ShanDong MaMa offers a different style of dumpling experience. This Chinatown dumpling house is known for handmade dumplings inspired by China's Shandong province.
The menu includes creative fillings as well as vegetarian options, making it worth considering if you want to explore beyond traditional pork xiaolongbao.
How to Eat Soup Dumplings
Soup dumplings can be extremely hot when they arrive at the table. A simple way to enjoy them is:
Carefully pick up the dumpling with chopsticks.
Place it on a spoon.
Make a small opening in the wrapper.
Allow some steam to escape.
Sip the broth carefully.
Eat the dumpling with the remaining filling.
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