6 Restaurants Where Dumplings Are the Name of the Game

Dumplings have become a staple dish in many different cultures across the world…we all love these delicious morsels, stuffed with all manner of temptations.

Did you know there are more than 25 different types and dumplings from Chinese to Indian, American, Italian, Korean and many more? They can be cooked three different ways – steamed as in Asian culture, pan-fried and boiled such as Italian gnocchi.

Here are six restaurants where dumplings are the name of the game:

Fresh seafood, cool beats, funky cocktails and tasty wines await Port Lincoln diners at Santi’s on Liverpool Street. This contemporary Asian restaurant focuses on combining bold flavours with fresh produce from the Eyre Peninsula delivered in a trendy vibe of leather banquette seating, portholes in the walls and a vibrant colour scheme, along with an alfresco area ideal for soaking up rays on balmy days.

 

Stop in for a yum cha lunch and devour your choice of steamed dumplings such as pork and prawn; or delve into Taiwanese salt and pepper squid, before larger plates like satay grilled tuna collar, spiced soy and charred lemon.

The vision of homesick students from Hong Kong, the China Tea Club on Montford Crescent in Lyneham is the place to head for Asian fare with flair. This hidden Canberra gem is locally loved for its warm and welcoming vibe and an extensive menu offering everyone’s favourite Chinese dishes from spring rolls and san choy bow to roast duck and BBQ pork.

 

Settle in for a memorable meal with a cold glass of Chardonnay and start your culinary journey with steamed ginger and prawn dumplings or boiled pork and cabbage dumplings in chicken broth, followed by beef in spicy kung po sauce with a side of rice.

Expect to find authentic Thai cuisine on the plate at Bangkok Noi on Mount Barker Road in Hahndorf. This Adelaide Hills dining destination oozes funky vibes from exposed brick, potted greenery, walls adorned with images of the homeland and polished wood floors, ideal for lingering over a meal with family and friends.

 

Dive in headfirst with an entrée of steamed chicken dumplings and red curry or salt and pepper squid; then chow down roast duck in rich red curry with cherry tomatoes, lychee, pineapple, basil and seasonal vegetables.

Mouth-watering Southeast Asian flavours collide with a Modern Australian twist at Dana Eating House on Murray Street in Hobart's CBD. This restaurant is a fresh and innovative place to eat, drink and share in a unique socially-minded dining experience; over a rotational period, Dana partners with local or global charities to donate a percentage of profits to these causes.

 

Eat good, drink good and do good in a relaxed vibe of climbing vines and dark wood table settings, while delving into steamed pork dumplings with lemongrass, Thai basil and black vinegar chilli oil, or Peking duck pancakes, with hoisin, cucumber and spring onion.

For the best Thai in Bendigo head down Pall Mall to find Bunja Thai Restaurant. Housed in a stunning 1887 heritage-listed bank building with vaulted ceilings, a vault, wine cellar and Vahland splendour, this dining destination is a must when visiting the Goldfields region to indulge the senses in a plethora of authentic flavours.

 

Kick things off with a mixed steamed dumpling plate with prawns, vegetables and scallops, then devour Penang slow-cooked beef curry, with coconut milk, kaffir lime and Thai basil, enjoyed with sides of coconut rice, green beans, broccoli, carrot, zucchini, bok choy and cauliflower.

Embracing the Japanese izakaya style of wining and dining, head to Yama Zaru Izakaya on Sheridan Street in Cairns for a dining experience to remember. Showcasing tapas dishes and the best range of sake in the city, you can’t miss this restaurant with its colourful façade of Japanese images, while indoors is moody with glowing lanterns, booth and table settings and wooden beams.

 

Jump right in with tapas plates of handmade vegetable or pork gyoza, before rice bowls such as chicken katsu with egg and soy sauce, or stir-fried ginger pork, with dressed cabbage, tangy sauce and sides of steamed rice and wakame salad.