Soupy xiaolongbao are the forte here, but don't sleep on their boiled spinach dumplings or the wantons in numbing chili oil. Start with a plate or seven of dumplings, then move on to the comprehensive Shanghainese offerings. Just note - service is fast-paced and at times abrupt, but you’re not here to make friends.
Whoever coined the phrase "the best things come in small packages" had definitely just eaten a plate of dumplings. No other food compares when it comes to versatility – fried, steamed or boiled, they're all magic in your mouth. And with a myriad of variations and ingredients, they can happily feed vegetarians and carnivores alike.
Now, a favourite dumplings joint can be a contentious topic. So to help you decide – or make a list to try them all – we've composed a list of Melbourne's most popular Chinese, Japanese, Nepalese (and even Polish) offerings so you can get your fix of these parcels of joy.