If there’s one food Melbourne families can almost always agree on, it’s dumplings. Steamed or pan-fried. Soupy or crispy. Plain pork for picky eaters, chilli-slicked wontons for grown-ups. They’re easy to share, quick to serve, and perfect for kids who like to eat a little bit of everything.
From Chinatown favourites to suburban standouts, Melbourne dumplings come in all shapes and styles. Whether you’re hunting down the best dumplings in Melbourne CBD, planning a yum cha lunch with grandparents, or searching for the best xiao long bao Melbourne has to offer, this guide has you covered.
Here’s where families can find the best dumplings in Melbourne right now.
A Quick Note for Parents
Many of these venues are casual, fast-paced and well set up for sharing plates. Lunch and early dinners tend to be the easiest with kids, especially in the CBD. If you’re dining with little ones, start with steamed dumplings, bao buns or siu mai before moving on to anything spicy.
The Best Dumplings Melbourne CBD Families Love
1. Hutong Dumpling Bar – CBD & Prahran
Well known for handmade dumplings and soup dumplings, and often mentioned among the best dumplings Melbourne CBD spots.
Hutong Dumpling Bar – Melbourne CBD – 14–16 Market Lane, Melbourne, +61 3 9650 8128
2. Shanghai Street Dumpling – CBD & Windsor
Simple, affordable and perfect for families. The menu covers all the classics, making it an easy choice for kids who want familiar flavours. A strong all-rounder for Melbourne dumplings.
Shanghai Street– Chinatown, Melbourne, 342 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000 +61 3 9078 8068
Shanghai Street – 303-305 Elizabeth St, Melbourne VIC 3000, +61 3 9078 8477
Shanghai Street – Little Bourke St, Melbourne, 146–148 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000
+61 3 9662 3226
Shanghai Street – Burwood, 172–210 Burwood Highway, Burwood East VIC 3151
+61 3 9801 8039
3. Tim Ho Wan – CBD
World-famous for good reason. The baked BBQ pork buns are a standout for kids, while parents will appreciate the delicate dumplings and efficient service.
Tim Ho Wan – 206 Bourke Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
4. China Red – CBD
Modern interiors, touchscreen ordering and beautifully presented dumplings make this a hit with families. Everything arrives quickly, which is always a win with hungry kids.
A highlight for kids is the large window where you can watch the chefs at work, crafting the dumplings.
China Red – 206 Bourke Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 +61 3 9662 3688
5. Shark Fin Inn – CBD
A classic yum cha experience that works well for families. Plenty of dumpling options and a calm, traditional dining room.
Shark Fin Inn – 50 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000 +61 3 9662 2681
6. New Shanghai – CBD
Polished and dependable, with excellent soup dumplings and a menu that suits all ages. A strong contender for families seeking the best dumplings in Melbourne CBD.
New Shanghai – Level 3, Melbourne Central, Cnr LaTrobe and Swanston Streets, Melbourne VIC 3000 +61 3 9650 8887
7. Oriental Teahouse – CBD, South Yarra & Brunswick
Stylish but approachable. A good mix of traditional dumplings and modern flavours, with space for prams at some locations.
Oriental Teahouse – 378 Little Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000 +61 3 9600 4230
Oriental Teahouse – 455 Chapel St, South Yarra VIC 3141 +61 3 9826 0168
Oriental Teahouse – 202 Albion St, Brunswick VIC 3056 +61 3 9386 7394
8. Red Emperor – CBD
A classic Cantonese restaurant with excellent dumplings and a calm dining room that suits families.
Red Emperor – 131 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000 +61 3 9021 1099
9.Secret Kitchen – CBD
Upscale yum cha with plenty of dumpling options and attentive service.
Secret Kitchen – 222 Exhibition St, Melbourne VIC 3000 +61 3 9988 7778
Secret Kitchen – ShopL2-2003, 619 Doncaster Road, Doncaster VIC 3108 +61 9840 2248
10. Flower Drum – CBD
A special-occasion choice. Not budget, but flawless dumplings and exceptional service.
Flower Drum – 17 Market Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000 +61 3 9662 3655
11. Yulongfu – CBD
Modern Chinese dining with refined dumplings and a relaxed pace.
Yulongfu – 136 Bourke Street, Melbourne, VIC, 3000 +61 3 7006 4222
12. Ruyi Modern Chinese – CBD
More upmarket, but dumplings are beautifully presented and ideal for sharing.
Ruyi Modern Chinese – 16 Liverpool Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 +61 3 9090 7778
13. Gingerboy – CBD
Modern Asian flavours with standout dumplings. Best for older kids and teens.
Gingerboy – 27 – 29 Crossley St , Melbourne, VIC 3000 +61 3 9662 4200
14. Spice Temple – Southbank
Dumplings with a bit of heat. Works best for families with spice-loving kids.
Spice Temple – Crown Melbourne, 8 Whiteman Street, Southbank, VIC, 3006 +61 3 9081 0533
15. China Bar Signature – CBD
Fast, casual and budget-friendly. Easy option with kids after a day in the city.
China Bar Signature – 380 Burwood HwyBurwood East VIC 3151
16. Imperial Chinese Restaurant – CBD
Classic Cantonese dining with dependable dumplings and a relaxed atmosphere.
Imperial Chinese Restaurant – 546–554 Waverley Road, Glen Waverley, VIC, 3150 +61 3 9802 6787
Best Dumplings in Melbourne Beyond the CBD
17. Tao Tao House – Hawthorn
A suburban favourite for yum cha and dumplings. Relaxed, spacious and ideal for daytime dining with kids.
Tao Tao House – 815 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn, VIC, 3122 +61 3 9818 0968
18. Dumpling Empire – Glen Waverley
Perfect for big family dinners. Large portions, classic Shanghainese dumplings and plenty of variety for sharing.
Dumpling Empire – 106 Kingsway, Glen Waverley, VIC, 3150 +61 3 9561 5665
19. David’s – Prahran
A well-known yum cha destination that feels special without being intimidating. Ideal for celebrations or a long weekend lunch.
David’s – 4 Cecil Place, Prahran, VIC, 3181 +61 3 9529 5199
20. Bowl Bowl – Collingwood
Best for families with adventurous eaters. Vegan dumplings and bold flavours sit alongside milder options.
Bowl Bowl – 96 Smith Street, Collingwood, VIC 3065, +61 3 9417 7448
21. Red Door Yum Cha – Windsor
A strong suburban yum cha option with plenty of space for families.
Red Door Yum Cha – 1 McIlwrick Street, Windsor, VIC 3181, +61 3 9510 9658
