Whether they're fried or steamed, dumplings are the go-to lunch food. Dumplings are said to have been invented by a Chinese medicine practitioner about 1,800 years ago. Since then, they were slowly making their way into other countries' cuisine and became a widely recognised dish.They've been so popularised that the stuffing possibilities are endless. Whether you're craving fried dumplings oriental style or steamed dumplings with westernised filling, London boasts a variety of these folded treats.
Mamuśka! Polish Kitchen and Bar
cuisinesPolish
Image source: Mamuśka! Polish Kitchen and Bar

Polish food is still a niche in London despite its affordable prices and homestyle recipes, luckily there are a few places worth visiting. Mamuśka! is one of the top Polish restaurants known for retro decor that allows you to familiarise yourself with Polish cuisine in a relaxed space. The restaurant is stylised as bar mleczny (milk bar) where food is ordered at the counter and brought to your table that adds to the casual vibe. Dumplings are the highlights of Polish cuisine, handmade and with a variety of fillings. The most popular options are ‘Russian dumplings’ stuffed with potatoes and white cheese, drizzled with onions. Great for a quick but satisfying lunch.

Kimchee
cuisinesKorean

At Kimchee, you can enjoy a bit different take on dumplings in a modern, sophisticated interior. The restaurant serves mandu which are Korean pan-fried dumplings filled with pork, chicken or a mix of vegetables, all with a light soy sauce on the side. They come as a starter but they’re worth giving a go due to their unique flavour and thin dough. If this isn’t enough to convince you, traditionally they were a part of royal cuisine thanks to their divine taste.

Ugly Dumpling
cuisinesAsian fusion

Ugly Dumpling is ahead of the competition, fusing western ingredients with Asian recipes to create a special dining experience. They have a range of fillings on offer, from classic flavours such as pork belly or satay chicken to mushroom and truffle. Our top picks are cheeseburger dumplings that effortlessly combine the best of two different cultures. The venue is small but has a welcoming atmosphere that makes it perfect for a casual meeting.

Courtesan
cuisinesCocktails, Dim Sum, Chinese

Courtesan is a cross between a tea room and a bar, distinguishing itself by its atmospheric wooden furnishings and versatile dishes. The menu features dumplings with creative fillings such as soft shell crab in a light batter, coated with bold Szechuan spices and Japanese mayonnaise. There’re a few vegetarian options including dumplings with cheese, egg and parsley. Lastly, their chicken dumplings are a must-try.

Baoziinn
cuisinesDim Sum

Baozilnn is a dim sum restaurant which means the dumplings are served in bamboo baskets and designed to be shared. You can choose from traditional dumplings that come with vinegar or chilli oil, stuffed with chicken, pork or vegetables. If you want something with a slight twist, go for prawn dumplings in a soup. The place is a modern and well -lit space suitable for any kind of meeting.

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