Dumplings are nearly never bad, but at Melbourne’s Shanghai Street there’s one that we might be brave enough to call the city’s best.

Controversial we know, but the pork mini buns at this Chinatown favourite are so good we’re naming them our dish of the week.

Image credit Shanghai Street

Is that the full name?

The official name on the menu is “Signature Shanghai pan fried mini bun pork.”

Where do you get it?

Shanghai Street, 146-148 Bourke Street, Melbourne VIC 3000. There are also locations in Elizabeth Street and Little Bourke Street.

Why is it a winner?

While the Xiao long bao, or soup dumplings, get all the attention for their delicate thin wrapper and soothing warm broth, it’s the Sheng jian bao, or pork mini buns, with their thicker skin and heartier filling that have our heart. Sure we wouldn’t kick the soup dumplings out of bed either, but the mini buns have a deliciously crusty bottom, from being quickly pan-fried, and a more generous and filling porky middle. They’re just that little bit more robust, and that little bit more comforting. And don’t we all need more comforting in this crazy old world?

Anything else to know?

Not for nothing does Shanghai Street have the words “Nice Mini Juicy Buns” front and centre on its homepage. These dumplings demand trying, so if you haven’t yet, what are you waiting for?

Want more must-try dishes? Check out the noodles that give you life or the deep fried snack with Spanish flair.

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