The Best Dumplings in Glasgow

Centrally located on Hope Street, Opium sets the standard in Glasgow when it comes to dim sum. Their head chef Kwan Yu Lee learnt from some of Hong Kong’s finest chefs and now brings his expertise to Glasgow, creating a tapas-style Asian fusion menu with a range of dumplings made from scratch. Steamed options include seafood-based gems such as scallop with asparagus and carrot, and salmon and saffron dumplings. Or if you prefer things a little crispier the fried dumplings range from chicken and lemongrass to butternut squash with courgette and mushroom. If you’re somehow not convinced yet, the pictures of these beauties on their Facebook page will have your mouth watering in seconds.

The West End’s best spot for dumplings meanwhile is (perhaps unsurprisingly) the aptly named Dumpling Monkey. Since opening in 2013 just five minutes from Kelvingrove Art Galley, Dumpling Monkey have cemented themselves as a local favourite. The décor inside is basic and the choice of six different dumplings is very straightforward: as with so many of the best Chinese restaurants, the ethos is good food with no frills. It’s also excellent value: a portion of 10 dumplings starts at just £5 and you can choose between having them boiled or as ‘pot stickers’. Be sure to try the house special of prawns, chives and pork – the definition of packed with flavour.

2021 marks a staggering 50 years since Loon Fung first opened in Glasgow, and one of the secrets to their longevity is surely their extensive selection of handmade dim sum. Included in this are plenty of options for the dumpling-lover. The crispy satay beef dumplings, perhaps, or the traditional Shanghai soup dumplings. And if you’re still left wanting more, then Loon Fung’s dessert menu even has the Lo Sai Sweet Dumpling: a traditional Shanghai treat made from rice flour and sweetened bean paste. Popular for years with the local Chinese community, Loon Fung is the ideal choice for the traditional Chinese restaurant experience, complete with dim sum galore.

Although it may not have a wide selection of dumplings and dim sum like some of the other entries in this guide, it feels wrong to discuss Chinese food in Glasgow without mentioning Lychee Oriental. The restaurant is the brainchild of Great British Menu contestant and Scotland’s 2018 Chef Personality of the Year, Jimmy Lee and the place has earned accolade after accolade since opening in 2015. A trip to Lychee is a must for any Glasgow foodie, and what better way to kick off the meal than with their dim sum platter to share, which comes with a selection of delectable, steamed dumplings. Alternatively, their wonton dumpling soup is the perfect antidote to a Glasgow chill.

Thai restaurant Chaophrya, nestled right in the centre of town is worth visiting just for the opulent setting, but it also offers a chance to try the Thai take on the dumpling. Spanning four floors of this former home of the Royal Academy of Music and Drama, Chaophrya is a great choice for a special night out, with its cocktails and sharing platters. And if you look at the starter menu, you’ll find their Yaowarat Dumplings: a selection of pork, prawn and beef steamed dumplings served with fried garlic and sweet soy sauce. Thai food is famous for being full of flavour and these little treats are no exception.

There’s not always time for a full sit-down meal, however. Where is one to go for authentic East Asian-style dumplings on the go? Luckily Oaka’s flagship shop just off of George Square has filled this gap in the market with its in-store food stall. Oaka means ‘home’ in the Hakka dialect, encapsulating the atmosphere that Oaka aims to cultivate in its stores, and so they decided to offer up some comforting Asian street food for their customers to take away with them. For just £2 you can buy a portion of the pork or prawn dumplings or get the full dim sum platter for £6. As fast-food options go, it ticks all the boxes: good value, relatively healthy, and very, very tasty.