The best dumplings in Manchester

Set in a stunning Grade II listed building, the contemporary Cottonopolis is a hit with couples and colleagues alike. The buzzing venue combines a nod to Manchester’s industrial past with international influences – the food and drink is a modern Japanese affair, including some of the most visually appealing sushi in Manchester. Alongside the extravagant dishes, there’s also a selection of dim sum, including moreish gyozas stuffed with the likes of pan-fried duck, cherry and sour plum. Every Sunday, you can take advantage of the legendary Yum Cha event and pile your plates high with dumplings, bao buns and more during the two-hour slot.

Bringing the glamour and elegance to Chinese cuisine, Tattu is a far cry from the traditional and homely atmosphere of your Friday night takeaway. Set in stylish Spinningfields with an imposing cherry blossom tree, the restaurant is a sensory experience, combined with a high-end menu of Asian fusion dishes. Familiar dim sum dishes are embellished with lavish ingredients – where else would you find lobster on your prawn toast? The stars of the show, however, are the Wagyu Dumplings in a gorgeous red hue, complete with kimchi and spring onions. You can also choose from several gyozas, including spicy pulled pork and fragrant date and water chestnut.

Are our beloved Italian pastas also dumplings? It’s an age-old debate when it comes to the likes of ravioli, tortellini and mezzelune. It certainly meets the criteria – a pillowy pocket of dough, stuffed with any combination of filling. Whether you’re a pasta purist or not, Ornella’s Kitchen is serving some of the most exciting Italian dishes in the city. Ornella started her business during early lockdown, delivering homemade pasta across Manchester, and the Sicilian-born chef recently opened a cosy kitchen in Denton. With plump ravioli packed with everything from decadent lobster to creamy truffle, her stuffed pasta dishes have quickly become the talk of the town.

While dumplings are aplenty in Chinese cuisine, they are also a staple item on a Japanese menu and Teppanyaki Chinatown promises a dining experience like no other. Based in the heart of the popular cultural district, Teppanyaki revolves around the traditional cooking culture of teppanyaki – which literally means ‘grilling on a hot iron plate.’ Whatever you fancy from the extensive menu, it will be cooked in front of you on the sizzling hotplate by the talented chefs. Pair your main dishes of meat and fish with a selection of gyozas, a traditional Japanese dumpling that’s pan-fried and stuff with fragrant minced meat or veggies.

Tucked away in the Green Quarter, The Spärrows is an unassuming eatery that’s earned an impressive reputation for its comforting menu. Inside the warm and welcoming space, the team greet you like an old friend and show you the ropes of their eclectic offering. The highlight of the menu here is Spätzle, a pasta originating in Germany, but there are also various dumplings – both Russian Pelmini and Polish Pierogi – making this a truly continental experience. Filled with minced beef and pork, the small pelmini are covered in breadcrumbs and fried in garlic butter for that golden crunch. The pierogi are larger pockets, stuffed with lighter fillings such as cottage cheese, sauerkraut and minced wild mushrooms.

What once started life as a popular takeaway on Great Ancoats Street, Blue Eyed Panda has evolved into a fully-fledged diner, serving up a range of staples from Szechaun and Cantonese cuisine. From black beans to chow mein, the small menu still covers all the classics and they arrive in huge, steaming portions. There’s also an impressive selection of dumplings, including the steamed variety and filled soup dumplings. We’d recommend the traditional open-faced dumpling, Siu Mai, which is packed with both ground pork and shrimp.