Where to find Brisbane’s best dumplings

Brisbane Phoenix is the OG for dumplings. Famed for its yum cha, there are over 20 varieties of steamed dumplings to choose from, so that’s a tummy full of dumpling goodness whichever way you look at it.

Under Entrees, opt for the mixed steam dim sim plate. This mysteriously inviting dish contains two of each: king prawn dumplings, scallop and caviar shumai, kale dumplings and spicy chicken shumai. Eight dumplings – surely that’s enough for one person?

The Phoenix is right in the heart of the CBD and has a warm and sophisticated feeling. At night they validate parking, but double check when you book. And this place gets seriously busy, so don’t forget to make a reservation.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Fresh crab meat xiao long bao ($16)

Fat Dumpling has three central locations: Fortitude Valley, West End and Bowen Hills, so there’s sure to be one close enough for a quick dumpling fix.

The West End ‘bar’ has a great contemporary feel – no wonder so many groups gather here. The menu offers a dumpling for every one in the family. Maybe you’re adventurous and want Chong dumplings: poached with house-secret spiced-soy sauce. For the more conservative (or as they prefer to be known ‘classic’) munchers, go the Zheng dumplings: steamed in a bamboo basket. If pan fried is your thing, then it’s the Jian for you.

Inside are almost too many to list but there’s something for all: vegetarian, vegan, meat and pescatarian.

Oh they also have non-dumpling dishes but – why?

Dish Cult’s top pick: Chong dumplings (beef, tomato & celery)

There is bound to be a Little Red Dumpling near you – they have 13 locations in South East Queensland.

Little Red Dumplings are made in-house and it shows. These little pockets are seriously tasty – but remember inside is a hot broth – so don’t go in with guns blazing.

The one we visit most is in the Brisbane CBD because the dumpling urge is strong, it lingers long after the shopping urge has gone.

First decision: steamed or fried. Then comes the tough choices: special house-made spicy(ish) Szechuan pork, lamb coriander, or for the cooler days opt for dumplings in Xi’an sour soup.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Rainbow Dumplings ($15.80)

New Shanghai in Queens Plaza is one seriously busy restaurant. It’s not difficult to find – as you step off the ‘down’ escalator in the Queens Plaza, you’ll probably see a queue. So book ahead or be prepared to line up.

But you won’t have to wait too long – if it’s lunch time then the table turnover is quick. If you’ve a little more time, enjoy the restaurant’s vibe as it hums along.

We can’t go past the ‘New Shanghai Signature Dishes’. This is where you’ll find crab meat xiao long bao (steamed crab and pork soup dumplings), pan-fried pork pot stickers and pan-fried pork buns.

New Shanghai has two Brisbane locations, so if the CBD isn’t your thing, try the Mt Gravatt (Garden City Westfield) venue.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Shepherd’s purse & pork wontons, peanut-sesame sauce and chilli oil ($16.80)

Mei Wei offers loads more than dumplings, but do we care? Nope.

We cannot go past the BBQ pork buns. Sure, purists might not consider these dumplings, but we don’t really care. We cannot deny ourselves fluffy buns filled with sweet yummy char siu pork. Oh well, maybe shao mai, prawn and pork dumplings could tempt us…

The menu brims with hawker-style dishes – so be on the lookout for their specialty, which is BBQ meats.

Mei Wei offers an elegant-cum-casual dining experience with its cream, Asian-flower wallpaper and wooden bench style seating, for solo diners. For groups, don’t worry they have lovely tables with the comfiest chairs. Settle in and gobble up the goodness.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Xiao long bao mini-soup buns ($10)