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- Shanghai Street Dumpling
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- Xiao Long Bao
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- Pan Fried Pork Buns
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- Chilli Pork Wontons
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- Shallot Pancakes
Was recently in Melbourne and finding an alternative to Hu Tong Dumpling Bar since it was booked out.
Came across this joint that truly satisfied my shanghai dumpling craving! To give you an introduction to Shanghai dumplings……
Shanghai Dumplings (or Xiao Long Bao) are unique because of its soup contained with the meat in the dumpling pastry. It’s usually served in a bamboo basket (which is the literal translation of Xiao Long Bao). It’s really hard to find good Shanghai Dumplings in Australia. Before going to Shanghai, I really hated these dumplings from the ones I tried in Brisbane.
Anyway, found this little gem in Melbourne called Shanghai Street Dumpling Bar (342 Little Bourke Street, CBD). I heard the place is usually very busy, and I waited about 10 minutes in line (at about 12 noon). While I was eating, the queue got bigger and some people waited more than 30 minutes, which says a lot! A telling thing about Chinese joints is if the people are Chinese or Caucasians – this place had a good amount of Chinese people waiting and dining.
I went twice to this place and tried the following dishes:
Xiao Long Bao (Steamed Pork Dumplings)
The dumplings didn’t break. The pastry wasn’t too thick. There was a lot of soup. Wasn’t too pricey. Very satisfied.
Pan Fried Pork Buns
These buns cost the same price as the steamed pork buns (above), and if you’re just looking to get full – this is the choice. There’s nothing heaps special about this. There is a bit of soup inside the bun still.
Chilli Pork Wonton in Peanut Sauce
Shared this one with a friend. I had a look around and many people had ordered this – must be a favourite. In this dish, you get 15 wontons. Good combination for those looking for something different.
Shallot Pancakes
I couldn’t help myself. They had a fusion variant of this which had bacon. How can you resist bacon? It was great! But probably not for the purists – might need to stick with the traditional shallot pancakes without bacon. Either way, I really enjoyed this. It wasn’t cooked to cardboard, nor was it under-cooked. Great side dish to a dumpling/bun main meal.
Really enjoyed eating here. Will definitely be back. Very good alternative to Hu Tong.
Heavenly Food 