When you’re in the mood for a steaming plate of dumplings there’s nothing else that hits the spot. So why not treat yourself to the absolute best dumplings in NSW? Whether you’re slurping xiao long bao at New Shanghai or ordering rounds of har gao at Queen Chow, these dumpling are a cut above the rest. Here are the state’s best dumplings, as crowned in the delicious. 100.
You can’t throw a chopstick in Ashfield without hitting a great Chinese restaurant. New Shanghai boasts the best dumplings. The selection is generous with fillings such as pork and chive or chicken and celery perfectly packaged in hand-rolled skins. Also spectacular are the prawn wontons, their long silk sleeves smothered in peanut and sesame sauce. 273 Liverpool Rd, Ashfield; newshanghai.com.au.
Steamed, fried or soupy, the dumplings here are big, bountiful and a bona fide bargain. Made in the more rustic Northern Chinese style, with a thicker wrapper and generous fillings, our pick is the pan-fried pork and chives, or egg and chives for vegetarians. Order by the dozen and dive right in. 160 Thomas St, Haymarket; chinesenoodlerestaurant.business.site.
Queen Chow’s Cantonese-style dumplings have been winners since 2016, beloved for yum cha classics made with care and elevated by unexpected and premium ingredients. There’s pillowy har gao stuffed with satisfyingly plump prawns, and umami-packed wild mushroom dumplings, hand-folded jade- hued seafood parcels, and delicate chicken siu mai. 167 Enmore Rd, Enmore & 102 Wagonga St, Narooma; merivale.com/venues/queenchow.
A small country town 3 1⁄2 hours from Sydney might not be the first port of call for exceptional dumplings, but perhaps it should be. In a sandstone cottage in Rylstone, you’ll find 29 Nine 99. A labour of love from Shaanxi-born owner and chef Na Lan, the menu boasts a staggering 30 varieties of handmade dumplings. Any you don’t get to try on the day can be bought frozen for later. 28 Louee St, Rylestone; facebook.com/29nine99yumcha.
Nanjing cuisine is hard to find in Sydney, which makes this cheap and cheerful eatery well worth tracking down. While salted duck is Nanjing’s signature dish, you’ll also want to double-down on the dumplings – most notably Nanjing-style xiao long bao, a smaller version of the Shanghai style, with a delightfully delicate skin encasing a juicy filling and burst of broth. 6 Little Hay St, Haymarket; instagram.com/nanjingdumpling.
