Overview
From China to Vietnam, Japan to Austria, there's a reason why dumplings have become a staple dish of so many cultures — they're goddamn delectable. Thankfully, our food-obsessed capital is home to a world of these addictive morsels. Steamed, fried, boiled, however they're done, we can all agree that dumplings are delicious balls of goodness that can warm the cockles of even the coldest heart. Having become a plump little dumpling myself after bingeing through this list, here are our picks for the ten best dumpling joints in the city.
BROOKLYN DELI
A taste of Austria within the rolling hills of Brooklyn, Brooklyn Deli is your new European home away from home. Perhaps the most friendly establishment around town, this family-run, traditional Austrian deli is a meeting point for the community where everyone knows everyone, says hello, and pats each other's dogs. As you take a seat outside next to the olive tree, or choose a cosy nook indoors, do yourself a massive favour and order the Speckknödel ($21) — that is, the pancetta stuffed dumplings served on a bed of sauerkraut. Think ultimate comfort food: slightly doughy balls bursting with savoury pancetta pieces, perfectly complemented by the sour yet salty sauerkraut. This truly traditional Austrian dish will have you coming back time and time again.
199 Ohiro Road
MR GO'S
I had high expectations going into the ever-popular Mr Go's and I was certainly not let down. As I sat down into my '60s-style office chair, the industrial-chic yet retro establishment was buzzing with a cool, chilled out vibe. Not being able to choose between the three dumpling choices, (mince and cheese, tofu and kimchi, pork and prawn), I opted for all of them. The mince and cheese were my favourite and personified a beautiful meshing of Chinese and Kiwi culture; think a Mrs Mac's pie in dumpling form sprinkled with parmesan cheese. Choice as. The tofu and kimchi was a genius combination of soft, smooth, and savoury tofu paired with the satisfying crunch and refreshing, palate-pleasing tang of kimchi. Thirdly, the pork and prawn dumplings were absolutely phenomenal, the distinctive taste of fresh prawn and savoury pork made for a delectable little parcel — especially when paired with the chilli oil or sweet gooey soy sauce. All handmade that day, including the dumpling dough, these gently fried mouthfuls of bliss need to be on your to do list.
59 Taranaki Street
DUMPLING'D
Dumpling'd is perhaps the chicest inner city dumpling house that Wellington has to offer. Think concrete floors, wooden and steel furnishings, and industrial piping running along the ceiling. The large Boulcott Street space is filled with high tables and stools, and the sound of chatter and chilled music lets you vibe out for a moment during your busy day. Dumpling'd dumplings are handmade at the company's factory in Petone and delivered fresh daily to stores around the city. With a large selection available, from seafood to chicken, pork and beef, your hardest decision will be whether you get an eight pack for $12, or a twelve pack for $11, (get the twelve pack, you deserve it). Choose to have them boiled or pan-fried, and prepare to bite into plump, flavourful, and just seriously delicious dumplings. Dip into their house-made soy sauce, or their chilli oil if you're up for it. My favourites were the pork, chive and garlic, chicken and corn, vegetable, and beef, celery, and cumin. I couldn't just pick one. What's best, with another location at number 39 on the Terrace, you're never too far away for some Dumpling'd dumplings.
7 Boulcott Street
THE DUMPLING COMPANY
Stuck for a lunch idea on your work break? Needing something quick, easy, yet devilishly delicious? Head over to The Dumpling Company for your dumpling fix. Serving up classics such as pork and chive, beef and cumin, and chicken and mushroom, all cravings can certainly be satisfied. Pan-fried, these dumplings are a little more greasy than the others, but that just makes this treat a little more naughty rather than taking away from the quality or taste. My personal favourite was the beef and cumin, a popular combination around Wellington and one that they have nailed. Scoop up eight for $8, these dumplings are easy on the wallet, too. Served with a side salad and your choice of sauce (I chose teriyaki), The Dumpling Company has your lunch break covered.
3a/100 Willis Street
MAO AND CO
Talk about dumplings with a serious dash of panache, Mao and Co do dumplings like no other. Dyed with vegetable juices and squid ink, these colourful creations are bursting with flavour. Served fresh out of their iconic food truck, expect fresh, high quality ingredients that have been treated with the utmost respect. Pork and fennel, lamb and cumin, spiced tofu, the combinations make sense and complement each other perfectly. Feel free to dunk away in their house-made Chinese vinegar, sesame and soy sauce, or if you're feeling brave, their very own chilli oil. Open at lunch time in spots around the city (you can find their schedule here), ditch the sandwich and hunt down Mao and Co.
AUNTY MENA'S
One of Wellington's iconic vegetarian eateries, Aunty Mena's sure know how to serve up some mean dumplings. Aunty Mena's is as welcoming as it sounds: chilled out atmosphere, simple, and immersed in the aroma of fresh Chinese and Malaysian cuisine. The dumplings are no frills, and that's because they don't need them. Think spring roll-dumpling hybrid: fresh grated veges wrapped in a delicate case of fried goodness. Pair this with the house-made sweet and sour sauce and you're in business. At $8 for eight, your pocket and your stomach will be satisfied.
167 Cuba Street
DRAGONFLY
A permanent fixture on Courtenay Place, Dragonfly offers one of the capital's coolest, modern-Asian dining experiences. The trendiness is matched only by the delightful culinary creations, with dumplings being no exception. Again, I couldn't choose just one off of the menu and was presented with three divine dishes. The ever-popular pork and chive ($16.50) was savoury and salty, and paired perfectly with their house-made, gooey soy sauce. Served in a fragrant chilli oil, the ginger chicken ($16.50) was rich, and had a subtle tease of ginger. Rounding out the selection and wrapped in sticky dumpling wrappers, the fresh prawn shumai ($16.50) were simply moreish, let alone beautiful to look at. Dragonfly prides themselves on using only the finest and freshest ingredients and this certainly shone through with the dumplings.
70 Courtenay Place
Ancestral
ANCESTRAL
I often feel that Ancestral's restaurant isn't given the props it deserves; everyone knows it's one of the coolest spots to sip on a whiskey but the restaurant is sometimes pushed out of the spotlight. If you've forgotten about them, let me re-introduce you, particularly to their dumplings. With food of an exceptional quality, my mouth was watering looking over the menu, and before I knew it, I had three sets of dumplings in front of me. Classic pork, prawns and chive dumplings served with a a tangy black vinegar dressing, steamed chicken dumplings which were also stuffed with mushrooms, and vegetarian dumplings. All of them were excellently juicy and packed with fresh, vibrant flavour. With a mission to bring ancient Chinese delicacies to the forefront of New Zealand's contemporary food scene, prepare to be transported back in time as you chow through some of China's most delicious culinary history.
31/33 Courtenay Place
HOUSE OF DUMPLINGS
This list wouldn't be complete without one of Wellington's best know dumpling makers. House of Dumplings is special; the dumplings are lovingly handmade everyday, all ingredients are locally sourced and all meats are free range. Another big value for them is that there is to be absolutely no MSG in any of their products. Whatever it is you're craving, House of Dumplings has you covered: all dumplings are jam-packed with flavour, choose from chicken, pork, lamb, prawn, tofu, and even "Japanese Six Mush". Have them either pan-fried or steamed, and pair them with your favourite sauce, these delicate and juicy parcels of goodness are not to be missed. This intense care and passion has resulted in one hell of a dumpling, that you can either get from their takeaway shop, or frozen from these stockists.
Photo by Miso Peckish.
RAMS CRAZY DUMPLING RESTAURANT
Rams is your go-to if you want to get a little spicier, a little saucier. Their chilli oil dumplings are raved about across the city, and for good reason. Order yourself a bowl of their dumplings in chilli oil (15 pieces for $11.50) and tuck in. The oil is less oily, more saucy - the chilli gives the bowl the requisite kick, the coriander and spring onion a much-needed fresh brightness, and the vinegar a beautiful tartness. It offsets the carby dumplings and rich fillings like a dream. We'd recommend the classic pork and chive.
171 Cuba Street, Te Aro