Ask an Aucklander what their favourite food is and chances are dumplings will rank pretty high—and we can’t get enough of these tasty little morsels ourselves. Because the dumpling love is so strong, we put the call out to find out the 10 best damn dumplings spots in town to celebrate 10 years of OB真人视讯.
So, follow this list in no particular order, embark on your very own tasting adventure and get ready to devour the best dumplings in Auckland.
Eden Noodles
Mt Eden, Auckland CBD & Albany
The buzz is real—and well deserved. Just look at the queue outside Eden Noodles and you’ll see what we mean. As you enter the much-loved Mt Eden takeaway joint (they also have a branch in the CBD and Albany), look to your left and you’ll see an elderly Chinese woman making dumplings with such speed you’ll find it hard to look away. There are four options for dumplings including a veggie version and come swimming in your choice of sauce or soup. Order the dumplings in spicy sauce for a taster of that famous Sichuan numbing spice. Earning a rep as some of Auckland’s best dumplings, these bad boys are more addictive than your latest Netflix obsession. Elaine just loves their 'fresh and amazing sauces' and Kito loves any of their dumplings in spicy sauce. We couldn't agree more.
TianFu Noodles
Newmarket
Renowned in Auckland for their next-level noodles, the real secret sauce lies with ' moreish dumplings which cater for those who like their dumps with a little kick. Burger Geek loves their spicy, sweet soy dumplings with Sichuan pepper sauce and loves that they always taste fresh. Their wontons in various flavoursome soups also deserve a special shout out and it's guaranteed that with one taste, you'll be back time and again.
Sumthin Dumplin
O'Connell Street, Wellesley Street, Ponsonby & Botany
Now for those who know Sumthin Dumplin, then you know that their little juicy morsels are to die for, but for those who don’t here’s a recap—Owner Shane Liu first opened his boutique eatery on O’Connell street serving up a variety of home-made dumplings which were in such hot demand he opened a second take away spot on Wellesley Street. Fast forward a few years and Shane has since teamed up with OG hospo heavyweights Phil Clark and Luke Dallow to open Midnight Gardener—an epic new beer garden serving up the dumps AND Sumthin Dumplin Botany. The Beef and Cheese, which is inspired by New Zealand’s love for meat and cheese pies are to die for. Picture this, premium beef, onion and a blend of mozzarella and parmesan all in one crispy wholemeal bundle. Don’t worry you won’t be getting one measly dumpling, these bad boys come in batches of five and they’re huge. Raquel thinks they are the best dumps in Auckland and loves the size and flavour like no other.
New Flavour
Balmoral
Dominion road staple New Flavour pumps out bloody good dumplings—they’re some of Auckland’s finest. What’s more, the non-dumpling options are equally incredible. The fried pancake dishes are a must-try—as is the veggie fried rice. As for the dumplings, the pork mince with prawn and chives is a no-fail order or hit the pork and beef mince for an all-out meat attack. Sushmitha says their dumplings are 'always steaming fresh and yummy and are a good quantity for the price. Pro-tip: the sweet red bean pancake makes the perfect post-dumpling dessert.
Satay Noodle House
Papakura
The humming homemade wontons at Papakura darling are so dope that they've amassed a cult following. Freshly wrapped to order the wontons are just the right mix of crispy and fluffy and mouth-wateringly stuffed full of pork mince, spring onions and water chestnuts. Shivarn says the wontons here is the OG spot in NZ and we can't help but agree.
Barilla
Balmoral
We say dumpling, you say Barilla. Barilla is synonymous with dumplings—it’s a true classic and serves some of Auckland’s best dumplings. One fan loves that they're delicious and cheap. Barilla is renowned for their perfect dumplings that come in lots of 20 (!), and their 'signature' service. But let’s be honest, you’re here for these delicious morsels, not silver service. You’ll wanna hit Barilla with your whole squad to maximise their long list of dumplings options. Try them steamed, it’s a revelation and well worth the extra buck.
Dim Sum And Dumpling House
Mount Eden
With a name like , your dumpling game had better be strong, and lucky for us that behind an unassuming facade this is the home to some of the tastiest dumplings in Auckland. We can't go past their signature prawn and coriander dumplings and the steamed BBQ pork bun also deserves a special mention. One fan raves that they're 'cheap, fresh and delicious' and with a trifecta like that, you can't go wrong.
The Blue Breeze Inn
Ponsonby
The Blue Breeze Inn has that Hawaiian-Asian thing down-pat and their food is glorious. We’re yet to try something substandard from their menu, and the dumplings and wontons are particular standouts. With everything from steamed pork and prawn shumai (one fan's all-time fave) to fried chicken spicy dumplings and crystal dumplings, you're sure to find the perfect dump for your craving. And, of course, no visit is complete without munching your way through Blue Breeze’s signature pork belly steamed bun.
The Rolling Pin
Wynyard Quarter, Ellerslie, Dress smart
If there’s one thing Aucklanders love as much as dumplings, it’s food trucks. It was only a matter of time before a dumpling food truck entered the city’s food scene… and that time is now. Say hello to . Made with the very best ingredients and topped with vibrant slaw, their morsels are better than your average. Megha loves that they come with a side salad and are totally yum.
Bo's Dumplings
Morningside
Tucked away in the popular Morningside Precinct is the small 12 square metre shop Bo's Dumplings serving up beautifully authentic Chinese parcels. The man behind Bo’s is Bo Feng, a dumpling connoisseur, who takes inspiration from his grandparent's recipes. While the hole-in-the-wall may be petite, don’t let that fool you as the dumplings are anything but.
That's The Top 10... But There Are Too Many Dumpling Legends In This Town To Constrain Ourselves
Shaolin Kung Fu Noodle
Balmoral, Auckland City, Howick & Albany
Shaolin Kung Fu Noodle not only serve epic hand-pulled noodles, but they also serve epic dumplings. You can choose to have ‘em served steamed, poached, pan-fried or in sour soup. Pan-fried is our go-to with the dumplings arranged to fill a pan before being flipped and served like a massive dumpling pancake—amazing, right? They’re filled with combos such as lamb and fennel, chicken and corn as well as beef and celery. Luckily for us, Kung Fu Noodle has four locations Auckland-wide, meaning you’re never far from your next dumpling (and noodle!) fix. Jo agrees, saying their chicken dumplings in spicy sauce 'is amazing' and also likes to take some frozen dumps to stack the freezer.
Basu Lounge
Takapuna
A hidden gem located on Lake Road in Takapuna is a small, cosy Chinese restaurant that serves up some of the best dumplings in town. The dumplings with spicy sauce at are absolutely packed with the different fillings they have on offer. Gobble down the veggie, pork and cabbage, beef and celery, chicken and cabbage and our fave, pork and chives. The spicy sauce drenches the dumpling skins and adds a whole lot more flavour and the portions are so generous too. One of the best dumpling houses in Auckland.
Jolin Shanghai
Mount Eden
While Jolin Shanghai isn’t much to look at from the outside, don’t let that put you off—they have a strong dumpling game. It’s no secret, either—this Mt Eden joint is always bustling with hungry dumpling-snafflers. They’re known for their juicy xiao long (those are the soup dumplings, remember?). Choose between pork or pork with crab and get slurping—they’re the best soup dumplings in town! Better yet, Jolin Shanghai serves alcoholic bevvies so you can wash it all down with a vino or beer.
Flavour House
Balmoral
With a name like , it’s no surprise the Dominion Road dumpling joint dishes up flavoursome dumplings. Be sure to try their signature xiao long bao (aka soup dumplings) that come from the Jiangnan region of China. Starring a juicy inside, half the fun is trying to consume the morsel without squirting dumpling juice on the person sitting opposite. Stick around for dessert because hot toffee-covered kumara is on the menu. Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it—it’s surprisingly delicious.
Man Du Rang
Northcote
Located in Northcote is this hidden Korean gem called , serving up authentic Korean dumplings. Korean style dumplings tend to have a thinner skin and a lot more meat filling and are best served steamed. Man Du Rang also does a kimchi dumpling to add some extra spice and even more filling to the delicate skin, it's seriously a must-try! They also do a whole lot of other Korean food that you need to get amongst like their hot stone bibimbap and soft tofu stew.
Mr Zhou’s Dumplings
New Lynn & Mount Eden
A firm fave with New Lynn locals, also has a (delightful) presence in . And they’re not just some of the best dumplings in Auckland—they’re also some of the cheapest. Mr Zhou has a seemingly endless dumpling menu with pork, beef, chicken and veggie morsels (the prawn fried noodles are also incred!). Choose to have your dumplings boiled, fried or in a flavoursome broth. They even sell them frozen so you can make them at home—dumplings for breakfast, anyone?
Pearl Garden
Newmarket
Get amongst the hustle and bustle of yum cha at Newmarket’s . The much-loved eatery has all the Chinese treats—skewers, soups, noodles, rice, Peking duck and a dedicated dim sum menu. Here you’ll discover a wide range of dumplings including prawn and spinach, pork and cashew nut as well as duck and mushroom. Round up your nearest and dearest, order a countless number of dishes and make dig in!
Top Cafe
Auckland City
Top Cafe gets points in our book for the cooking style of their dumplings—perfectly steamed and lightly fried, so you get a good crunch in every mouthful you shove into your gob. They also go up in our book given the massive amount of ingredients that are included in each dumpling—you certainly get bang for your buck. It’s a simple place—a shortlist of classic dumpling fillings, very simple interior and killer dumplings. Go for juicy pork and don’t look back as you feast on some of Auckland’s best dumplings.
The Candy Shop
Newmarket
Authentic dumplings and trendy fit out is what The Candy Shop has in store for you. With a menu that changes on the reg, they always make sure to have dumplings in some shape or form. We love the beef cheek dumplings and prawn dumpling soup. A common Korean dish that is enjoyed during the New Year's celebration season is the classic bowl of pork bone broth with a modern seafood twist. Delish!
The Gyoza Bar
Ponsonby
Ponsonby's The Gyoza Bar offer a Japanese style of dumplings called the gyoza. The skin of the dumpling is thinner, the bottom is fried and the top is steamed so you get a combination of different textures. The modern Japanese eatery takes the gyoza game to all new heights, serving up the classic pork but even doing a unique cheese gyoza—a crispy pork gyoza that's also filled with mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce, it's basically a pizza in gyoza form!
Tianze Dumpling House
Sandringham
There’s more to Sandringham than curry, y’know? knows a thing or two about—you guessed it—dumplings. The BYO-friendly joint serves all your faves (pork and chives, lamb and cumin, spicy beef etc) in exceptional style. Opt for boiled, steamed or fried and brace yourself for a dumpling coma. Pro tip: the sizzling eggplant stuffed with pork mince is also not to be missed.
White + Wong’s
Viaduct & Newmarket
For fancier-than-your-average dumplings, visit White + Wong’s stunning waterfront restaurant. The Asian fusion restaurant has three creations to choose from: beef, shiitake and cumin shumai, spanner crab & pork xiao long bao as well as prawn and coriander crystal skin dumplings. They’re all about quality over quantity with four pieces per serve. Rest assured, every mouthful is packed with flavour and there’s no denying these are some of the best dumplings in Auckland.
House of Dumplings
Online
The capital’s very best dumpling purveyors, now have an Auckland presence and we’re damn happy to hear it. Hong Kong native Vicky has a truckload of personality and major dumpling skills. What makes their dumplings so incred is the premium-quality ingredient and the tender love and care put into each and every beautiful parcel. Vicky’s dumplings are available online from their website or from the frozen section of supermarkets including Farro Fresh, Nosh and selected Countdowns, so try them for yourself from the comfort of your home.
All dumpling'd out? Here's where to find the best cheap eats in Auckland.
Image credit: Bo's Dumplings, Midnight Gardener by Wono Kim, Blue Breeze Inn, Bo's Dumplings, Flavour House, Mr Zhou's Dumplings, Gyoza Bar.