Where to find Sydney’s most delectable dumplings

You’re spoiled for choice in Sydney when it comes to Asian food. Dim sum/yum cha is an institution – not only for Sydney’s Chinese population, but for trendy and discerning foodies, too. On any given day of the week, you’ll find multi-generational families, middle-aged couples and groups of twenty-somethings alike all chowing down on steamed pork buns. Here are four eateries with dumplings that will make you drool with desire.

Warning: cease reading now if feeling peckish!

Billy Kwong, The Macleay Hotel (yep, that’s us!)

When you book a room at The Macleay Hotel, you won’t need to venture far to sample Kylie Kwong’s scrumptious dumplings. Her pride and joy – Chinese eating house Billy Kwong – is located in the building! Kylie is one Australia’s best-loved chefs, and her experience fusing modern Australian cuisine with her Chinese heritage is unmatched. The restaurant received one hat in the SMH Good Food Guide Awards 2017, and we’re fairly certain that the steamed spanner crab and prawn dumplings had something to do with that. For vegetarians, the steamed vegetable and warrigal greens dumplings are an absolute delight.

Din Tai Fung, World Square

Din Tai Fung had its humble origins in Taipei during the 1970s, and now boasts restaurants all over the world as far afield as Korea and the U.S. Try some of the steamed mouthfuls – our fave is the crab meat and roe dumpling. Alternatively, order the xiao long bao dumplings. These traditional “soup dumplings”, one of Din Tai Fung’s signature dishes, are filled with minced pork and a pork broth. We recommend taking a friend instead of a hot date if you’re planning to try these though – there’s a slight chance that while enjoying their delicious flavour, some soup will accidentally end up outside of your plate!

Tim Ho Wan, George Street and Pitt Street

Tim Ho Wan lays claim to being the producer of the world’s best dumplings, so you’ll definitely have to go see if it’s true! This Michelin-starred brand originated in Hong Kong, and founder Mak Kwai Pui has opened branches all over the world. The “world’s cheapest Michelin star restaurant” opened its doors in Sydney in 2015, with its city restaurant located near Town Hall station on George Street. However, if you feel like taking the mouth-watering morsels back to your hotel room (which is conveniently equipped with a kitchenette), you can pick some up from Tim Ho Wan’s takeaway store in Pitt Street, Westfield. You simply can’t go past its BBQ pork bun.

Sydney isn’t short on award-winning restaurants. China Doll’s exquisite fusion of Chinese, Japanese and South East Asian cuisine helped it score one hat in the SMH Good Food Guide Awards 2017. The China Doll team are diverse in their culinary backgrounds and they combine their distinctive heritage to create pure foodie magic.

If you’re after something a little different, try the crispy dumpling of chicken, prawn and scallop paired with a red vinegar dipping sauce. Divine!

All of these dumpling hotspots are located in close proximity to your apartment (in the case of Billy Kwong, only a lift ride away!) If you’re not into dumplings (Sydneysiders will think you’re mad), take a look at some other yummy food places you’ll find near your accommodation at The Macleay Hotel.