By Clair Morton
Published: Monday, September 17, 2018
With OzAsia Festival just around the corner, it seems like a good time to celebrate the most delicious of Asian foods – the humble pot sticker. We’ve put together our list of favourites with the help of RAA’s Facebook followers. We promise it’ll be love at first bite.
Mandoo Korean dumplings
26 Bank St, Adelaide
True to its name (mandoo means Korean dumpling), this little Bank St eatery serves up the goods – fried, steamed or in a soup. On most nights, you’ll be able to spot this place from a mile away due to the line snaking from the doorway. Don’t let it put you off though – the queue moves fast and you’ll be gorging yourself on authentic, handmade dumplings in no time.
Try: Kimchi dumplings
Ying Chow
114 Gouger St, Adelaide
Fresh ingredients, thin dumpling wrappers – they’re the secrets that see this yum cha restaurant in Adelaide’s Central Market go through hundreds of dumplings a week. It can sometimes be difficult to get into, but it’s open late if you’re happy to wait.
Try: Hot and sour dumpling soup
Dumpling King
85 Grote St, Adelaide
It takes a lot of confidence to crown yourself king. Luckily, there are lots of people that seem to agree. This spot has all the hallmarks of a good Chinese eatery – simple seating options, plenty of condiments, an extensive menu. And when you can get 15 plump, juicy dumplings for about $10, why wouldn’t you?
Try: Dumplings in chilli oil broth
MW Kitchen
397 King William St, Adelaide
Asian fusion is difficult to get right sometimes, but these guys prove it can be done. Their dumplings are usually only served with noodle soup, and only during the dinner service, but that’s part of what makes them so special.
Try: Laksa noodle soup with mushroom and leek dumplings
Parwana Afghan Kitchen
124B Henley Beach Rd, Torrensville
This restaurant is a little out of the city and only offers one dumpling dish, but just one bite of the steamed mantu and you’ll be hooked. Just don’t expect a Chinese-style dumpling – Parwana’s doughy offering is infused with the middle-eastern flavours of Afghanistan and topped with a garlicky, creamy mince sauce.
Try: Mantu (vegetarian option available)
Himeji Ramen and Izakaya
22–24 Grote St
Full disclosure: gyoza are an absolute favourite of mine so this inclusion might be a bit biased. Himeji – sister restaurant to Sushi Bar Genki – is known best for its sumptuous ramen, but the Japanese dumplings should not be overlooked either. Just be sure you’ve got some cash if you’re visiting with a group, as these guys don’t split bills.
Try: Pan-fried ebi (prawn) gyoza
Star Dumplings
27B Moonta St
Located in the heart of Chinatown, this small, unpretentious eatery can churn out surprisingly large servings of tasty dumplings in a matter of minutes. If you’re after the best bang for your buck, this is the place to go. Just be ready for the food coma that’s sure to follow.
Try: Steamed chicken and prawn dumplings