Looking for the best vegan dumplings in Melbourne, Australia? The city’s thriving food scene offers plenty of options for plant based diners, with many restaurants in the CBD, Fitzroy and particularly in Chinatown offering vegan and vegetarian dumplings.
These delicious and nutritious dumplings, made without any animal products, are filled with a mixture of mushrooms, tofu, carrots, cabbage, and spices, offering a tasty alternative to traditional meat-filled dumplings.
Dumplings have roots in ancient China, where they were made from simple ingredients like boiled dough and served as a staple for both the wealthy and the less fortunate.
DID YOU KNOW? Melbourne has a yearly International Dumpling Festival dedicated to dumplings from all around the world! In 2023 it will be held at the famous Queen Vic Market on Wednesday March 22nd from 4pm to 10pm and it’s free!
Read the comprehensive list for Vegan Food Options in Melbourne’s Chinatown
Check out where you can find Melbourne’s best dumplings below!

(Prices and information correct as of February 2023)
1. SHANDONG MAMA

(200 Bourke Street, Melbourne)
Popular restaurant in the middle of MidCity shopping centre in Melbourne’s Chinatown, serving amazing food.
Highlights: Boiled Zucchini Dumplings ($16.80 for 12)
2. SHANDONG MAMA MINI
(5 Centre Place, Melbourne)
The little sister to Shandong Mama, this is the perfect place to go as a tourist in Melbourne because it’s located in one of our famous bustling laneways. With a cozy vibe and delicious food, you can people watch for hours.
Highlights: Pan Fried Zucchini Dumplings ($15.90 for 8)
3. SHANGHAI STREET

(146/148 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne AND 342 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne)
With two locations easily accessible in the CBD, this authentic Chinese dumpling restaurant is a must. Clearly marked vegan options on their menu.
Highlights: Pan Fried Vegetable Dumplings ($16.80 for 12), Homemade Boiled Vegetable Dumplings ($15.80 for 12),
4. SHANGHAI VILLAGE

(112 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne)
Authentic Dumpling house that’s one of the icons of Melbourne’s Chinatown. The building has a lot of history for the area. And you can find some of the cheapest dumplings in Melbourne here.
Highlights: Fried Vegetarian Dumplings ($10.90 for 16), Steamed Vegetarian Dumplings ($6.80 for 10, or $10.90 for 18),
5. BY KOREA

(7 Tattersalls Lane, Melbourne)
Located in a little lane in Chinatown, this restaurant serves authentic homestyle Korean food.
Highlights: Fried or Steamed Vegetable Dumplings ($9 for 6),
6. GONG DE LIN

(Level 3, 264 Swanston Street, Melbourne)
Located up on Level 3 which must be accessed using a lift, this full vegan restaurant has a relaxing atmosphere with a modern vegan experience inspired by traditional Chinese cuisine.
Highlights: Pan Fried or Steamed Vegetable Dumplings ($13.80 for 6), Vegetable Dumplings in Chilli Sauce ($12.80 for 8),
7. DRUMPLINGS

(55 Swanston Street, Melbourne)
Specialises in fusion dumplings that incorporate global flavours, this is a vibrant place that is unique and fun.
Highlights: Mushroom Massaman Curry Dumpling ($11 for 5), Truffle Mushroom Dumpling ($12 for 5), Umami Miso and Plant Based Dumpling Soup ($13)
8. ORIENTAL TEA HOUSE

(378 Little Collins Street, Melbourne)
This stylish fusion restaurant in the middle of the city has a plant based menu and is open from Tuesday to Saturday. They can also accommodate large groups of people with a private function space.
Highlights: Mushroom Dumplings ($13 for 3), Golden Pan Fried Veggie Dumplings ($15 for 4),
9. HUTONG DUMPLING BAR
(14-16 Market Lane, Melbourne)
In the middle of Melbourne’s Chinatown, this restaurant gives an authentic ambiance of a real Chinese dumpling house.
Highlights: Mixed Vegetable Dumplings ($8.50 for 4)
10. MAO PLEASE

(214 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne)
On the main road of Chinatown this is a casual restaurant to get gluten free dumplings.
Highlights: Steamed Vegetable Gluten Free Dumplings ($11.80 for 5), Pan Fried Vegetable Gluten Free Dumplings ($12.80 for 5)
11. DIN TAI FUNG

(Level 4, 287 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne)
If you want a clean and modern restaurant where robots take you to your table then check this place out! Located inside Emporium Shopping Centre on Level 4, this is an experience not too be missed.
Highlights: Vegetarian Dumplings ($14.90 for 6)
12. EMPRESS OF CHINA

(120 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne)
In the middle of Chinatown, renowned for Cantonese style dishes, this is a casual Chinese restaurant with tasty cheap food.
Highlights: Pan Fried Vegetarian Dumplings ($10.90 for 15), Boiled Vegetarian Dumplings ($6.50 for 8)
MAP

