Shanghai Street

Melbourne's best xiao long bao is probably found in Hutong. The best version found anywhere in the world is undoubtedly Din Tai Fung and good news for Meburnians as it is opening soon in Emporium. In the meantime however, there is Shanghai Street on Little Bourke St, which is an extremely popular dumpling restaurant. It is fast, efficient and cheap. We had:

Xiao Long Bao - for the price you pay, this isn't too bad. Just don't go comparing it to Din Tai Fung. If it is your average dumpling restaurant you are comparing this to, then you won't be disappointed. The broth actually stays in the dumpling skin and it isn't too oily. Just a shame the dipping sauce doesn't come with any sliced ginger.

Dumplings in chilli oil and peanut sauce - the combination of peanut sauce and chili oil make this extremely addictive. Slightly spicy and makes you want more and more. Quite a large portion as well so well worth it. Tried to buy the peanut sauce in the Asian supermarkets but could only find sesame sauce so maybe they make their own?

Service: :star :star :star
Quality of food: :star :star :star  ½
Value for money: :star :star :star :star :star 

Type of venue: Chinese

Worth a return visit? Yes.

Address: 146 Little Bourke Street,  Melbourne VIC 3000