As the saying goes, good things come in small packages and this couldn’t be truer for everybody's favourite guilty pleasure, dumplings. We just can't get enough of these tiny little morsels and the greasy goodness they deliver. And then there's beer, who doesn’t love a good beer?
So we thought we'd do our mates (that would be you guys) a favour, and round up the best of the best in our glorious city. And by best, we mean the best combination—dumplings and beer.
Here are our top picks for the best dumplings and beer spots in Sydney; these spots are all that and dim sum (get it?). Ok, enough for puns for today.
Happy D's
Redfern
Redfern's new pocket-sized dumpling joint (what were we saying about small packages?) is officially one of our new favourite spots in Sydney. Despite it's hole in the wall style exterior, you can't miss it thanks to the almost constant lines out the door (we promise it's worth the wait!) The extensive menu is packed with every flavour of dumpling your heart (and belly) could desire. The bar is stocked with everyone’s favourite, Asahi, and a number of Japanese craft beers and sakes; perfect to wash down the excessive amount of dumplings sure to be consumed.
Dumplings & Beer
Potts Point + Darlinghurst
Dumplings & Beer. Need we say more? If the name hasn't already sold you, the food definitely will. With two stores in Potts Point and Darlinghurst these guys are taking over Sydney one dumpling at a time. Simplicity is key for D&B, and while the flavours are simple the result is anything but. The pan fried pork dumplings are fingerlicking good, and our personal favourites. There's a whole list of craft beers to try, so we recommend grabbing you're mates, putting on your second-best dress (it's about to get greasy) and heading down for the best pot-sticking time in Sydney.
Harajuku Gyoza
Potts Point
Harajuku Gyoza in Potts Points isn't just a meal out, it's a Japanese experience. Because we all need a bit of culture from time to time, amirite? The chain originated in Japan and has bought the same authenticity to their Australian stores. Not only do they have dumplings (and lots of them), but also a drink list guaranteed to make all our Japanese beer dreams a reality. The dumplings are in our (totally biased and dumpling-obsessed) opinion, the star of the show. Made fresh onsite daily, these tasty little morsels are packed with flavour and more addictive than your latest Netflix obsession.
Din Tai Fung
The Taiwanese Dumpling chain, Din Tai Fung, has taken the world and now Sydney by storm. Their stores in Pyrmont, World Square and Westfield Sydney are a dumpling lover’s paradise. Declared by the New York Times as one of the Top 10 places to eat (granted it was ten years ago, but hey, who's counting) these guys are the official dumpling kings. Each dumpling is meticulously, and carefully prepared in front of your very eyes. Heads up, you'll be drooling before they even reach the table. Luckily, there is beer a-plenty to keep you occupied while you wait.
Queen Chow
Merivales new leading lady, Queen Chow, is coming in piping hot with some of Sydney's best Chinese; earning it a prized spot on our list of the best dumpling and beer joints in town. Queen Chow at the revamped Queens Head on Enmore Road brings two of our favourite things together—the local pub and Chinese food. Serving up traditional Cantonese-style dumplings that are dangerously drool worthy, order a platter and treat yo self to a range of different varieties. Remember team, there's no such thing as to many dumplings.
Uncle Ming’s
CBD
Uncle Ming's has bought downtown Shanghai to Sydney’s CBD, and with it some of the best dumplings in town. The opium den-style setup is an authentic Asian escape in the heart of the city. For the full dining experience, we recommend cosying up in one the many nooks, and ordering yourself a big ol' bowl of dumplings, followed by (yep, you guessed it) some ice cold beer. Throw back one of Uncle Mings American Pale Ales and take it from us, a 4:1 ratio of dumplings to drinks is sure to deliver a great night out.
Mr Wong
CBD
Mr Wong delivers traditional Chinese, with a twist. And who doesn’t love a good twist? The décor is modern day Shanghai teahouse, and the food is a modern day love affair. You can't go past the pan friend chicken and chive dumplings, packed with flavour and generous with portions. The xiao long baos encase a piping hot and tasty combination of meat and soup. Guaranteed to have you drinking from your bowls as well as your beers #nojudgement.
Chinese Noodle Bar
Haymarket
If you’re going to be sippin’ on a cold one and eating your entire weight (let’s be honest, probably more) in juicy dumplings, make sure you hit up the Chinese Noodle Bar. This little hole-in-the-wall is no doubt the ultimate late-night snack precinct plating up delicious handmade pan-fried beef dumplings. And guys, they’re mind-blowing and cheap AF.
If you're in need for some more Asian goodness, here's where to get your pork belly fix.
Happy Ds | Image credit: Caitlin Hicks