The soup dumplings are amazing. The green beans were bomb.com Servers were nice and the food came out quickly as it was done/fresh. Would definitely return. read more

Tap water provided. Thick outer layer for xlb. Not bad but not unique with the plethora of china town dumplings. Kung pao chicken is a unique style for sure but was sold out. read more

Shanghai Street Dumpling - Xlb - Dim Sum Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

Craved some Asian food as it had been a month without it. Looked this place up on Yelp. Quality/Quantity - #7 Pan Fried Dumplings $16.80AUD - Good, you can almost not mess this up. I would do the plating a little nicer though, but the quality of the food is more important. #38 Beef Fried Thick Noodles $17.80 - This is NOT what I am accustomed to. I can't even describe the flavors. The menu had no description. Sorry, unless you know this dish, I can not recommend it. #19 Pork & Prawn Wonton $15 - A must order. Oh, of course we discovered this too late. After we ordered, we noticed ALL the locals (who came in after us) ordered this dish! Simple menu which usually means done well. Also available are daily lunch specials, see picture. Atmosphere - Around the corner from the main road, a small local restaurant. Table counter seating. Open 7 days a week from 11:45am to 8:30pm or 9pm. Yelp and their website differ. The bathroom is outside down the block... Service - Okay. Interesting "warning signs" - Are there issues with people (tourists) leaving their belongings? And service issues? We had no issues, and most of the other customers were actually locals. Price - $35AUD, $23US; Fast casual pricing. Not expensive, but also not inexpensive. Owner Comment - Congrats on all your success since 2011. read more

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I wasn't expecting much. We tried to go to a different location and it was closed even though Yelp, Google, their own website said they should be open. We decided to try this location and walked over. It wasn't full of people so we decided to sit and give it a try. The interior is clean and bright with tables and chairs tightly packed in. It was a bit claustrophobic for me to eat (like eating on an airplane) but I was able to make due. The service is quick and efficient. They serve hot tea instead of water and I was impressed on how freely it flowed and how our glasses were never empty. The food here is AMAZING. If I lived here, or if they had this place in my city, I'd be here at least once a week. I was disappointed that the non-pork xiao long bao didn't have soup (it says this on the menu) but this was the first place that had vinegar and that's how I knew when I sat down this place was legit. The scallion pancake and beef fried noodles were also hits. The bathroom is a bit terrifying to get to (we had to be escorted by our server) because it's a few storefronts down and around in a dark laneway but I'm glad they even had one. read more

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Dumpling heaven! We still can't go past the pork and prawn wonton in chilli oil and sesame peanut sauce. We also ordered the hot and sour soup and stir fried green beans with pork mince. It was delicious - and quite reasonably priced! 29 October 2017 Amazing dumplings! The dumplings here are really amazing! Our favourites are the pork and prawn dumplings in chilli oil and peanut sauce. You can order other things too - we had the hot and sour soup, a plate of stir fried bok choy and a chilli beef stir fry which were all very good! read more

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This place was a roll the dice and hope for the best. While here on holiday I wanted to search for places with the best hot and sour soups. Google helped me find places that advertised the soup and this was one of them. I will say this location has some dang good soup. Another location I've been to had the legit sczechuan in it which gave in my opinion more points for favorability. Don't let that bit of snobbery on my part sway you into not trying this. The soup is still very delicious. So any other places that have the soup on sale nearby have a pretty high line set to match the soup at this location. We also had pork soup buns which had the perfect ratio of soup of wonton and filling. Definitely worth the visit and of course repeat business. read more

Shanghai Street Dumpling - Hot and sour soup - Dim Sum Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

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I am quite sure that asking someone to prepay for their food in a restaurant based on their gender is a breach of the Sexual Discrimination Act 1984. After I ordered I was asked to pre pay my meal because they have had some "runners" recently. I had just finished gym (was fresh and wearing a polo shirt, so was presentable enough) as wanted to get some dumpling post class, as a Saturday treat. I asked if the prepay rule applied just to me (a single male diner) or if everyone prepays. "No everyone prepays" was the response. No one else in the restaurant had to been to prepay except for me. I also checked with the adjoining tables. No pre pay rule except for me, the sole white male dining alone in the restaurant. A stupid policy Shanghai St, maybe review your security procedures, get a bouncer or something. Don't single me out because (can't believe I am saying it) a male solo diner. Lol read more

Shanghai Street Dumpling - Shanghai St! An oldie and a goodie - Dim Sum Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

I ordered a few dishes and they were delicious. The staff is very friendly and courteous. I will definitely will go back again. read more

Shanghai Street Dumpling - Dim Sum Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

Hey, hey, hey... when did Melbourne become the dumpling (XLB) Capitol of the western world? Holy moly, you can't walk 3 blocks without another dumpling or noodle joint. I am going to spend at least a week here next time. The xiao long bao (traditional) was solid 4/5. The chicken and shrimp XLB was good but you anticipate the soup and it doesn't have any. Hey don't make it look like a XLB and have no soup. Thats like an M&M with caramel inside. That's just wrong. Ha ha. It did taste good. We also had the steamed dumplings. These were good but would have better in some soup broth or gravy/sauce or amped up dipping sauce. If I lived here I would try everything on the menu. If the line is too long, check out the Uber cute ramen shop 2 doors up. Check it out. read more

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The smallest, yet the busiest dumpling vendor in town. Situated in the corner of Little Bourke Street, precisely across from Emporium Melbourne, which makes this place bustling from morning even until sundown. The restaurant's space is extremely tight, with limited tables that are connected so close to one another. And if you are eating solo, more than likely you will have to share a table with strangers. Cramped feeling aside, in terms of menu, they have a beautiful range of Shanghainese food that aimed to embrace daily appetite. Ordered: * Crab and Pork Xlb ($13.80) - This was obviously the bomb, and you can spot it at almost every table!! Each order comes with 8 pieces of dumplings. The skin was the thinnest of the thin, but surprisingly it didn't tear and was full of soup *LOVE*. The fillings and flavor were spot on - great balance of crab, pork and its juices. * Fried pork dumpling ($10.80): The crispy pork dumpling, was what really stood out for me! Nice, delicate skin and yummy fillings... sitting in a heady chili oil... gawd, so good! Although eating in Melbourne CBD can be quite expensive, this place could be a perfect alternative. Overall, Shanghai Street Dumpling is one Chinese restaurant that you simply should NOT miss. Easily my top 5 Chinese spot in Melbourne and a place worth many return visits. read more

Shanghai Street Dumpling - Delicious dumplings!!! - Dim Sum Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

This place has very good authentic Chinese food. I loved their dumplings, xlb, and garlicky chinese broccoli mmmm. Their dining room was super busy and tiny, but we didn't have to wait very long. I'm not sure how things have changed since covid, but I'm sure it can't be as packed as it was when I visited. The prices were fair and the food was great. I'd highly recommend! read more

I poked my head in here because every time I passed this street there was always a ridiculous line going to this place. It is a small shop and if you really want a table you have to be willing to take a seat on the street. Not good for big parties. Their food is good, authentic Shanghai quality right down to the seating style and payment method, but also not something I'd wait out in the cold for. Compared to the countless amounts of dumplings I've had in my life, this falls at average. read more

Shanghai Street Dumpling - Dim Sum Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

Popular little dumpling shop on Little Bourke Street. They are open for lunch until 3pm (you can walk up until about 2:50pm) and then dinner starting at 3:30pm. I can see that they really need that break in the middle. When the place is busy, you line up outside, review the menu, order your food, are sent inside to pay at the cashier, and then you are able to sit down. It's very hot inside on a hot day. To eat, I had the #1 steamed pork soup buns - 8 pieces, $11.80, as well as the #5 fried pork mini buns - 6 pieces, $10.80. And a Tsingtao to wash it down of course! I liked both of the dishes. The food came out VERY hot and the buns were yummy, but a little hard to eat. I ended up taking about 5 pieces to go. Seems like 1 dish might be too little but 2 is a little too much. The shop is really small - they can easily accommodates 1s and 2s, but definitely don't come here with more than 4 people total. read more

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It's a very small place so the line to get inside can wrap around the street. By the look of the people waiting, it looked promising. Alas, I was disappointed yet again. Although the soup inside the xiao long bao was decent, the wrapper was thick. Plus, the dumplings get stuck together and pierces both, spilling precious soup even when you delicately try to pull them apart. And finally, service isn't superb. You feel rushed so they can fill the tables right away. [TIP] Cash only read more

Shanghai Street Dumpling - Dim Sum Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

Delicious affordable food Always has a queue We had the peanut dumplings, the soup filled pork and seafood dumplings, mapo tofu with rice, Shanghai noodles and spring onion pancake Fast service Came up to 16 dollars per person and we were stuffed Mapo tofu and peanut dumplings were both delicious! The rest was average read more

Interior isn't anything special but it's clean and smells good. Limited seating so you may have a short wait. Hot & Sour soup was excellent and large portion size. Pork Xiao Long Bao was outstanding. Wish I lived in town so I could try more on the menu. Highly recommend giving it a try. read more

People serving have the warmth of a North Korean death camp guard. Food is reasonable but otherwise service is crap matched only by the poor attitude of the wait staff. Recommended to the newly liberated citizens of Victoria otherwise book a visit to North Korea for a more welcoming fun atmosphere. read more

(begin rave review) I just had the perfect version of chilli beef in the entire world. The best I have ever had. Ever. There was so much tender, juicy beef that my huge gut could barely contain itself with delight. The gravy was silky smooth and slightly thick and glistening with chilli goodness. It enveloped the dish like the lush doona I cuddled last night in my swanky Melbourne hotel. The handmade noodles had been finger stretched to heavenly proportions and cooked to the softest version of themselves. The Chinese greens were slightly crunchy and ever so sweet. I thought the dumplings I tasted months back at Shanghai Street were good. Now I know the true extent of the powers wielded by the chefs in the kitchen. No doubt while smiling in anticipation of the next happy customer. 10/10 (end rave review) read more

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NOTES: ~ Do NOT come here if you are impatient. There is consistently a queue that extends out the door and the wait might be long, depending on how many people are in your group. Customer Service: It was pretty good. They got the food to me fast, were attentive, could use a bit of smiles but that's okay! Since it's so busy I really admire the kitchen staff - they must be working 'round the clock! Food: I'm a picky Chinese person who grew up on Xiao Long Bao. They're actually one of my favourite foods and a dish that I consistently order whenever I'm at a Chinese restaurant. And when I heard that Shanghai Street has the best Xiao Long Bao around... I was a bit wary but had to give it a try. I ordered Xiao Long Bao, 8 pieces for 8.80 and Crispy Chicken (Whole) Over Rice for 9 dollars. Crispy Chicken - It was pretty good. The chicken came with rice and some vegetables. No delicious flavouring, but still satisfied my appetite. Xiao Long Bao - It was the best I ever had. And like I said, I grew up on Xiao Long Bao. The wraps were cooked perfectly and didn't rip even when you picked them up so the Xiao Long Bao burst in your mouth when you bit into it - releasing sweet soupy juices and aekfjlwefjawSO GOOD. Unfortunately at other restaurants I have been to, sometimes the wraps would break and the Xiao Long Bao end up just being okay. But seriously, Shanghai Street... all 8 plump juicy pieces... I will be coming back for you. --- The entire meal was very filling and affordable. The food was delicious. The service was quick and attentive. I cannot say anything bad about this place except for the crazy waits. But their over-flowing business is well-deserved. read more

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Amazing, authentic soup and fried dumplings. Reminds me of a Shanghai hole in the wall but much cleaner of course. You order first, take your slip to the counter and then pay. Someone then brings you food in 5-10mins. Delish! read more

Shanghai Street Dumpling - Crab soup dumplings - Dim Sum Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

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Food was absolutely lovely and priced well but it felt rushed and as if they wanted to push us out as soon as possible. Part of the main was served with one entree and we wanted both entrees before main. Would go again read more

I have been craving dumplings and after searching high and low for the best place to try in Melbourne. My friend and I decided on Shanghai Street. We made the right choice AND we came at the right time. We were able to grab a table immediately when we walked in but by the time we left, there was a long queue outside the restaurant. The restaurant is pretty small with three columns of tables for guests and a few tables outside but during winter, it may not the first choice in seating. They hand you menus and would like for you to order as quickly as possible. We went with the fried pork dumplings and xiao long boa pork dumplings. We were both full by the time we left and very satisfied. I wish I could have gone back and tried more items off the menu. Wouldn't it be great to have a sampler item on the menu? I would love that especially since I don't live in Melbourne. A traveling foodie can only wish. Keep in mind that this place is cash only as well! read more

Small shop with limited seating. Waiter took our order while we waiting to be seated. Food was ready as soon as we sat down. Not bad for timing. Everything we had was very good. Well worth the wait. read more

To be honest, I am of the firm belief that dumplings are dumplings. Sure, you might find some that are slightly better made or with a higher quality filling, but I've never really said "Wow, the dumplings are great here," and unfortunately Shanghai Street Dumpling was no different. Admittedly, the staff were great - very attentive considering it is a style of restaurant that generally has a 'get in and get out' attitude. But sadly the thing I remember most about Shanghai Street is the toilet. I asked a staff member where they were located and they said they would be right back with a key... They then walked me outside, up the street, down the laneway and pointed at a graffiti-ed door. This was the toilet. Look, pop in if you're nearby but this certainly isn't a venue to leave home for. read more

Shanghai Street Dumpling - Dim Sum Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

This place is alright, nothing mind blowing though. The crab and pork xiao long bao was ok. I was disappointed some were stuck together so when we tried to pick one the parcel broke and broth dripped everywhere on the steamer and not in my mouth :( The fried pork dumpling was a tad too thick (come to think of it so was the XLB!) and a bit big to comfortably bite into. You can get something better elsewhere. read more

Shanghai Street Dumpling - Closely huddled together- pork and prawn XLB - Dim Sum Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

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This was definitely a pleasant surprise. We noticed a line and usually a line is a good sign, right? We ordered the pork xiao long bao and the pan fried buns. The xlb were pretty much on point. I found the fried buns a tad salty. Overall, we enjoyed our light lunch. read more

On. A. Food. High. Oh yes, this place was so good. I am sitting here with a full belly and a smile (why does that sound dirty?) Thank you food gods for directing me to Shanghai Street Dumplings. We arrived around 8pm on a weeknight and there were a few people waiting to sit. We must have just been unlucky because it seemed like everyone was just STARTING to eat at all the tables. We were next in line and waited and waited and waited. Ugh! Finally we got a seat and I ordered the regular xiao long bao but they were out! So we ordered the mini wonton soup, chili pork and prawn wontons with peanut sauce, and fried pork buns. The fried pork buns were cooked so beautifully, and the dough and filling were both perfect and delicious and just amazing. I loved them so much. Best thing I've eaten in Melbourne. The chili pork wontons came with a peanut sauce and the flavor combination was something I've never really tasted before--spicy, peanut, prawn, dough, spring onion. The more I ate, the more I wanted. My eating partner had the same reaction. They were his favorite. And the prices were great considering everything in Australia is so expensive. The 3 dishes and one coke cost us $26. Not bad. I would definitely return!! read more

Shanghai Street Dumpling - Chili pork wontons and fried pork buns - Dim Sum Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

Came here in February 2018. Tight seating, but the dumps were delicious! We got pan fried and XLB.

Aesthetically, Shanghai Street leaves quite a lot to be desired. The environment is not the most conducive you'd think of for yummy food. And the atmosphere isn't great being quite small and 'cosy'. Having said that, Shanghai Street does very tasty dumplings that rival the likes of Shanghai Village for quality. Their service is also better (yet still quite cold). Based on the reviews from other Yelpers, we went for the Xiao Long Bao and were not disappointed. The pork dumplings were equally delicious and really cheap. We also went for a minced pork noodle bowl which gave a good contrast to the dumplings. We got there right after work and already there was only one table left. By the time we left (it's quite a quick process the whole thing), there were 4 or 5 groups of people waiting for tables. So get there quick! read more

Shanghai Street Dumpling - Dim Sum Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

Definitely not traditional Xiao Long Bao and I don't understand the long line for this place... Xiao Long Bao is 6/10. The skin is thin and the juicy is good. However, the meat (pork) is on the hard side and stick together and not much flavor. Mediocre. Overrated another dumplings place in Mel... read more

Shanghai Street Dumpling - Meh - Dim Sum Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

I ordered a few dishes and they were delicious. The staff is very friendly and courteous. I will definitely will go back again.

Yes it's Xiao Long Bao. Same style wrapping, same juices that pop in your mouth when you bite into them... Just a tad bit thicker wrapping compared to Din Tai Fung's famous ones. It's good. Wasn't jaw dropping but tasty enough. We got the crab and pork and I kept on having to spit out crab shell bits... I guess it's a good sign the crab meat is real! LOL. Good choice for these little treats if you're here in Melbourne Chinatown. Not sure why the line queue up outside but my guess is to attract customers. Had a few other dishes that wasn't amazing but just good. I'd do 3.5 stars if I could as it seems like Chinese restaurants average that on yelp. Average is what this is. read more

First time visiting Shanghai Street on Little Bourke Street and was absolutely appalled by the service my brother and I received. We understand that it is a cheap Chinese restaurant but basic decency should be offered no matter the price tag. When it was finally our turn at the front of the line, we were forced onto a shared table with another family, while the girls that were behind us were then offered a single table. We waited for half an hour to be served, while the same two girls on the table next to us had their (quite complex) food served to them almost immediately. Upon speaking to the manager, they denied that there was preference, however, it was clear to us and the family that we were forced to share a table with, that it was because the girls were dressed in designer labels and spoke in fluent Chinese that they were given preference (probably with the expectation that they would be spending more). To the owners of Shanghai Street: please teach your staff to respect ALL customers, not just the ones that you expect will be spending more. I hate to stereotype and pigeon hole, but this IS Australia, not China. Your bias is not welcome here. read more

You know that moment when you're at a dumpling restaurant... another plate lands on the table and your dining companions all gasp and exclaim something along the lines of "who ordered all this food!?" "more!?" Well yes, there's more. There's always more. At dumpling restaurants like Shanghai Street people tend to go a bit crazy with the ordering. It smells so good, the dishes coming to the table around you look so appealing. The prices... well, they're so reasonable, so CHEAP you all say. So someone starts the ordering and you all chime in "get the pork ones" "and the vegetarian ones!" "Can we have rice? Yeah, let's get the bacon rice!" "And seafood noodles!" In about 15 minutes time you're all going to start panicking, realising that you've over-ordered and wishing you hadn't had such a big lunch. The dumpling here are fresh and hot. The dumpling skin isn't too flabby and the fillings contain just about every animal protein or vegetable in varying combinations. Your vegetarian friends will be looked after, and the meat-osaurs amongst you will be smiling whilst they slurp on the delicious soup escaping from the Xiao Long Bao pork dumplings. The rice and noodle dishes go down well, as does the ever-so-reasonable bill - dropped on the table with a smile by the staff, eager to move you on so they can feed the next group of people waiting to get in. read more

Didn't want to wait in line, and I had too much to do, I went on urban spoon to check out their menu, wrote what i wanted, and my bf went to order it. I can't tell you how their service is, but i can tell you how good their food is. 1. The xiao long bao (soup dumplings) were really tasty and traditional. I don't know if sitting there comes with black vinegar or ginger, but out take out certainly did not. It was really good though. 8 for $9 2. dumpling in chili oil soup had some leek in there and it was probably my favourite dish. I wanted dumplings and i wanted spicy and it was great! 15 for $8.50 is amazing price 3. fried crumbed chicken on rice was not that good. a lot of rice and very little chicken, whose flavour leaves you wanting. not good. $10 that doesnt fill you. 4. Sliced rice cake with pickled mustard and shredded pork. This standard shanghainese fare was a bit disappointing. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't great. A little lacking in flavour, but the rice cake chewiness is good. $8.50 Overall, the place is pretty good for its price point and I would stick to the dumplings! read more

This is straight up dumplings, no muss no fuss. Very quick service, and great flavour. Your eyes WILL be bigger than your stomach. Order half as much as you think you want- and that will be plenty. Now you have an excuse to come back again and again. Xiao Long Bao pork dumplings are a must, as well as the hot and sour soup with dumplings. Everything on the menu is served hot and fresh, and not too heavy- but oh so filling. Do not wear your skinny jeans, slinky dress or tight suit- you and your food baby are going to need a little bit of wiggle room after coming here! read more

I don't really think Shanghai Street deserves the "best Xiao Long Bao" in Melbourne title. I came here with very high expectations and the XLB left me wanting more. They're a bit larger and boring. Plus they don't come with ginger for dipping. The missing ginger caused a huge deficit in the flavor experience of my XLBs. The pan fried pork buns are decent, but they are 6 large buns so either go with a bigger party (good luck with waiting for a table) or skip these. I loved the stir fried Chinese broccoli we got. Well done. The pork and preserved vegetable rice cakes hit the spot, although in retrospect they could have been more flavorful. I liked the way they accompanied our meal, however I think it could be done a bit better. I also saw a lot of people eating dumplings with their hands, which is something I've never seen before. Aren't they fairly greasy?? Also, you order at your seat, pay at the cashier, then your order gets put in. Kind of pub-like. Overall, this place churns out food quickly and the wait isn't too bad so don't let the lines scare you. However, I feel like there's a lack of heart in the cooking and service and I left feeling a bit underwhelmed by everything. read more

Best. BEST! dumplings in Melbourne. So so cheap. You can get stuffed and pay pennies. Service is a little lacking mostly due to language barriers but they know what you want and bring your food so that's a success in my book. Cab be really busy on the weekend nights but well worth the wait read more

Shanghai Street Dumpling - Soup dumplings and pan fried pork dumplings - Dim Sum Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

You know that awkward time during a love affair when you just want to spend every waking moment with your amour? Well that's how I feel right now about Shanghai Street's xiao long bao and noodles. From the excited butterflies over seeing a genuine line to eat here (an amazing feat when you consider there are no less then a billion Chinese/dumpling restaurants on Lt. Burke), and the joy at their efficient soup nazi order process (order in line: get in and out), and finally to their sheer disregard for my anti-social proclivities by sitting me across from 2 total strangers; I am in love. The food is pretty legitimate what I experienced on the streets of Shanghai, which is to say the dumplings are good, but perhaps a tad too thick shelled. The noodles are simply some of the best I've had anywhere, including my own home. The service is quick and efficient. You will receive food as it's ready, so be prepared if you go with a group to share or someone won't be eating. Take away containers are an extra .25. They now accept credit cards. Be quick or no noodles for you. read more

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Mediocre - there looks like better venues on little Bourke that we'd like to try after being rushed out of a restaurant that delivered what was a surprisingly average set of steamed and fried dumplings. The fried were really tough and thick, not crispy on the bottom and soft on the top. There are better dumpling houses in Melb CBD. read more