I Love Dumplings, so am a semi-regular visitor to I Love Dumplings– quite a savvy marketing brain behind the naming of this restaurant 😉 I’ve been here quite a few times but this time I remembered my camera.
They have recently moved to the previous ANZ building allowing for a significantly increased dining space.
There were four of us so we went in big time for loads of dumplings, because I love them, you know.
Pan-fried pork dumplings($8.80 for 15) – a huge serve but a little plain.
Steamed prawns dumplings ($9.80 for 8) – simple and good; big, plump, fresh prawns
Xiao-long bao ($9.80 for 8) – I love xiao-long bao but the filling in these was a bit bland.
Chinese steamed shrimp, egg and leek buns ($14.60 for 6) – quite large with a subtlely flavoured filling
The dumplings are all good but not great. They really rely on you using the supplied condiments to bring them to life.
Deep fried lamb spare ribs with homemade sweet chilli sauce ($20.80) – tender lamb with a fairly spicy sauce
Steamed chinese mushroom and chinese bok-choi with oyster sauce ($14.80) – lovely and fresh
Fried ice cream ($4.80)
This really was the highlight of the evening. An enormous scoop of ice cream (it almost filled that 1.5 cup ramekin) with a fluffy, cake-like batter that was beautifully crunchy.
Banana fritters ($7.80)
The service is a bit disappointing. In the past we have been kicked out twice, or at least that is what it felt like. The first time we were dining late and were told “We’re closing, you have to go now,” I put the abruptness down to English as a second language. The second time was a Saturday night where they only allowed a very narrow dining window, after an hour we were told it was time to go- one hour! This was in the old location where the restaurant was very small. This time thankfully we weren’t kicked out but service is just a bit rude. Food is delivered quickly and efficiently but trying to get someone’s attention to order is next to impossible. The staff seem to deliberately avert their eyes so as not to mislead you into any illusions that they may ever actually get to your table. We dined on a weeknight when the restaurant was only half full so this time it really was inexcusable.
However we keep returning because the food is good and reasonably priced with large serving sizes, four of us ate well for $30 a head. The wine list is very basic but they do allow BYO wine.
Dumplings are the best. They make everything better (except one’s waistline of course!) Xiao Long Bao or Hot Soupy Porky Balls as I like to call them, are my far and away favourite! Next time you’re Sydney side we should totally do dumplings!
I believe Soupy Porky Balls are the traditional name 😉 Oh yes, I would love to do dumplings in Sydney, or Melbourne if you get here first 🙂
Bit of a mixed review huh? Xiao Long Bao are my favourite, especially when the soup is flavourful and hot. Mmmmm dumplings!!
I love this place. I have been to another dumpling place in the city and it was terribly disappointing – this is by far my favourite. It was a good night!
It was a lovely night and seeing you is always a pleasure but I just really hate poor service so it had to be mentioned. Coming from a hospitality background I think I am more conscious of it too.
Shame about the service but the food does look yummy, I love dumplings!
Yeah, I’ll keep going there but maybe for takeaway:)