Widely considered the 'OG' of Melbourne's XLB scene, HuTong offers a multi-level dining experience in a historic laneway. The open kitchen allows diners to witness the virtuosic display of dumpling folding, which is treated as performance art.
Local LegendClassic
Often cited by locals as the superior alternative to larger chains, Juicy Bao lives up to its name with an exceptionally high soup-to-meat ratio. The skins are noted for being 'immaculately steamed'—thin enough to be translucent but strong enough not to break.
Hidden GemLocal Legend
Yulongfu brings a 100-year-old family recipe from Shanghai to Melbourne. They are celebrated for having perhaps the thinnest dumpling skins in the city, achieved through a specific heritage technique.
InstagrammableHidden Gem
A Melbourne institution known for the permanent queue outside its doors. It offers a rustic, hearty version of the XLB that focuses on fresh ingredients and generous portions at a very accessible price point.
Local LegendValue King
The global gold standard for precision. Every single dumpling is weighed and folded exactly 18 times. While pricier than its Chinatown neighbors, the consistency and 'cleanroom' kitchen standards are unmatched.
ClassicInstagrammable
