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Hidden in a small alley plaza in Chinatown known to have the best dumplings in the city. Unfortunately, it didn't exactly meet my expectation - average overall. Prawn, Black Fungus & Chives Fried Dumpling & Mackerel Fish Fried Dumpling.
One that caught my eyes was Mackerel Fish Fried Dumplings - their signature dish. It was fresh & juicy and had this distinctive flavour which I enjoyed. Service and cleanliness can definitely improve. Overall, nothing impressive but worth a visit
Very special squid ink dumping match with garlic sauce, crab roe tofu are great too. Dessert purple potato cake is amazing too, lovely mochi texture.
I could see why my cousin from Sydney would fly down to Melbourne to eat these dumplings. The food is superb but the service is utterly poor.
Food: 4/5⠀
Service: 1.5/5 ⠀
Ambience: 2/5⠀
Hands down our favourite chinese restaurant in Melbourne!! Their zucchizucchi dumplings and eggplant w rice dishes are out of this world. Highly recommend, better food than any fancy restaurant for sure.
The booths could be in better condition with lots of sticky tape. The dumplings are still very good. The Melbourne dumplings are excellent and are my favourite!
Delicious dumplings but the rice and noodles were average. Will go back for the dumplings
I saw Shandong Mama in an article for best dumplings in Melbourne. With that, I had to try them. I got the named mackerel dumplings. They come both steamed and fried. I went with the steamed as that seemed to be most commonly recommended. They were lovely. There were just so many... For 1 person, I wish they had a steamed/fried combo. Or a smaller order so I could have tried more. For me, I'm betting that I will like the fried even better as I'm a sucker for a crunch texture. Definitely going back for those before we leave Melbourne!
This is a great place located within the mid-city arcade. They have ample seats and booths for larger groups. I came here with work colleagues and ordered a variety of boiled and pan fried dumplings. If you have a craving for dumplings then this is the place, really good, will definitely come again.
The Spanish mackerel boiled dumplings are absolutely delicious: light, pillowy clouds of seafood. Not your usual dumpling place - lots of regional specialties. Highly recommended.
Located in the middle of the arcade, and they serve amazing fish dumplings which is quite different.
Would usually get the pork and mackarel dumplings as you can't really get fish dumplings anywhere else. Really enjoyed it and the fillings were nice.
It is quite a small eatery and it usually quite pack, the service is efficient and the staff is friendly here.
Delicious dumplings. And the first casual/cheap/dirty asian restaurant I've encountered that uses reusable metal straws! Yay!
Confessions Of A Foodie
+4
Loved the Mackeral Fish dumplings. It was juicy. Although the smell was fishy it tasted absolutely delicious. We also tried the dill-licious pork dumpling. It’s an acquired taste, not everyone would likes the tatsye or full. However, me and my boyfriend loved it.
For appetiser we had the chicken giblets, perfect combination of chilli and Sichuan pepper. This has always been my fav place to go for dumpling cravings.
Little Bit Of Everything
+4
If you are in a mood for Dumplings, Shandong Mama is the place to go. I generally go to their Centre Place outlet as its closer to my workplace, its cosy and way smaller than the Bourke Street outlet. Absolutely love eating their Barramundi dumplings and Eggplant stir fry with Yu-Shiang sauce.
It gets pretty packed during lunch hour but the wait is not that long. Quick service and generous portions.
Mid city arcade - if you were a tourist you probably wouldn't stumble across it but there are some gems in this arcade.
The place was chockas when we turned up but there was a table of two available and ready for us very quickly. Service was friendly and efficient.
We shared the dill-licious pork dumplings and the mackerel pan fried dumplings. Both were flavourful and well cooked. A bit pricey - but the quality is good and is worth paying a little bit more for quality dumps. I'll definitely be back.
3.5. Pork fried dumplings with fresh dill, spring onions, ginger, dried shrimp and sesame oil . One of the best places for unique dumplings. Flavourful and full of meat. There is no need for soy sauce or vinegar!
didn't give 5 stars because last time when I took my family there, somehow they only gave a plate of 3 dumplings first, and said the rest is coming. It looked like it's burnt and someone else's left overs. That was disappointing.
Another good dumpling place in the city. Great value. Been coming here for a while now. This time I tried the Claypots! The broth is tasty. Highly recommended to come here if you want to eat something tasty, quick with reasonably priced
Had the vegetarian noodles and dumplings. They were surprisingly really good. Super happy with the meal. Only wish they were licensed, would have loved a beer!
Order the Daryl noodle, order the Daryl noodle, order the Daryl noodle, all of the dumplings are really great but please order the Daryl noodle
Humble little place doing great food. This place does lots of dishes you will have seen elsewhere but it packs in the flavour. They also don’t pull any punches on the heat factor either.
Be warned, you may have to queue for a seat, this place is popular but well worth the wait.
The best pan fried dumplings in Melbourne! I love the pan fried chicken dumplings and I had never really had something like it before. Must try!
We were seeing the Harry Potter and The Cursed Child play at the Princess Theatre in Melbourne, and wanted to dine somewhere close by for dinner. Thankfully Chinatown is close to that theatre and I saw it as an opportunity to check out some cheap dumplings. I’ve been to Din Tai Fung and Hu Tong, but had also read that Shandong Mama was great for dumplings so that’s where we headed.
not surprised this place is famous for their dumplings! the squid dumpling is really really delicious and the inside meat is so delicious. they’re all very unique dishes and the dumplings are so big! i really enjoyed them however slightly on the pricier side but still good would defs go again!
They serve their dumplings in a unique skin that is thinner than the usual dumplings in other place. Price is a bit more expensive but the fillings are fresh and packed.
I am not a huge dumpling fan but when a friend brought me here recently I had the most delicious dumplings I have tasted.
I loved the texture of the dumplings we ordered, my favourite were the pan friend pork and prawn dumplings. The black fungus with squid ink and king prawn with chives not far behind. The fillings of all dumplings were generous and the dumplings tasted as good as they looked.
The restaurant was so busy so the service was lacking a little but it wasn't that terrible for me not to visit again.
A must try if you're in the city.
![Zomato]( "Recensione")
It's been a while since I visited Shandong Mama and this time I decided not to go for their dumplings which is what this restaurant is famous for!
🔆LOCATION🔆
Tucked away in the Mid City Arcade which is in between Bourke Street and Little Bourke Street. A very quiet arcade but Shandong Mama is alway busy during peak lunch hours.
🔆SERVICE🔆
Friendly wait staff and the service has changed since I visited last year. Previously when you've ordered you had to go up and pay straight away and you get a table number.
Now, you place order with wait staff, get given a printed order docket which you take up after you've had your meal and pay. Very good!
🔆MENU/PRICE🔆
I ordered the Pork Ribs in brown sauce with noodles which costed $12.80.
🔆VERDICT🔆
Delicious bowl of pork ribs and noodles. The serving size is very generous for the price, and decent amount of pork ribs which is tender and the soup broth is very tasty and not too salty. I thoroughly enjoyed it and it was a nice change from having dumplings. I will definitely be back! =)
Only tried the Mackrel Dumplings panfried but will happily go back next time I visit Melbourne. The specials on the blackboard sounded great.
Great place if you dont want the same old dumplings flavours. We got mackerel potstickers, spinach and minced prawn ,pork prawn and fungus.all were pretty good. The the waitress suggested pork and eggplant bun which was probably one of the best buns i had. Garlic/tofu shoots good but zucchini pancake and seafood noodles were a little bland. overall i think this place is great for dumplings/potstickers/buns
Oh my - a fantastic experience at Shandong Mama. Tucked away in a tiny arcade - this dumpling experience is not to be missed. The mackerel dumplings were to die for and are huge. I recommend the cucumber salad that is the perfect combination
This place is known for their dumplings 🥟. Dumpling lovers surely know this restaurant which is hidden in one of Chinatown alley.
The place is not fancy at all. Like those Chinese restaurants you saw on Netflix that make you wondered why is the restaurant get featured.
However, their foods explain why they are famous without fancy interior, design, plating and top notch service.
They get packed easily during lunch and dinner. I always go for their dumpling for every visit with few more dishes.
Will I be back? Say hi to me next time!
Really loved Shandong mama, their food is consistently although their service can be a bit patchy.
We ordered their fish dumpling which my MIL loved (so does kiddo) and the squid ink dumpling with octopus and fish roe which comes with raw garlic- soooo yummy but soooo not a date or work friendly dish, thank goodness the garlic was on the side and I don’t have a meeting after!
Had deep fried croker fish as well, which has quite a lot of bones. Normally if you deep fried it well enough you could probably eat the bones as well but on this occasion we had to pull out the bones. Yummy nonetheless.
Also had the chicken fried noodles which is delish.
Really nice and yummy dumplings and fried dumplings. My partner is vegetarian and we always come here to have their vegetarian dumplings which is the best in my opinion in Melbourne. Service is prompt and staff are pretty friendly.
I know this place is known for the dumplings but oh boy the mackerel fish balls are amazing. I have tried to cook it at home but it can't compare to the ones here. Dumplings are great too. Small and cosy restaurant. I will come back time and time again
This was surprising good. Ordered the fish fried dumplings which is a signature dish. Was really good and not fishy at all. The fish was really fresh. Also had the claypot seafood. This was quite special as each piece of squid was stuffed with fish. Came with a bowl of rice which was perfect. Had the cold taufu which was done well but a little too much of garlic taste. Will go again to try other dishes. Bonus points that all the waitresses could speak english!
One of my all time favourite!
Been multiple times. Every time it hits the mark.
Consistent food quality.
Always busy but staff still look after you.
Located mid city inside the building . Customer service not bad , and the dumpling really surprising ^^ is tasty and juicy omg so yummy. Yeah is true , and others food is nice too , price is reasonable , cheers ^^
Dumplings have changed a little with the proportion of ingredients since visiting first a year or so ago but they are still great. Their pan fried dumplings are open ended which somehow leaves them still juicy! Highly recommend pan fried black fungus and prawn, steamed/boiled fish and zucchini dumplings. Can get busy during peak lunch and dinner.
Really good dumplings. The mackeral , Melbourne, and steamed zucchini ones are delicious.I recommend fried over steamed for most of the dumplings though as the steamed don't hold together when you pick them up
One of the better dumpling places in Melbourne. Although I must admit the flavour is not for everyone. You either love it or you hate it... they don’t use traditional dumpling seasoning, it’s almost like a fusion one.
Finally found a place that serves good fried dumplings!
We ordered sweet and sour fish filet rice and prawn fried dumplings, both are really nice! Really recommend you to try them!
And I personally love my dumpling with some vinegar and the chili oil provided. You can try them as well.
Only gave 4 stars because the service could have been better.
I recommend the panfried pork dumplings and the boiled fish dumplings. The food here is authentic, very reasonably priced and always delicious.
Loved the experience! Dropped in on a whim during a random stroll... Super friendly service and amusing banter. Tried some dumplings and some seasame salad (?) dish. Yum! Ultimately bought and brought some of their awesome chili oil home with us.
Had the best vegan dumplings of my life! Also tried the fungi and mapo tofu which was divine. Food customer service and can't wait to return!
We had previously been to the Shandong Mama restaurant in Richmond and thought we should try out this one in the CBD. This restaurant is much nicer and was very busy. We tried a few different types of dumplings which were all very nice. Happy we gave this place a go :)
An unassuming shopfront nestled in Melbourne's lane ways provides some of our citys best dumplings.
This wonderfully restaurant that feels more like your aunt's warm home in a HuTong than one of Melbourne's most coveted dumpling making gems. The restaurant was cosy and had a great atmosphere of hungry patrons excited to get some dumplings that we have all heard so much about. The staff were very friendly and helpful sneaking us in before a reserved booking if we ate quickly and given how efficient the service was this was an easy feat.
The dumpling flavors were wonderful and unique tasting, providing dumplings as good as you have ever had them. Delicious pouches of mouth watering makeral or chicken and pork dumplings make this a must try in Melbourne.
mackerel fish dumpling | pan fried | eight treasure tea | simple tea break | totally good for my parents who are so "cina", glad that my mom loves it
After getting this place as a tip from friends and went because it had a fairly good rating on zomato as well. We made a reservation for 6 people for Friday night on Thursday. There was a waiting list, but we got a table without any problems. There were a couple of dishes on a board written in Chinese, luckily we had someone with us who speaks Chinese and we ordered one of the hotpots that was on the board. One of the waitresses also didn't really speak English, so it was handy to have a Chinese speaker with us. We were surprised when another waitress came and had a full Ozzie accent.
The food was different than any other Chinese restaurant I've been to, which makes it a nice experience. Flavours weren't brilliant, but nice enough. We had plenty to eat for about A$25 per person. Probably wouldn't go back, but definitely worth to go at least once. Making a reservation is probably a good idea.
Shandong Mama was such a great find for our late lunchtime feed. Food was so good, dumplings are well made with tasty fillings and prices are great. I prefer the crispy pot stickers but the steamed dumplings were also good. Pork and chive were a winner! As you can see we had to order another plate even though there were only 2 of us. Staff are friendly. I could eat their dumplings all day long.
The food is delicious, there’s no doubt but don’t come here if you’re not prepared for the low quality service. It took 30 mins for my friend’s dumplings to come out... I asked multiple times for chilli sauce and ended up getting it myself from the kitchen haha
Their signature dumplings is top notch!
Awesome dish, the crunchiness from caramelization from one side and still soft on the other side.
Filling is just right combo.
Prawn, black fungus and chives fried dumpling...heaven!
The mofu tofu dish also good, I prefer spicier!
Service wise: standard... nothing to talk about.
You don’t come here for the atmosphere or service - just for the dumplings. The dill spiked pork boiled dumplings are the best, and a generous serve that’s hard to finish on your own. Be careful to eat the dumplings the right way so as not to spill its precious juices. Lip smacking.
It’s a family owned restaurant where “Mama” is actually representing the mother of the family. Really great place for dumpling!
My faves are the pan-fried prawn black fungus and the fish mackerel pan fried.
Love Love Love!
![Zomato]( "Recensione")
Had the pan-fried pork dumplings which came with a total of ten pieces; the filling consisted of minced pork with a dash of cooking wine and sesame oil, mixed with coriander, black fungus, cabbage and diced dry shrimp. The shape of the dumplings was quite interesting; the filling was elongated instead of being rolled into a ball shape. Also the dumpling wrappers were intentionally left opened on both ends while frying to allow the juices from the filling to flow out onto the frying pan to infuse the flavour onto the wrapper.
The meat was quite moist and juicy; wouldn’t say that the black fungus and cabbage were crunchy but it added a contrasting texture to the meat. It wasn’t overly porky and you could taste the herby coriander, though there wasn’t much of the salty dry shrimp flavour. One side of the wrapper was smooth but has a pleasant chew to it without being too soft; the other side which was pan-fried was slightly crisp but didn’t provide a satisfying crunch to the bite. Guess I wanted them crunchier but cooking them any longer may have dried up the filling. Like most dumplings, if not all, some soy and vinegar sauce as well as chilli oil will definitely enhance the flavour of the dumplings.
Overall it was a decent meal; the pan-fried dumplings were tasty but the contrasting texture of the dumpling wrapper did not excite me; one side was still too moist and the other side was not crunchy enough.
I love eating at this dumpling restaurant. It’s definitely not the fanciest decor or the cheapest dumpling but their veggie dumplings are great and unlike a lot of places they offer a couple of veg or seafood only options both steamed or fried! So there is plenty of variety. They also do some really decent main meal and side dishes on the main menu - I like the shredded potato, the eggplant and the classic spinach/greens fried with garlic sauce. The chilli oil, soy and vinegar are abundant and the service is efficient; I have always found the restaurant to be clean and it’s quiet enough that it’s very easy to talk. They have both larger and smaller tables. And now they’re available on uber eats! So happy :D
This place was highly recommended for dumplings. So we ordered the fish dumplings and melbourne boiled dumplings (which had prawn). And they were both very good. Probably the best dumplings we've ever had.
Freshly made dumplings that come right from the stove, I could not be more impressed. The dumplings are their signature dishes and the taste is impeccable - delicious flavours that aren't overpowering. The restaurant vibes are traditional yet simple, like a hidden gem in the city. The only down side is they don't take card, so hard cash is needed when dining out here.
Not bad for a dumpling place but a bit pricey for the signature mackerel dumplings. I must admit they are tasty though. Everything else is normal and what you would typically get at a low cost dumplings store.
ShanDong MaMa makes some of the best dumplings in Melbourne! Nested inside an arcade at the famous Chinatown quarter of Melbourne CBD, the unassuming shop front hides behind one of the best secrets when it comes to Chinese dumplings, simply superb! Try any of the pot stick fried dumpling, special mention to the Spanish mackerel ones.
The show stopper is their mackerel pot stickers. They are so good. Other items I have eaten are OK but not the same standard as the pot stickers. The waitress that seated and served us was great. Such a friendly demeanor.
Came here for the dumplings experience and have to say the boiled dumplings were far better than the pan fried ones. The dumplings skins are thin and silky. The flavour combinations of the fillings are quite unique too, like the pork and dill for instance. The chilli oil was quite different but didn't pack a punch. Looking forward to working through the menu.
Food tastes great and comes out quickly. Has a real family run old school vibe. Staff are super friendly and tables fill quickly.
The vegetarian pan-fried dumplings are simply delicious! They seems more juicy compared to the boiled ones, although they are both very nice.
🥟🥟🥟
I felt that the dumplings are a bit salty after you finished the whole plate. Overall I’m very satisfied with the dumplings!
The steamed okra is so fresh and delicious, and highly recommended you give this a try too!
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