“The team creates thousands of dumplings a day, with incredible speed and precision. It’s mesmerising to watch,” writes dining reviewer WENDY JOHNSON.

I FIRST visited CBD Dumpling House in the city six years ago. I remember standing on the street, peering through the large window as the kitchen team nimbly created round and crescent-shaped dumplings, each a parcel of perfection. 

Fast forward to 2020 and nothing much has changed. The team creates thousands of dumplings a day, with incredible speed and precision. It’s mesmerising to watch. 

The CBD Dumpling House still packs out with diners who can’t get enough darling dumplings. It’s always busy but manages to turn tables over as quickly as needed.

The menu is extensive but not expensive. The dumpling section showcases the many types you’d expect – freshly made pork buns, shallot cakes, boiled dumplings, pan fried dumplings and more. The possibilities are endless.

We were two for lunch and shared the ‘special steamed dumplings’, which were only $13.80 for 10. It’s a colourful trio – green, white, orange pastry – and a sensational mix of pork, vegetable, and a mixture of prawn, pork and chives all in one. 

This time we branched away from dumplings to try a couple of other dishes (this was a hard decision because we love those dumplings). 

The shallot pancakes are masterpieces in their own right ($8.80 each but large enough to share). They were super thin and crispy and arrived cut neatly into four triangles. This dish proves that a few simple ingredients can make a statement.

Also high on taste were the salt and pepper prawns, again super crispy and the mix of seasoning just right ($21.80). 

The CBD Dumpling House also offers a wide range of beef, chicken, pork, duck and lamb dishes. The seafood section, a highlight of the menu, includes scallops with XO sauce (a guarded chef secret, no doubt – $23.80), Singapore crispy fish fillet ($17.80), special red curry fish ($19.80) and fish fillet with ginger and shallot ($17.80). 

Hot pots (15 types) are a specialty and the soups sounded delicious. Rice and noodle dishes also feature.

The wine list isn’t extensive but again, not expensive. Many prefer to wash down their dumplings with a beer – perhaps a Tsing Tao.

The CBD Dumpling House is a large space with floor-to-ceiling windows, wonderful timber finishes and beautiful ceiling lamps. The design is contemporary, bright and airy. 

Staff are friendly but service levels can be a bit random, although it was easy enough to flag someone down. We weren’t all that fussed because speed is the overall name of the game and our first dish came out quickly, as did our wine.

Don’t be deterred if you see a line of customers at the front door. Simply ask how long the wait is before you wander off. Chances are it will only be a few minutes.

CBD Dumpling House, Shop FG, 13C Canberra Centre. Open seven days for lunch and dinner.