Melbourne’s cult dumpling house still pulls queues for its xiao long bao and hand-pulled noodles.

HuTong: The Dumpling Institution That Defines Chinatown

Walk through the red doors on Market Lane and you’ll hear it before you see it. The clatter of woks, bursts of steam, and the chorus of diners signalling another round of dumplings. HuTong Dumpling Bar has been part of Melbourne’s food vocabulary for more than a decade, and it still holds its own among the city’s modern wave of Chinese dining. The reason is simple: consistency, craft and xiao long bao that could silence a room.

It’s not fancy, it’s not quiet, and that’s the charm. HuTong thrives on energy. It’s where office workers, chefs and tourists all end up at some point in their Melbourne story. The service moves fast, the tables turn quickly, and somehow the quality never slips.

The Dumplings Everyone Talks About

The xiao long bao are legendary for a reason. Each delicate parcel holds a balance of soup and meat that’s almost architectural in precision. The thin skin stretches without breaking, the broth bursts with flavour, and the pork filling carries a touch of sweetness that lingers. Watch the chefs behind the glass window folding them by hand, a hypnotic rhythm that runs all day.

Beyond the soup dumplings, the menu travels through Sichuan and Shanghai influences. Try the chilli wontons slicked in red oil, the hand-pulled noodles with spicy lamb, and the fried rice that arrives smoky from the wok. The Peking duck pancakes, crisp and golden, remain one of the city’s best comfort dishes.

A Melbourne Classic That Still Feels Alive

The fit-out is split-level and old-school in the best way — red wood, black lacquer, open kitchen and a soundtrack of sizzling oil. It’s a place that doesn’t need reinvention because it nailed its identity long ago. You come here for flavour, not ceremony. The wait might be long, but it’s always worth it.

HuTong is the benchmark for what casual Chinese dining should be: authentic, fast, and unforgettable. It’s not just another dumpling bar, it’s part of Melbourne’s food culture, serving proof that when something is done right, it never goes out of style.