Bamboo Dumpling Bar

Situated next door to the Royal Albert Hotel on Commonwealth Street is an unexpected pocket of Chinatown in Surry Hills. The Bamboo Dumpling Bar is a cosy combination of Asian restaurant and pub dining room, with long communal tables, decorative bird cages hanging from the ceiling and bright Chinese artworks adorning the walls. A framed poster that states charmingly, “We believe everyone has nice dumplings,” brings a smile to your face, even before you order.

Indie music and an extensive drinks list brings Bamboo Dumpling Bar one step up from your usual dumpling joint, with a great selection of beers and ciders on tap and a good mixture of Australian and European wines by the glass. Cocktails such as Lageritas and Surry Mules are also available and served in recycled jam jars.

The menu offers a range of Chinese pancakes, spring rolls, main dishes with noodles and rice, and of course dumplings. Lots of them. Our favourites are the Shanghai Soup Dumplings and Schezuan Pork Spicy Noodles.

For those on a tight budget, go for the daily specials from $10 every night of the week and if you have more cash to splash, order the banquets, complete with a ‘Happy Ending’ for those with room for a dumpling dessert.