Cranky Joe’s Ugly Dumplings, Currumbin: It would be easy to walk past Cranky Joe’s Ugly Dumplings none-the-wiser. That would be a mistake. The tiny shopfront next door to Stones Throw Cafe along Station Street in Currumbin is the definition of unassuming, with just an A-frame sign directing customers to the back window. Venture down the driveway and you’re greeted with a small ordering window that overlooks a spacious deck lined with tables they share with the neighbouring cafe and a grassed area shaded by an enormous jacaranda tree. The dumplings, which are also available in frozen take-home packs, are the true hero of the menu and are available in pork, chicken, a vegetarian option that is filled with sweet potato, chickpea and coriander, and a pork and cabbage. Enjoy them alfresco or take some home for late-night feasting.
Harajuku Gyoza, Broadbeach: In case the name wasn’t enough of a giveaway, Harajuku Gyoza specialises in delicious Japanese dumplings (gyoza) and beer, which is brewed at its onsite brewery Yoyogi Brewing Co. The gyoza are stuffed with delicious combinations including duck, garlic-butter crab, and lemongrass chicken, and are served either grilled or poached. By far the best way to experience the best bang for your buck is with the banquet package, which is available for groups of all sizes.
Uncle Su, Broadbeach: If you are yet to experience Uncle Su’s Six Fortunes, consider this your official invitation. Presented in an ornate birdcage, the feast includes the venue’s signature abalone dumplings, prawn dumplings and deep-fried taro dumplings, among other toothsome morsels. Those who prefer to dine a la carte can do that too.
T’Ang Court, Surfers Paradise: Let’s get one thing straight, there are dumplings and then there are T’Ang Court’s dumplings. The jewel in The Langham, Gold Coast’s culinary crown, this internationally renowned restaurant dishes up a Cantonese fine-dining experience unlike any other. The steamed scallop and prawn dumplings are a gift from the gods.
Little Red Dumpling, Broadbeach and Coomera: Little Red’s mantra is “sip beer, consume dumpling” and you definitely don’t have to tell us twice. Made by hand daily using local ingredients, the dumplings here are like little pillows of happiness. For those who love a little zing, the Szechuan pork dumplings will fire up the taste buds, while the lamb and coriander dumplings deliver an unexpected burst of flavour. Can’t decide? Opt for the Rainbow Dumpling plate and enjoy a combination of five delicious flavours.
Rick Shores, Burleigh Heads: While it’s mighty tempting to skip the menu and order 20 bug rolls straight up, you would be missing out on lobster and prawn jade har gow and the pork and chilli xiao long bao, which would be a culinary crime in our humble opinion. So, do yourself a favour and add these dumpling delights to your must-try list.
Muso Ramen & Gyoza, Mermaid Beach: This popular noodle bar is the go-to for traditional Japanese soul food (aka ramen and gyoza), handcrafting both its ramen noodles and gyoza fresh on-site daily. Choose from pork or cheese and pork, which are served pan-fried or steamed with a stash of spicy oil on the side – delish!
Backbone Bar, Tugun: Specialising in Asian-style street eats, this southern gem dishes up a quality dumpling and dim sum offering. The pork gyoza is a winner here, it’s pan-fried and comes with ponzu dipping sauce. Choose something glorious from the beer-tap wall to wash it down with.
Mei Wei Dumplings, Broadbeach: For delicious traditional dumplings with a side of theatrics, you can’t go past The Star Gold Coast’s own dumpling bar. The casual eatery features a dumpling menu dotted with explosive and authentic flavours – the kitchen is encased by a massive viewing glass, so you can watch the dumpling masters at work. Safe to say your beloved dumplings are in good hands here.
Etsu Izakaya, Mermaid Beach: Acting as the ideal accompaniment to its famed robata-grill, sushi and sashimi offerings are Etsu’s mouth-watering house-made gyoza. There are two to choose from – wagyu beef with mushroom duxelles and scallion, or pork with chives and cabbage. We recommend a serve of each.
Lucky Bao, Mermaid Waters: Small but mighty, Lucky Bao is a prime pick if you’re looking for dumplings on the Gold Coast. This sleek spot serves up two kinds of mouth-watering gyoza – pan-fried prawn gyoza with soy vinegar or pan-fried vegetable gyoza with chilli and ponzu. 
Hideaway Kitchen & Bar, Broadbeach: This hidden Asian dining gem has a hefty dumpling section on its menu. Feast on the likes of pork, cabbage and chive dumplings with sesame oil, the steamed wagyu beef or the pork and chicken dumplings.
Mamasan Kitchen + Bar, Broadbeach: Mama’s dumplings are a real treat. The delicate hand-made snapper and crab ‘ravioli’ dumplings with scallops, water chestnuts and a coconut-sambal bisque are worthy of a spot on your chopsticks.
Grand Dynasty, Broadbeach: Got a hankering for authentic Chinese? Grand Dynasty at The Oasis in Broadbeach will satisfy the cravings. Yum cha is served here daily, with a delicious offering of steamed, hand-made dumplings in an array of flavourful combos such as steamed prawn and coriander (yum!), Shanghai pork and steamed scallop dumplings. Trust us when we say this is one food coma you definitely won’t regret.
Want more? Southport is a melting pot of authentic Asian eateries and while we can’t list them all, it’s an excellent place to begin your dumpling voyage.
