Macau is home to a host of cuisines and also internationally renowned Michelin starred eateries. All that said, on some days, a dish of steaming hot delicious dumplings really hits the spot. Dumplings are little pockets of happiness made with dough and filled with minced meat and chopped vegetables. These dumplings can then be steamed, boiled, or fried. Did you know that potstickers or “guo tie” are a type of dumpling? Xiao long bao or soup dumplings are also a super delicious treat to share with friends and family. Here’re our picks for Macau’s best dumpling places on days when you’ve got a craving!
Yum Cha
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Where else should you hunt for dumplings if not in a restaurant specializing in dim sum? “Yum cha” stands for “a meal with dim sum”, so no wonder the menu here includes several outstanding dim sum classics. Without thinking twice, opt for their two signatures–seafood basil crystal dumplings with tobiko and avruga caviar (beluga caviar substitute) and crystal shrimp and black truffle dumplings. The first one is pure umami wrapped in thin dough, and the latter has this rich aroma and flavor of black truffle. What we love about Yum Cha is that dining there won’t break a budget–the prices are reasonable and they often have special offers and promotions!
Opening hours: Friday–Sunday, 11:00am–9:00pm
Yum Cha Sheraton Grand Macao, Cotai Strip, Estrada do Istmo, Cotai, www.marriott.com
Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao
This Asian chain of restaurants opened at Sands Cotai Central in 2019 and has gained many loyal customers ever since. Always full, it’s a must-visit when it comes to dumplings. Besides their signature dumplings, there’s also a tasting basket with eight different flavors which includes truffle, spicy beef, and foie gras! The xiao long baos are steamed with premium fresh pork making the broth contained within so yummy! Additionally, do try the noodle soups and Sichuan dishes to add a kick to your lunch or dinner. Remember to book a table before coming by emailing [email protected] or giving them a call. Check out their full menu here!
Opening hours: Daily, 11:00am–11:00pm
Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao Shop 1026, Level 1, Sands Cotai Central, Estrada do Istmo. s/n, Cotai, +853 8113 8998, www.sandscotaicentral.com
Beijing Kitchen
Beijing Kitchen has a long-standing reputation for some of the best Northern Chinese cuisine in town. Besides their delicious Peking duck, diners flock to their restaurant for the very authentic northern style “jiao zi”. Anyone who’s been to Beijing knows that dumplings are a staple food to get you through those cold winter months. Beijing Kitchen’s pork and cabbage dumplings do not disappoint at all. Served in bundles of 12, paired with light soy sauce and vinegar for dipping, you will find these babies hard to share with the rest of the table. They also have xiao long bao and other steamed items available but the classic jiao zi, steamed or pan-fried is where it’s at.
Opening hours: Daily, 11:30am–2:30pm, 5:30pm–11:30pm
Beijing Kitchen Grand Hyatt, Estrada do Istmo, Cotai, +853 8868 1930, macau.grand.hyatt.com/en
Gurkha’s Taste
We have been fans of this delightful Nepalese restaurant since they opened. It is great to see some different places pop up on our dining radar and one of their standout offerings is their delicious dumplings. These dumplings are called “momo” and it’s their take on this very traditional Chinese food. Their dumplings are filled with meat but they have a vegetarian option if you prefer. Flavored with Nepalese spices and paired with delicious homemade chutney for dipping, these dumplings are really something you have to try. They also have a slew of other great menu items so head over and let us know what you think.
Opening hours: Monday, 4:00pm–11:30pm; Tuesday–Sunday, 1:00pm—11.30pm
Gurkha’s Taste GF Kong Va Building, 13 Travessa do Pao, Macau, +853 2892 2509, www.facebook.com/gurkhastaste
Din Tai Fung
No legit dumpling list is complete without mentioning the brand that brought them international fame. Founded in the 70s in Taiwan, this Asian restaurant is now in Studio City Macau! Having earned a Michelin star, their Hong Kong restaurant is always full! Mouthwatering xiao long baos are served fresh and you get the chance to eat the best of Taiwan without having to fly there. Not to worry because the branch in Macau is less crowded than the one in our neighboring city!
Opening hours: Daily, 12:00pm–3:00pm, 6:00pm–10:00pm
Din Tai Fung Shop 1075, Level 1, The Boulevard at Studio City Macau, Estrada do Istmo, Cotai, Macau, +853 8865 3305, www.studiocity-macau.com
Dumpling Town
Estb. de Comidas Kao Kao Chan also known as Dumpling Town and it is the place to be at for dumplings like their name says. Dumplings of all kinds are available, whether steamed, fried or deep-fried, and there’s a wide choice between vegetarian, meat or seafood with veggies! Located in the Senado area in a back alley, this is the perfect place to bring visitors or just to grab a quick meal. Dumpling Town also offers takeaway and delivery services, which is perfect for office workers and those working from home. Order a few types of dumplings and share them with your friends, family, or co-workers! There’s also a branch in the Fai Chi Kei area that’s open till late, so why not grab some dumplings as a nightcap after going out for drinks?
Opening hours: Daily, 12:00pm–10:00pm
Dumpling Town 7A Beco da Arruda, Macau, +853 2835 6633
Opening hours: Daily, 6:00pm–2:00am
Dumpling Town 99 Rua 2 de Concórdia, Macau, +853 2822 2772
Northern Noodle House
Northern Noodle House is inside the City of Dreams and holds its own against its Michelin starred neighbors. The dumplings here are hand made and their selection of seafood dumplings is one of the best in Macau. The luxurious lobster dumplings with saffron is an absolute must-try where you’ll get six bright yellow xiao long bao with lobster flesh in a rich broth. For something more traditional, order their pork and fennel steamed dumplings. For our vegetarian friends, they also have a Chinese chive and scrambled egg dumpling.
Opening hours: Daily, 11:00am–3:00am
Northern Noodle House Level 1, Casino, City of Dreams, Estr. do Istmo, Cotai, +853 8986 3663, www.cityofdreamsmacau.com/en/dine/chinese/northern-noodle-house
Also read: Best Places for Noodles in Macau Casinos
North
North is a tranquil restaurant in The Venetian Macao that’s teeming with tourists all year round. Other than the delicious food on the menu, their decor is beautiful, and do remember to check out the stunning ceiling design while you’re there. The dumpling menu is rather humble but they do have a few options–seafood, meat, and vegetarian. We made the mistake of ordering too many different types and not bringing a bunch of friends. North serves their dumplings in generous portions of 12 and at MOP $60, that’s a really sweet deal. The dumplings that totally stole our hearts and stomachs were the pork, shrimp, and chives dumplings. Perfectly seasoned tender filling with a bit of broth–if that’s not Chinese comfort food, then what is?
Opening hours: Daily, 11:00am–11:00pm
North Level 1, Shop 1015, The Venetian Macao, Estrada da Baia de Nossa Senhora da Esperanca, Cotai, +853 8118 9980, www.venetianmacao.com/restaurants/signature/north
Noodle & Congee
Macau foodies know this corner restaurant in Grand Lisboa for their extensive menu of noodles and congee dishes (obviously) but their dumplings are also an attraction. Steamed and fried, filled with meat, seafood and vegetables, there’s a whole page of them! Our top picks are poached “Tianjin” dumplings with mushroom and vegetables, pan-fried dumplings with minced pork and poached dumplings with shrimp and crabmeat in spicy sauce. No surprises or extravagant options, just good old Chinese recipes made to perfection. The service is fast and discreet. The interior is rather pompous for a noodle spot but that gives the place its unique vibe.
Opening hours: Friday–Sunday, 8:00am–12:00am
Noodle & Congee 2F, Grand Lisboa, 2-4 Avenida de Lisboa, Macau, +853 8803 7755, www.grandlisboahotels.com/rtc-noodle-congee
Sichuan pork dumplings in red oil
North by Square Eight
Modern interior with bright accents, beautiful ceramics, and Chinese paintings make up a perfect setting for lunch or dinner at North by Square Eight at MGM Macau. Besides the stunning design, they offer simple and satisfying Northern Chinese cuisine. To make an order, you don’t even need to talk to waiters, if your inner introvert doesn’t feel like it. Just open the WeChat app, scan a QR-code on the card available at every table, and explore the menu. The dumplings selection here is not that big. However, what placed North by Square Eight on this list of the best dumplings in Macau is their delicious Sichuan pork dumplings. Large dumplings filled with tender pork floating in spicy red oil with Sichuan peppercorns and chili. Make sure you don’t wear white to savor them as it can get messy! In case you are not keen on spicy food, there is another item worthy to order–pork and pickled cabbage dumplings, a balanced combination of crunchy and sour vegetables, and fatty pork.
Opening hours: Daily, 11:00am–3:00pm, 6:00pm–11:00pm
North by Square Eight MGM Macau, Avenida Dr. Sun Yat Sen, Macau, +853 8802 2388, www.mgm.mo
This article was originally written by the Macau Lifestyle team in March 2019 and updated by Ksenia Kuzmina in August 2020.
Photo credits: Ksenia Kuzmina and others.
