Last year, Melbourne folk decided to cement their love of dumplings in festival form. Returning to 206 Bourke Street after last year’s mega event, the Melbourne Dumpling Festival has amped up the dough-encased deliciousness. This year, there’s a dumpling and beer pairing experience and punters have the chance to win a year’s worth of free dumplings. (This is not a joke).
Throughout the day, dumpling lovers have the chance to taste their way through some of the city’s best Chinese restaurants, including Michelin-starred Tim Ho Wan, plus China Red, Dragon Boat and China Chilli.
China Red has seen a 20 per cent increase in dumpling orders, while Tim Ho Wan has observed a 5.3 per cent spike over the last 12 months. Vincent Howe, who heads up Tim Ho Wan, thinks a love of share food and fresh ingredients is behind the rise in popularity of the Asian staple.
“Australians have a culture of sharing for meals - like tapas-style foods. Dumplings fall into a similar category, as they can be easily shared with friends and family,” says Ho Wan. “Dumplings are also the known for freshness and quality materials.”
This year's event will feature a ticketed dumpling and beer pairing experience. (Brent Edwards) Source: Brent Edwards
Ho Wan will also be exclusively debuting the limited-edition Gold Dust Buns – a sweet, savoury and slightly crunchy pillowy charcoal bun, filled with gooey salted egg custard – free to the first 500 people.
There’s more than 50 other dumplings to sample at the free event plus a wad of freebies up from grabs including free scoops of green tea ice-cream and free cocktails and beers with any takeaway dumpling purchase. Because we all needed another excuse. (We really didn't.)
Friday 20 October 5pm - 10pm
206 Bourke Street, Melbourne VIC
