The Hoppy Dumpling has turned one. Congratulations. A Back of the Ferry reader tipped me off to this gem of a place in Russell Street, Melbourne.
You are very much spoilt for choice for Chinese Food in Melbourne. Whether it is high end China like the Flower Drum, Hotpot places or Lanzhou noodle joints or dumpling houses the range is broad.
I am an absolute sucker for dumplings – whether it is pan fried or steamed and wontons, particularly in a chilli oil sauce are particularly fine. What makes Hoppy Dumpling stand out from a large pack is the range of bottled grog from which you can choose to wash down your very fine dumplings.
Eight fridges stock an eclectic collection of craft and macro beer, soju(?), sake, cruisers etc. I’ve tried many versions of Tsingtao over the years, but it was a surprise to get an Untappd Unique Tsingtao outside of China. The Tsingtao Wheat comes in a lovely can, and I love a wheat beer.
Rocky Ridge is a thriving brewery from WA that took over Thunder Road last year. They make some big beers that are well named. Capitalists in Space is a classic red IPA that holds it own against some magnificent wontons in chilli oil.
The dumplings are very, very good also. The pan fried dumplings were chock full of prawns and pork. Craft beer and dumplings in one place – heaven.
Hoppy Dumpling: 164 Russell Street, Melbourne VIC
back of the ferry 