Queen Viv models the pan fried dumplings
As a food blogger, I find it difficult to go to the same place twice. However my husband is a creature of habit and loves going somewhere reliable and ordering the same thing every single time. He good naturedly puts up with the constantly revolving door of restaurant adventures whilst still pining for his favourite restaurant Shanghai Night. He loves the dumplings there and we often joke that somewhere under that Finnish/Anglo exterior beats the heart of a Northern Chinese man. I promised him that as a treat for getting out of hospital, we could go to Shanghai Night and my ever loyal friends and fellow dumpling lovers Queen Viv and Miss America immediately piped up to come along for the ride – after all Winter is dumpling season. The song I am hearing in my head is my own version of Deck The Halls: “Tis the season to eat dumplings! Fa la la la la la la la la!”.
The queue is long, as witnessed by the crowd gathered outside. We have a booking for 7pm but here a booking is not quite a booking. It just means that they apologise several times while you wait. While we wait (we’re seated at 7.25pm), we see a framed award at the front that says that Shanghai Night was a Nominee for “Best Shopfront Presentation” from the Ashfield Mayor. I love the food, but I can’t say that the window is anything spectacular. Queen Viv loves the ceramic fish on the counter which she tries to lift up to take a closer look at only to find that it is glued down.
The crowd gathers
Prices have gone up since our last visit by about 70c-$1 per dish. As we’re here to partake of a Dumplingalooza fest, we order dumplings a plenty. The wall specials tell us that there are two types of new dumplings (a fish and a lamb & onion dumpling) and with the 18 portion size being only $2 more than the 12 portion size, we figure we’ll go the whole way. And when I look up from studying the new menu, who do I see sitting next to me at an adjoining table but one of my favourite food bloggers – the lovely Yas from Hungry Digital Elf!
Tofu and chicken mince on rice $7.50
There’s no sense of order with entrees or mains here. When it comes out is when it comes out. Our tofu with chicken mince on rice arrives first. It’s a purely comforting dish with the soft tofu and small chicken pieces coated in a delicious sauce. Sometimes we find that there is more flavour than other times. Tonight it’s good although the carrots are way too crunchy. It’s a huge plate too and more than one person could eat.
Pork and mushroom steamed dumplings $7.50 for 16
My husband’s favourite dish arrives next: the huge serving of 16 thick skinned pork and mushroom filled dumplings. Not as delicate as the Xiao Long Bao they’re nevertheless sustaining and filling and when paired with chili sauce and vinegar they’re delicious.
Miss America presents! Xiao Long Bao $6.50 for 8. Can you spot what’s wrong with this picture?
The Xiao Long Bao are next, the gorgeously gingery soup dumplings. Do you see something wrong with this picture? A seasoned XLB eater would spot it straight away. Yes all of the liquid has drained out of these somewhere and there is no gorgeous soupy interior. I could cry but I can console myself with the onslaught of dumplings to come.
Fish steamed dumplings $8.80 for 18
The fish dumplings which could have gone so wrong are actually pretty good. The fish inside is similar to the fish balls you can buy in Chinatown that are made out of fish paste with some shallots thrown in for flavour. It’s quite mild but the fish inside is moist and soft.
Lamb and onion steamed dumplings $8.80 for 18
These are tasty and not at all muttony as we thought they might be. Filling and delicious, they’re the table’s second favourite after the pork and mushroom.
Shanghai Hand made noodles with pork and vegetables $8.50
These aren’t bad although they aren’t quite as tasty as I’ve had and lack seasoning (something that happens from time to time here). We make use of the soy sauce on the table to try and correct the imbalance.
Curry Beef and vermicelli soup $3.50
The curry beef and vermicelli soup isn’t great. Albeit it’s only $3.50 but the soup tastes mostly of curry powder and is underseasoned. I leave this to my husband who eats it as he hates seeing food go to waste. He remarks that if anything, it’s very warming to the stomach.
Steamed Mixed dumpling assortment 9 pieces $7.80 with clear broth
A new dish – the steamed mixed dumpling assortment are a great way to familiarise yourself with the dumplings here. However my two favourite dumplings aren’t here. The Xiao Long Bao aren’t part of this plate.
Pan fried dumplings $8.50
The pan fried dumplings are my favourite dumplings along with the Xiao Long Bao. When they set these down, I’m not too impressed. The bottoms don’t look particularly crispy. Even when upturning them for inspection (is that somehow undignified for the dumpling?) they don’t look anywhere near brown enough.
However looks can be deceiving and somehow they’ve managed to deep fry the bottoms so that they’re so deliciously crispy. They’re glorious when the bottoms are this crisp and the tops are so fluffy. Inside there’s some gingery soup and now that I know how to eat these babies I can forever kiss away any Pretty Woman escargot moments with the dumplings flying across the table.
“Beiji Sauce and shallots Pork Under Flour Piece” $14.80
We simply ordered this dish because we couldn’t figure out what on earth it was from the description: “Beiji Sauce and shallots Pork Under Flour Piece”. Now I should explain that ordering like this has inherent risks and we’ve had unsuccessful dishes using this method. Thankfully we luck out with this one. The flour mentioned comes in the form of pancakes (like Peking Duck pancakes) which Queen Viv doesn’t like as they’re too greasy tasting and the beiji sauce and pork and shallots is an oily stir fry. It’s very tasty indeed with the rich, thick sauce running down your hands as you try and eat these pancakes. But yes, very oily indeed.
Pan fried pumpkin cake $4.80
With the names on the menu you’re never quite sure what you’re going to get and this is another case in point. Resembling what you might encounter at Yum Cha these are aren’t particularly pumpkin flavoured (perhaps pumpkin contributes more to the colour) they’re filled with sweetened red bean paste. The outer is like a Ham Sui Gok – all tactile and chewy and it’s a fittingly sweet end.
To exit we walk all the way to the back of the restaurant past the man making dumplings who is so surprised to see someone walk past him he says “Hi” to us and past the crowds eating noodles and dumplings. There are people waiting outside for a table too. We’re perplexed by the best window award but perhaps not by the crowds.
So tell me Dear Reader, are you a fellow dumpling addict? How many can you eat in one sitting?
Shanghai Night
275 Liverpool Rd
Ashfield NSW 2131
Phone +61 (02) 9798 8437
open 7 days 10am-10pm
Vegetarian options: About 4-5 items
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51 Comments | Add your own
My husband has the same habit of going back to the same restaurant! I love pan fried dumpling with the crispy bottom and the tofu minced is the ultimate winter comfort food. Think we will go for dumplings tomorrow!
The fish dumplings, they scare me, everything else looks divine.
By my calculation, you ate 80 savoury and sweet dumplings between the four of you… EIGHTY DUMPLINGS! Plus a rice dish, two noodle dishes and the unknown one.
‘Tis the season for warm and nourishing dumplings though – well done!
Oh! what a shame about the XLB. They’re just not a XLB without the soupy goodness!!
The first thing I thought was those pan-fried dumplings didn’t look very crispy, good to know looks were deceiving! I’m surprised they wouldn’t put xiao long pao in the mixed dumplings dish, they’re my fav too
I’m intrigued by the pumpkin cake, being a lover of ham sui gok!
So many dumplings!!! They all look fantastic, but I like the sound of the pan fried ones with the little bit of crispiness.
mmmm… must try some more dumplings…
Hahaha I think I just heard my tummy grumble with sheer hunger. I’d eat dumplings for breakfast anytime… and at 8am, I think I want some now.
Miss America’s arms?? Are they hairy and masculine?
loooove a good dumpling…
there’s an old chinese restaurant in Liechardt (we think it used to be a money laundering front, they were never open!) that now has new owners. It is just across the road from Bar Italia… the service is mixed from language difficulties and there were no vegetarian options on the menu for our vegan friends, but oh! their hand-made pork and fennel dumblings were divine…
lol, Miss America has really let herself go! She needs a manicure and possible a visit to the beauty salon for a wax.
Oh dumplings, how I love them. Its way too early in the morning to go get dumplings now right?
I love dumplings but there aren’t really many good places in Brisbane. The places we do have don’t have much variety either- I don’t think I have seen soup dumplings here before!
I want dumpling. ahhh so hungry right now!
my name is lindsey and i am a dumpling addict. i think my last Ashfield visit saw me eating at least 12 dumplings. though it could have been many more!
Mmmm…dumplings! I’ve been back at least four times this winter, fifth one is on the cards next month. I love going with a group of people, which means we can order and sample more. If it’s only my husband and I, we probably could only manage eating two dishes of dumplings i.e. the pan fried dumplings and either the steamed dumplings or the ‘pot stickers’…PLUS a noodle dish. Will defintely be trying the new dumplings next time!!
Our husbands must be related somewhere along the line… he’s 1/4 Finnish, 1/4 English 1/4 Scottish 1/4 Irish but 100% Australian!
Thanks for a great blog, love it! can I request the odd Vegetarian review every now and again (ok I’m biased as I’m vego…!!)
I should know better than to look at food blogs when I’m hungry. Those dumplings look great, and I’m very envious right now!
Yum! These dumplings all look sensational – no wonder your husband likes the place.
Dear NQN,
First, love your blog. The receptionist, here at work, and I often seek one another out when your blog arrives each morning and have a “water-cooler” chat about photos or content. I genuinely look forward to seeing your blog every day!
Shanghai Night is an interesting place. I agree with you, some of the dumplings are “to die for” – but there are some I had there I’m pleased I did, coz now I know I never have to have them again!
You are correct, the shop-front is quite ordinary – I giggle at a newspaper clipping and (I think from memory) an award from years ago that are proubly posted there and have been forever! So ordinary is the shop-front I almost felt cheated not being able to go in, next door, to the New Shanghai Chinese Restaurant – and gigled thinking I should probably take some meat home from the Shanghai butchery just a little way up!
The bottle shop, just two doors down, is a mish mash of different products – but I was not surprised to find Tsingtao available!
In spite of, what seems to be, negative comments – Shanghai nights is a great feed. The morsels that are good are just great. And, while not as cheap as I expected it to be, it wasn’t expensive either!
I love your blog – keep up the good work!
Oh I ADORE dumplings! I can’t wait to go to NY to try these famous xiaolongbaos!
Mmm….Ashfield dumplings. Hey, that’s a helluva lot of dumplings for four of you :-O Very impressed LOL.
The dumplings look delicious! I’m jealous!
I’m a bit disappointed to see that the liquid has drained out of the XLB! I’ve never had that happened to me at Shanghai Night
And, I never realised you could book! Not that it’s really effective!
These dumplings look great! Very impressive array of different dishes shared amongst the 4 of you
Oh, no… Noooo…! I’m a self-professed dumpling fiend myself; this pretty much explains my frequent forays into Chinatown and the Greenhills area (where many Chinese-Filipinos live and where there are a lot of places that offer fab dimsum).
I’ve never had lamb-and-onion dumplings, but put a platter of prawn dumplings, scallop and chive, pork and chive, and deep-fried sharksfin dumplings before me and I will bless your name forever.
(Oh, and if I get a mug of nai cha – HK-style iced milk tea – in the bargain, why so much more the better!)
I think “beiji” sauce might mean Beijing sauce, especially since the dish was served with Peking/Beijing duck pancakes. What did it taste like?
For Bria and anyone else looking for dumplings in Brisbane, try Yong He Dumpling and Shanghai Noodle House. At yum cha in Shangri-La you can get xiao long bao – they’re ok, not great. All 3 places are in Sunnybank.
Yum! I, however, personally prefer Taste Of Shanghai. First it all, it appears more hygienic than SN, and most importantly, I actually prefer the dumplings (xiao long bao and pan-fried dumplings). It’s a little more expensive I think but it’s not that much and I don’t mind paying a little more for cleaner cutleries ahaha.
Anyway, great post up as always!
you should have taken a photo of the window display, i would have loved to see it as i can’t remember it. next time try the zi zhuan wonton if you haven’t already, they’re yummy.
My gfs and I often have extreme dumpling cravings so i’m loving this post! At one of the dumpling places here they do a potato dumpling and it’s absolutely delcious and it’s actually my favourite! I can’t make dumplings, but I make tofu soup and buy dumplings and throw them in and it makes for a great meal, especially in winter.
I am a newcomer to the dumpling scene, which I blame entirely on growing up in the country. I mean, I had my very first dim sum experience two months ago! Embarrassing, but true.
I’m now a convert and am very glad that I have an upcoming dim sum planned so I’m not getting too hungry looking at your photos! It appears I have a lot of learning to do in the ways of the dumpling. I am looking forward to this learning curve (hopefully not growing curve… eek)
Hi,
I love your blog! and I really love dumplings, actually I found your blog looking for dumpling restaurants, so I feel I need to tell you about Dumpling King in Newtown on King street, it blows shanghai night out of the water, its slightly more expensive but they use quality ingredients so its worth it. Just don’t blog about it ok? its secret.
Haha this is from the other night!
Awww you guys had bad luck on XLB, eh? Ours were fine but the second visit we had the same leakage in 2 of 5 steamer baskets. (whats that bamboo steamer called…?)
I kind of found both Shanghai night and New Shanghai inconsistent – sometimes good other times not. I guess non-dumpling dishes might be better at New Shanghai most of the time.
I don’t want to sound creepy but please go there. SO GOOD
Ms. Taste is totally addicted to the Taste of Shanghai that opened in Eastwood. Last visit we had 8 XLB, 16 pan fried dumplings and 6 in the short soup. So that’s 30 between the both of us, which isn’t too bad
It is very relaxing to go back to a known place. More relaxing without your camera – or would you get withdrawal symptoms?
My family and I drive 1 hour and 15mins to House of Chow in Ramsgate just North off the Captain Cook Bridge for their Gow Gees. Omg, so delicious and we don’t even have to place the order as David the owner knows what we have come for
We have tried Gow Gees in many other restaurants but agree that these are the best!
dumplingalooza—i like the sound of that. so many dumplings, all so masterfully done. on top of all that, your revised carol makes me wish it was christmas.
Yum! Who doesn’t love dumplings? And the fantastic Engrish that comes with the territory.. Is this the place that calls them “dumpings” Lol!
I love reading your blog Lorraine and I’m in awe of your baking prowess. I’m passing on my Kreativ Blogger award to you – please visit my blog for details
Yum I love dumplings! I’ve only been to New Shanghai in Chatswood but I particularly like the pan fried pork dumplings and the pan fried pumpkin ones with the red bean (which are deceptively filling). I’m impressed that you managed to eat so many dumplings in one sitting! Getting dumpling cravings now…
I’m a huge dumpling fan, but despite this, I’ve only had dim sum dumplings and homemade pot stickers. I’m really looking forward to go back to Toronto so that I can go out for a dumpling filled meal. Can’t wait!
One thing that I really, really want to try are those pan fried dumplings. Do you know what they’re called in Chinese? Thanks.
These dumplings look divine! I might have to indulge in a Chinese-food craving!
xlb’s are great, but it’s those pan fried dumplings that I’m addicted to now also!
I’m drooling over those dumplings!
i like going to New Shanghai. the fried dumpling buns are nice and crisp. never disappointed with their XLBs too…soups nicely contained in the dumpRing.
i am boring. i need to try other places and not always stick to one.
wow, that’s A LOT of dumplings! Actually we have the habit of going to our usual restaurants but nowadays we make it a point to try something new.
we usually drive past Shanghai Night on the way home from the city every week – there’s usually a crowd hanging around each time! I like dumplings..but I just can’t eat them properly – I always seem to make a mess with them!! LOL (Sorta like how you described it, Lorraine – the Pretty Woman kinda experience! LOL) One day, I might have to get my dad (our designated driver…mum & I can’t drive!) to stop instead of driving right past it!
Thanks for the review 
yes, unfortunately boys will always be creatures of habit and as a food blogger, there’s just too many places to try to warrant going to the same place twice
i also love pan fried dumplings and despite them being feeling, I could easily gobble up most of a place
I go to the same dumpling place with the same people and we can eat about 15 dumplings each in one go. We recently realised that the dumplings are still just as tasty but have gotten smaller since their kitchen renovation so we have been eating more and then ordering extra! Still very good, very cheap and very tasty. Off to Shanghai Night tonight, will be sure to order the pumpkin cakes!
Dumpling heaven indeed! Those pan-fried dumplings look a little more like shuijian bao (literally water fried) than the typical pan-fried dumplings. I had them at Hunan, a Chinese restaurant in London, and they’re apparently much harder to prepare than the standard pan-fried ones. And they looked identical to yours, very fluffy and only crispy on the base. Yum!
Hi Ellie-They’re such creatures of habit! Good idea, it’s cold enough nowadays!
Hi Bethie-Hehe they’re not so bad-honest!
Hi LC-Yup it’s true, but we took some away
It definitely felt like it 
Thanks!
Hi Shanks-I know! We should have sent them back really but when they’re in front of you, you just eat!
Hi Steph-I know, how deceptive was it but pleasantly so
I know so many ppl go for the XLB maybe they want you to order this plus the XLB 
Hi Anita-Yes it’s definitely dumpling time here!
Hi Trisha-Hehe sorry!
Yep I could do dumplings at 8am I’m sure 
Hi Ronnie-Yes because Miss America is a he!
Hi Kyle-Haha love that bit about a money laundering front
Pork and fennel dumplings. What a great combo! 
Hi Maria-LOL but no he hasn’t!
No not at all! 
Hi Bria-Aww what a shame there aren’t
Oh no, someone ought to bring them out! They’re so good!
Hi Fiona-Hehe I feel your pain. I’d love some now!
Hi lindsey clare-LOL let me join you at DA
That’s very restrained of you! 
Hi Karen-Good work!
Yep a big group is great for maximum sampling opportunities 
Cool!
Hi Jo-Hehe how funny! They could well be!
Thanks 
I’ll try my best!
Hi Lisa-hehe I do that too and end up ravenous
Thankyou!
Hi Cakelaw-Yep he is obsessed
Hi mikey-Aww thankyou!
Wow, that is wonderful! Yes I wonder who the runners up were and whether they were similarly baffled by the award 
You know I have been so focused on dumplings that I haven’t tried any of the other shops but I should! Thankyou so much and thanks for reading! 
Hi Sophia-Oh yes yes! I’d love to know what you think of them. I wait with bated breath
Oh I ADORE dumplings! I can’t wait to go to NY to try these famous xiaolongbaos!
Hi aptronym-Haha we try!
Hi Gab-they were great-and I don’t mean to rub it in!
Hi Betty-Yes it was not great at all! But we couldn’t be bothered sending them back
Yes although you still have to wait 
Hi clekitty-They were so yummy
Thanks so much!
Hi Midge-Haha really! Good stuff
Yes that was the first time for the lamb onion ones for me too. I should ask for that HK style iced tea! 
Hi Lara-Yes we thought that too. It was rich and almost black bean-y in flavour but very oily. Thanks for those recs!
Hi Jenny-It’s funny reading which places have health dept violations against them
Taste of Shanghai is great I agree although hubby is still loyal to the XLB at SN. Thankyou! 
Hi Simon-I’m sure I have one in my other story-it’s definitely not much and looks as crazily merchandised as the rest of the restaurants along there
Hi jules-Hehe me too!
Oooh yum potato dumplings sound gorgeous 
Yes I do that too when I don’t have time and agreed nothing better than some fresh noodles and dumpling in a clear chicken soup in Winter 
Hi Conor-hehe aww well we all have to start somewhere and you’re starting!
Good to hear that you like it too! 
Hi Phoebe-Thankyou so much! Thanks for the rec although I don’t know if I can visit somewhere without blogging about it!
Hi Yas-hehe well from a few weeks ago!
Lucky you with your lot! I’m not sure, I call it a bamboo steamer but I’m bad with Chinese names 
Yes I totally agree. I find the flavours very inconsistent too. Sometimes they’re well salted, other times not salted enough!
Hi Mr. Taste-Is it a branch of the Ashfield one? Hehe well done indeed!
Hi Arwen-Sadly I have to disagree, dining without a camera is awful! I feel the urge to photograph wherever I eat!
Hi Matilda-Haha that’s so nice that they know what you like! A good gow gee is definitely worth travelling for!
Hi grace-Some people like music festivals, I like dumpling festivals
Hehe all Christmases should feature dumplings! 
Hi Forager-Hehe yes we just had to order it! LOL at “dumpings”! Awww shucks thankyou! You are too kind!
Hi Jacq-Ahh cool so they have the pumpkin and red bean ones too! Yes I wish I could just stop at a few but I can’t!
Hi Christine-Hey that’s nothing to be sneezed at, they’re delicious! Wonderful!
I’m not sure of the name in Chinese and my Chinese is pretty bad (ie nonexistent). Sorry! 
Hi Faith-They are so great! Definitely!
Hi Y-Yes sadly so for me too. Although I wouldn’t deny myself either!
Hi veggiebelly-Hehe!
Hi kewpie-Yes I wish the soup hadn’t leaked out, that was most disappointing!
Hi pigpigscorner-Sure was! But we did take some home with us
Hi Liv-yes despite the number of Shanghainese places, it’s always popular! LOL yes I now know how not to make a mess but I sure used to
You’re welcome! 
Hi Panda-Yes luckily hubby is a patient soul that understands
Yep there’s something so moreish about their texture isn’t there!
Hi Maria-Hehe good to know that I’m not the only one!
Oh no, that’s no good! Wonderful I’d love to know what you thought of them! 
Hi Helen-I might ask them next time which ones they are. They’re very, very good nevertheless and my favourite although they are SO filling!
We found a dead worm in the fried rice cake dish last week.
Hmm,all those dumplings make me hungry!
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