Christina R.

I wasn't expecting much. We tried to go to a different location and it was closed even though Yelp, Google, their own website said they should be open. We decided to try this location and walked over. It wasn't full of people so we decided to sit and give it a try. The interior is clean and bright with tables and chairs tightly packed in. It was a bit claustrophobic for me to eat (like eating on an airplane) but I was able to make due. The service is quick and efficient. They serve hot tea instead of water and I was impressed on how freely it flowed and how our glasses were never empty. The food here is AMAZING. If I lived here, or if they had this place in my city, I'd be here at least once a week. I was disappointed that the non-pork xiao long bao didn't have soup (it says this on the menu) but this was the first place that had vinegar and that's how I knew when I sat down this place was legit. The scallion pancake and beef fried noodles were also hits. The bathroom is a bit terrifying to get to (we had to be escorted by our server) because it's a few storefronts down and around in a dark laneway but I'm glad they even had one.

Suzie L.

Dumpling heaven! We still can't go past the pork and prawn wonton in chilli oil and sesame peanut sauce. We also ordered the hot and sour soup and stir fried green beans with pork mince. It was delicious - and quite reasonably priced! 29 October 2017 Amazing dumplings! The dumplings here are really amazing! Our favourites are the pork and prawn dumplings in chilli oil and peanut sauce. You can order other things too - we had the hot and sour soup, a plate of stir fried bok choy and a chilli beef stir fry which were all very good!

Alisha P.

This place was a roll the dice and hope for the best. While here on holiday I wanted to search for places with the best hot and sour soups. Google helped me find places that advertised the soup and this was one of them. I will say this location has some dang good soup. Another location I've been to had the legit sczechuan in it which gave in my opinion more points for favorability. Don't let that bit of snobbery on my part sway you into not trying this. The soup is still very delicious. So any other places that have the soup on sale nearby have a pretty high line set to match the soup at this location. We also had pork soup buns which had the perfect ratio of soup of wonton and filling. Definitely worth the visit and of course repeat business.

Luke B.

I am quite sure that asking someone to prepay for their food in a restaurant based on their gender is a breach of the Sexual Discrimination Act 1984. After I ordered I was asked to pre pay my meal because they have had some "runners" recently. I had just finished gym (was fresh and wearing a polo shirt, so was presentable enough) as wanted to get some dumpling post class, as a Saturday treat. I asked if the prepay rule applied just to me (a single male diner) or if everyone prepays. "No everyone prepays" was the response. No one else in the restaurant had to been to prepay except for me. I also checked with the adjoining tables. No pre pay rule except for me, the sole white male dining alone in the restaurant. A stupid policy Shanghai St, maybe review your security procedures, get a bouncer or something. Don't single me out because (can't believe I am saying it) a male solo diner. Lol

Lucas B.

I ordered a few dishes and they were delicious. The staff is very friendly and courteous. I will definitely will go back again.

Scott G.

Hey, hey, hey... when did Melbourne become the dumpling (XLB) Capitol of the western world? Holy moly, you can't walk 3 blocks without another dumpling or noodle joint. I am going to spend at least a week here next time. The xiao long bao (traditional) was solid 4/5. The chicken and shrimp XLB was good but you anticipate the soup and it doesn't have any. Hey don't make it look like a XLB and have no soup. Thats like an M&M with caramel inside. That's just wrong. Ha ha. It did taste good. We also had the steamed dumplings. These were good but would have better in some soup broth or gravy/sauce or amped up dipping sauce. If I lived here I would try everything on the menu. If the line is too long, check out the Uber cute ramen shop 2 doors up. Check it out.

V C.

The smallest, yet the busiest dumpling vendor in town. Situated in the corner of Little Bourke Street, precisely across from Emporium Melbourne, which makes this place bustling from morning even until sundown. The restaurant's space is extremely tight, with limited tables that are connected so close to one another. And if you are eating solo, more than likely you will have to share a table with strangers. Cramped feeling aside, in terms of menu, they have a beautiful range of Shanghainese food that aimed to embrace daily appetite. Ordered: * Crab and Pork Xlb ($13.80) - This was obviously the bomb, and you can spot it at almost every table!! Each order comes with 8 pieces of dumplings. The skin was the thinnest of the thin, but surprisingly it didn't tear and was full of soup *LOVE*. The fillings and flavor were spot on - great balance of crab, pork and its juices. * Fried pork dumpling ($10.80): The crispy pork dumpling, was what really stood out for me! Nice, delicate skin and yummy fillings... sitting in a heady chili oil... gawd, so good! Although eating in Melbourne CBD can be quite expensive, this place could be a perfect alternative. Overall, Shanghai Street Dumpling is one Chinese restaurant that you simply should NOT miss. Easily my top 5 Chinese spot in Melbourne and a place worth many return visits.

Stephanie C.

I poked my head in here because every time I passed this street there was always a ridiculous line going to this place. It is a small shop and if you really want a table you have to be willing to take a seat on the street. Not good for big parties. Their food is good, authentic Shanghai quality right down to the seating style and payment method, but also not something I'd wait out in the cold for. Compared to the countless amounts of dumplings I've had in my life, this falls at average.

Dione D.

Popular little dumpling shop on Little Bourke Street. They are open for lunch until 3pm (you can walk up until about 2:50pm) and then dinner starting at 3:30pm. I can see that they really need that break in the middle. When the place is busy, you line up outside, review the menu, order your food, are sent inside to pay at the cashier, and then you are able to sit down. It's very hot inside on a hot day. To eat, I had the #1 steamed pork soup buns - 8 pieces, $11.80, as well as the #5 fried pork mini buns - 6 pieces, $10.80. And a Tsingtao to wash it down of course! I liked both of the dishes. The food came out VERY hot and the buns were yummy, but a little hard to eat. I ended up taking about 5 pieces to go. Seems like 1 dish might be too little but 2 is a little too much. The shop is really small - they can easily accommodates 1s and 2s, but definitely don't come here with more than 4 people total.

Deana M.

It's a very small place so the line to get inside can wrap around the street. By the look of the people waiting, it looked promising. Alas, I was disappointed yet again. Although the soup inside the xiao long bao was decent, the wrapper was thick. Plus, the dumplings get stuck together and pierces both, spilling precious soup even when you delicately try to pull them apart. And finally, service isn't superb. You feel rushed so they can fill the tables right away. [TIP] Cash only

Clarissa Y.

NOTES: ~ Do NOT come here if you are impatient. There is consistently a queue that extends out the door and the wait might be long, depending on how many people are in your group. Customer Service: It was pretty good. They got the food to me fast, were attentive, could use a bit of smiles but that's okay! Since it's so busy I really admire the kitchen staff - they must be working 'round the clock! Food: I'm a picky Chinese person who grew up on Xiao Long Bao. They're actually one of my favourite foods and a dish that I consistently order whenever I'm at a Chinese restaurant. And when I heard that Shanghai Street has the best Xiao Long Bao around... I was a bit wary but had to give it a try. I ordered Xiao Long Bao, 8 pieces for 8.80 and Crispy Chicken (Whole) Over Rice for 9 dollars. Crispy Chicken - It was pretty good. The chicken came with rice and some vegetables. No delicious flavouring, but still satisfied my appetite. Xiao Long Bao - It was the best I ever had. And like I said, I grew up on Xiao Long Bao. The wraps were cooked perfectly and didn't rip even when you picked them up so the Xiao Long Bao burst in your mouth when you bit into it - releasing sweet soupy juices and aekfjlwefjawSO GOOD. Unfortunately at other restaurants I have been to, sometimes the wraps would break and the Xiao Long Bao end up just being okay. But seriously, Shanghai Street... all 8 plump juicy pieces... I will be coming back for you. --- The entire meal was very filling and affordable. The food was delicious. The service was quick and attentive. I cannot say anything bad about this place except for the crazy waits. But their over-flowing business is well-deserved.

Willie M.

(begin rave review) I just had the perfect version of chilli beef in the entire world. The best I have ever had. Ever. There was so much tender, juicy beef that my huge gut could barely contain itself with delight. The gravy was silky smooth and slightly thick and glistening with chilli goodness. It enveloped the dish like the lush doona I cuddled last night in my swanky Melbourne hotel. The handmade noodles had been finger stretched to heavenly proportions and cooked to the softest version of themselves. The Chinese greens were slightly crunchy and ever so sweet. I thought the dumplings I tasted months back at Shanghai Street were good. Now I know the true extent of the powers wielded by the chefs in the kitchen. No doubt while smiling in anticipation of the next happy customer. 10/10 (end rave review)

Tai W.

Amazing, authentic soup and fried dumplings. Reminds me of a Shanghai hole in the wall but much cleaner of course. You order first, take your slip to the counter and then pay. Someone then brings you food in 5-10mins. Delish!