Dumplings are far more than just a bite-sized comfort food — they’re cultural icons, a delicious link between tradition and community. Around the world, entire culinary trails and food tours are dedicated to these humble parcels of joy, offering food lovers the chance to eat their way through the heart of a country’s culinary story. From the bustling alleyways of Shanghai to the laneways of Melbourne, here are some of the best dumpling trails and tours you should try around the globe.
Shanghai, China – The Birthplace of Xiao Long Bao
No dumpling pilgrimage is complete without a visit to Shanghai, home of the famed xiao long bao (soup dumplings). Join a local food tour that winds through traditional street food markets and bustling teahouses. Many tours include behind-the-scenes access to dumpling kitchens where you can see skilled hands pleating delicate parcels filled with rich broth and pork. Bonus tip: arrive hungry — you’ll want to try at least a dozen.
Melbourne, Australia – Dumpling Laneways and Hidden Gems
Melbourne’s food scene is a multicultural melting pot, and its dumpling game is strong. Head to Chinatown, centred around Little Bourke Street, for everything from traditional Cantonese-style dumplings to spicy Sichuan flavours. While you’re there, be sure to make a stop at House Of Yum Cha — a local favourite known for its refined yet authentic approach to modern yum cha. Whether you’re after prawn har gow or a perfectly steamed pork bun, this is a must-visit for dumpling devotees.
Taipei, Taiwan – Street Markets and Michelin-Star Dumplings
Taiwan is often overshadowed by its bigger neighbours, but its dumpling scene is a force to be reckoned with. Taipei is home to the original Din Tai Fung, a Michelin-starred chain known for its precision-crafted xiao long bao. Beyond the formal setting, explore the street food markets like Raohe and Shilin Night Markets, where vendors serve up everything from spicy wontons to sweet taro dumplings.
Tbilisi, Georgia – Khinkali Adventures in the Caucasus
Georgian khinkali are the unsung heroes of the dumpling world. Larger than most and filled with juicy meat and broth, they’re eaten with your hands, by the stem. Join a culinary tour through Tbilisi and the surrounding wine country for a rustic experience of Georgian hospitality. Many tours include a dumpling-making class with local families — and yes, wine is usually involved.
Tokyo, Japan – Gyoza Galore in the City of Light
Tokyo’s obsession with gyoza has led to entire districts being known for these golden, crispy-bottomed parcels. Take a food tour through areas like Utsunomiya or Ebisu, where gyoza specialists churn out dozens of flavour profiles, from classic pork to inventive vegan varieties. Some tours even offer cooking classes where you can master the art of the perfect gyoza fold.
Warsaw, Poland – Pierogi Trails Through Eastern Europe
In Poland, dumplings come in the form of pierogi — soft dough filled with everything from potatoes and cheese to berries and sweetened poppy seeds. Warsaw’s pierogi tours take you through historic old towns and contemporary kitchens, revealing how this simple dish has evolved over time. It’s a warming experience, particularly during the European winter months.
New York City, USA – A Global Dumpling Showcase
New York’s melting pot of cultures makes it one of the best places to sample dumplings from all over the world in a single day. Join a dumpling tour in Queens or Brooklyn to try Nepalese momos, Korean mandu, Jewish kreplach, and Dominican pastelitos — all within a few blocks of each other. It’s a true celebration of how food connects us all.
Dumplings are more than just food; they’re a window into history, culture, and community
Whether you’re wandering through the night markets of Taipei or sharing a table at a family-run restaurant in Melbourne, every bite tells a story. So pack your appetite and follow your tastebuds — there’s a dumpling trail waiting for you somewhere in the world.
