Juicy, moreish and impossible to resist – nothing beats a steaming hot plate of dumplings. Steamed, fried, baked or boiled, there’s no wrong way to enjoy this delicacy. Check out these places in Durban for the most delicious dumplings!

Dumpling Bar (Ballito) 

If a restaurant has the word “dumplings” in its name, that’s obviously the dish to order, right? This restaurant offers authentic Asian fare including rich, flavourful broths, soups, noodle dishes and, of course, dumplings! Choose between steamed or fried or in a vegetable soup base. Flavours include chicken, beef, prawn and veg, and duck. They even have crystal dumplings (shiny, transparent coatings). It will be love at first dip thanks to their variety home-made dipping sauces. Open daily from 11am.  

Dumplings prepared and served at Dumpling Bar SA in Ballito. Image Sourced from Facebook.

Yori Oki (The Lifestyle Centre, Ballito)  

The new kid on the block, or should we say on The Eat Street in the Ballito Lifestyle Centre.  The flavour combinations on offer here are unique and exciting. They also offer sushi and Japanese noodles made with fresh ingredients and plenty of complex flavours. Open daily from 11am.  

 

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Big Fish (Umhlanga) 

Expect classic flavours such as prawn and beef, plus more unusual fare, including butternut or smoked salmon and cream cheese dumplings. Want to try them all? Opt for the eight-piece assorted platter (R190), or order the vegetarian platter (R125) to try the two veggie options. Open daily from 11am to 11pm.  

 

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Sakura  

This little gem is known all over the city for making delectable dumplings, both steamed and deep fried. Choose between chicken, beef, prawn or pork. They also have vegetarian options. If you have some extra room, be sure to try their signature sushi cake! Go hungry. Open daily from 11.30am to 9pm.  

China Plate (Riverside) 

As the name suggests, this spot is all about authentic Chinese cuisine. China Plate’s expansive menu can be overwhelming, but you definitely shouldn’t skip the dumplings! They’re dumplings are juicy and delicate, and you can order the spicy version if you want a little heat. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 11am to 2pm and 5pm to 10pm.  

Conchilla Tapa’s and Lounge Bar (Ballito)  

What could be more delightful than indulging in delicious dumplings with the salty scent of the sea in the air? Authentic flavours include pork, beef, prawn and chicken. The mushroom and smoked tofu dumplings make for a delightful vegan bite. Open Wednesday to Sunday from 1pm.  

 

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Wok Box (Durban North) 

The Wok Bok is famous for flavour, and they pack as much as possible into their dumplings! Their prices are reasonable and the service is always welcoming. Be sure to try one of their wok fries, too. Open daily from 11.30am to 3pm and 5pm to 7.30pm.