ShanDong MaMa Mini — Restaurant in Melbourne

ShangDong Mama Mini is a small and cozy Chinese restaurant tucked away on a charming street in Melbourne. Despite its unassuming appearance, this place offers an impressive selection of Chinese dishes. The lady, whom we believe is the owner, is usually friendly but can be serious at times, giving off a genuine Asian mom or grandma vibe. We have a fondness for her and the restaurant.

During our visit, the atmosphere was warm and inviting, perfect for engaging conversations about food and other topics with the owner. Our usual favourites include the mouthwatering Pork Belly Bao Buns, featuring tender meat with a delightful touch of sourness that leaves you wanting more. These buns have an addictive quality, and their simple yet exquisite flavors make them a true delight.

Unfortunately, our cherished Beef Bao Buns were unavailable this time, leading us to try something different: pan-fried dumplings. While unquestionably among the best in Melbourne, they are, at the end of the day, just dumplings. They satisfy the taste buds, but it's the buns and cold noodles that truly draw us back to this place.

One of my personal favorites is the Cold Sesame Noodle dish—a delicate combination of buckwheat noodles tossed in a secret sauce reminiscent of tahini, infused with flavors of garlic, and possibly a hint of soy sauce and other undisclosed ingredients. Served chilled, this dish comes adorned with various toppings and crunchy elements, which can be set aside to fully savor the noodles and their delectable sauce. It transports you to an indescribable state of pure culinary delight, a place that brings a smile to your face. Despite considering trying other menu items, we have always succumbed to the irresistible allure of this particular dish.

As soon as we finish our meal, an undeniable longing to return to ShangDong Mama Mini takes hold of us. Its irresistible charm and the unforgettable flavors we've experienced keep drawing us back to this hidden gem. It's a cherished destination that we find ourselves wanting to revisit time...

Fresh, Great & Delicious Pan-Fried Dumplings!

Shandong Mama Mini's Pan Fried Dumplings was highly recommended to us by one of our relative bcos it was my favourite snack food. At first, we were skeptical it can taste good bcos it is a small shop, located at the Central Place, a great arcade little laneway.

We chose to reach there after lunch hours and it was still full house with only one table left at the front foyer for us. We tried their Signature Mackerel Fish, Wagyu Beef, Chicken Shepherd's Purse and Prawns, Pork Black Fungus & Chives types. All of us were surprised that it tasted really Fresh, Great & Delicious. The dumplings were crispy at the bottom, soft on top, with savoury juicy tender fillings of good flavours and not too salty. The doneness was excellent, as it is not so oily or soggy. It was at another level of tastiness when we dipped them in their Vinegar sauce provided.

Different fillings were all delicious and we especially love their Signature Mackerel Fish & Wagyu Beef ones. We found ourselves going back the second time just the next day and this time, we also ordered for takeaway for a friend's parents to try. They gave much praises on it too.

Thereafter, we were amazed when we saw that there were write ups about them at MENU MOMENTS THAT WE LOVE, at NEIL PERRY'S PICKS & at FORBES Magazine and the shop Owner told us that they were rated as the 3rd Best Dumplings seller in Melbourne. No wonder the dumplings tasted awesome.

Friendly and efficient staff too, especially Steven. Must go if you are in Melbourne CBD. Totally, Definitely...

@shandongmama_mini 📍CBD

🥟 Dill-licious Pork Dumplings 🥟 Wagyu Beef and Chicken Dumplings 🫓 Spring Onion Roti 🐄 Stewed Beef Shank Bun

Tucked into Centre Pl lane way you will find Shandong Mama Mini, a small hole-in-the-wall branch off from their popular Chinatown restaurant. Here you find a reduced version of the menu, perfect for a quick bite to eat. 🥢

They are famous for their dumplings and seafood dishes, which are traditional recipes from their home fishing town of Yantai, China. We started with one of their famous Beef Shank Buns, which had an incredible deep flavour, I would order this over and over. The Spring Onion Pancakes were essentially like roti, super flaky and generously portioned. 👌🏽

Next we ordered a serving of their pan-fried Wagyu Beef and Chicken Dumplings and “Dilliciois” Pork Dumplings. They were delicious however they completely fell out of their skins, some even already out when served. If this hadn’t been the case i would’ve given Shandong Mama Mini a 5/5. 🥟

We dined for lunch and it came to $64 total including a couple of cans of soft drink. It is tiny, causal and unpretentious, you will get a box of tissues instead of napkins, be seated very close to the next table and service is quick. The walls are lined with articles of accolades. It’s all part...