Authentic Bites Dumpling House 真真小笼北桥店 — Restaurant in Perth

Once a favorite, now losing its charm — but still worth a visit

This used to be my go-to spot after a long day. I’d come here for a quiet escape, where the cozy atmosphere and perfectly arranged dumplings felt like a small ritual of comfort. They even had a fantastic loyalty program: spend $20 and you’d get a bottle of refreshing Japanese soda, or two if you spent $35 or more. Sadly, about six months ago, they raised their prices and did away with this little perk.

There was a period recently when the presentation of the dishes fell short — the dumplings would arrive in a haphazard mess, far from the beautiful, perfectly arranged plates they used to serve. Thankfully, they seem to have fixed this issue, and the dumplings are back to looking as good as they taste.

However, some issues persist. The tables can still be sticky, and they only give you two napkins per person, which feels odd — as if napkins are a rare luxury here.

One of the bigger downsides, which has always been an issue for as long as I can remember, is the constant queues. You often find yourself waiting for a table, and that hasn’t changed over time.

Another change is the new ordering and payment system. They replaced the handy tablets with a QR code system that doesn’t always work as smoothly as you’d hope. Ordering through your phone can feel clunky and slow, taking away from what should be an easy and relaxing dining experience.

On the bright side, they’ve introduced adorable robot waiters (not exactly cats, but still cute), which theoretically help speed up food delivery to the tables. It’s a fun addition, especially if you enjoy quirky tech.

Thankfully, the food is still as delicious as ever — that’s one thing that hasn't changed. The atmosphere remains pleasant, with soft Japanese melodies in the background and charming paintings of Japanese macaques on the walls. However, it has become a bit noisier than it used to be, which takes away some of the tranquility that once made this place so special.

The service is decent overall, but there’s a lingering feeling that the place is slowly losing some of the magic it once had. I really hope they take customer feedback seriously because I’d love to see it return to its...

Service could be improved. As first timers to this restaurant, my family didn’t know if it’s the kind where you enter and give them your name and then wait outside, or just wait and queue outside. There was also no signs whatsoever telling us to wait outside to be seated. So we entered the restaurant and were abruptly (and not so nicely) told “there are people waiting”. (okay, so..?) I understand they are busy with the dinner crowd, but we would’ve appreciated if the staff could’ve told us in a nicer and more understandable way instead of just saying there are other people waiting.

Food was not bad although some of the items could be better. XLB was a bit juicy, skin wasn’t too thick. Pan fried pork dumplings were decent. Could be better if the bottom was crispier and the filling was juicier. Chicken cutlet with rice was pretty good. The chicken cutlet was crispy and fragrant. The 红油抄手 was a major disappointment. The skin was thick. Filling wasn’t very succulent. Also was expecting more of a traditional 红油抄手 where the sauce is chilli oil and vinegar, instead of a spicy peanut sauce? Not sure if peanut sauce 红油抄手 is a...

We were planning to order 4 dishes in total, steamed juicy pork xiao long bao, pan fried pork buns, pork & prawn wonton in spice sauce and salted egg custard buns as dessert.

However, the first two dishes that came: pan fried pork buns and pork xiao long bao was below average. I have no idea why the line was long for this place, it was not worth the wait. The flavor was not there, the soup was bland. The outer layer of the pan fried pork buns were too thick.

The third dish: pork & prawn wonton in spice sauce was alright, just about average. If you compare all three of them, this one tastes better, but it doesn't blow my mind.

After these 3 dishes we decided we weren't going to order the fourth one because we didn't want to be disappointed again.

If you are planning to go, I suggest you don't if there is a line. I do not believe this restaurant is worth the wait. Apparently, they used to be much better than this, maybe they change their cook or something. But I would not visit this place again because they couldn't even get the basic xiao long bao and pan fried pork buns right, what else is there to...