LOCATIONIn the ever-expanding New Acton precinct.
PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIANestled underneath the Unilodge building in New Acton, Shanghai Dumpling Cafe is a buzzing beacon for lovers of affordable, authentic Asian cuisine. Its campus location means that the restaurant is convenient for those working or studying at ANU, and people in Civic haven’t got far to stroll either. Shanghai Dumpling’s super central location, together with the wave of new development going on in the precinct means that the popularity of this already buzzing restaurant is sure to skyrocket.
Shanghai Dumpling Cafe has a varied menu that seems to suit a diverse range of diners. For those whose idea of culinary sacrilege is sweet and sour pork or lemon chicken, Shanghai Dumpling Cafe will be a refreshing change. The authentic nature of the menu means that discerning patrons will be happy with choices such as pickled cabbage and steamed pork noodles. More adventurous souls will be itching to try the spicy pork stomach with rice. Luckily, those who are not so familiar with this style of cuisine need not worry. Indeed, even the most cautious of eaters will find options that are familiar, albeit in a more faithful rendition than found elsewhere. Steamed pork buns and soya sauce pork ribs with rice are two classic dishes that should please all palates. In addition, as the restaurant’s name suggests, there is a huge variety of dumplings and wontons on offer served either steamed, fried or in soup. Personal recommendations from the menu include the large, but still relatively light Chinese spinach, tofu and sliced pork soup and the fried chive cakes, which arrive teeming with flavour, thanks to the addition of shrimp.
Elizabeth Hall, July 2010