Hou Hai Dumpling House - Melbourne

We live just around the corner from this place and we go once every 2 or 3 weeks. This place reminds us of restaurants in the Hutong area of Beijing where Thomas (the owner) comes from.Try the dumplings ($10) and noodles with eggplant and pork ($10) - enough for 2 people - wine $5 per glass but BYO also!Excellent value - its always great !

Ok so the decor isn't chic/sauve/swanky or trendy it is pretty basic more a diner than a restaurant. We didn't order any drinks so I can't comment on their 'bar'. The dumplings were very good especially the pan fried pawn (shrimp) with ginger and onion (sprig not my spelling but theirs). The menu has multiple spelling errors but hey I knew what they meant. The broccoli with black fungus and carrot was to die for, fresh, light and not oily or greasy like some Chinese stir fried veggie dishes. The pork and green bean (steamed/boiled) dumpling were good but the veggies and panfried shrimp dumplings were the stars of the meal. We went early (5pm ish) before a movie just up the road at the Palace Cinema. It appeared to be popular with families with small children, Grandparents with pre-teens and takeaway at that time. The service was ok but then we were under a time constraint and probably not as relaxed as we could have been. I can't, at this time comment on any of the cold dishes but I can't wait to go back with friends and with time to spare. I was impressed and "that ain't easy"

We had a fabulous meal for 3 of dumplings and side dishes plus beers for around $50. Plenty of choice for vegetarians and dumplings are freshly made. Try the broccoli doused in garlic and fried tofu as accompaniments.The only down side was very slow service. We got in early and were fine but others waited ages to be seated and to order. It pays to be pro-active in this situation and seat yourself, and grab a menu from the counter. Perhaps there was a problem in the kitchen with staff that night and it was a one off situation.No frills but very tasty food, which is the main thing for me. Will definitely be visiting again

This is a little gem ! This place reminds us of staying in the Hutong area of Beijing where Thomas (the owner) comes from. Excellent value - try dumplings ($10) and noodles with eggplant and pork ($10) - enough for 2 people - wine $5 per glass but BYO also!We go here regularily - its always great !

Frequent visitor to eat the freshest, tastiest dumplings around. Flavour combinations are great - we have worked through all of them steamed and fried and every visit is a treat. And cheap!