Dumplings, a beloved delicacy with a rich history, have sparked an exciting culinary journey in Melbourne. Gary Zhao, a dumpling enthusiast, was disappointed by Australia's dumpling scene, so he decided to take matters into his own hands. Fast forward to today, and his dumpling restaurant, Hoppy Dumpling, is a thriving success, selling thousands of dumplings daily.
But here's where it gets interesting... Gary's journey began with a simple idea: a make-your-own dumpling workshop. This innovative concept has not only attracted foodies from diverse backgrounds but has also become a platform for cultural exchange and family bonding.
Imagine a small restaurant near Melbourne's Chinatown, bustling with activity as almost 30 eager participants gather for a Lunar New Year dumpling-making event. Among them is Gavin Rajahmoney, a Chinese language student, and Adam, who previously lived in Hong Kong. Both share a common passion for dumplings and a desire to learn this ancient art.
Hand-rolling dumplings is an age-old tradition in Asia, dating back to the Han dynasty in China. These delicate pastry pockets symbolize prosperity and are traditionally filled with vegetables or minced meat, such as pork, ginger, and spices.
"Normally, we start with pre-prepared dumpling skins," explains Paul Hordijenko, a customer at the workshop. "We then roll them out, add the filling, and seal them together. It's a fun and rewarding process."
Gary Zhao, the mastermind behind Hoppy Dumpling, is amazed by the workshop's success. "The interest and enthusiasm from people of different cultures have exceeded my expectations." he says. "What's more, our customers learn to make dumplings faster than I imagined, and they absolutely love it!"
Zhao's connection to dumplings runs deep. He grew up in China's Guangdong province, where his family, originally from northern China, often prepared dumplings for meals. After migrating to Australia in 2016, he felt a void in the local dumpling scene. "I love dumplings, but I couldn't find the ones I craved here, so I decided to create my own dumpling haven," he explains.
In 2024, Hoppy Dumpling opened its doors on Russell Street in Melbourne, and soon a second venue will follow in South Yarra. The menu offers a delightful array of pan-fried dumplings, premium steamed xiao long bao, wontons, noodles, and a range of fried dishes. Dumplings can be enjoyed cooked to order or taken away fresh or frozen.
But it's not just about the traditional flavors. Zhao offers a twist with five pre-prepared filling choices. "One traditional filling is celery and pork, but we also have Korean-style spicy kimchi with pork, a French-style chicken liver pâté, and chicken, cheese, and corn," he says.
Linisha Condisetti, a customer, raves about the chicken and corn filling, describing it as "a burst of flavor in my mouth." To cater to diverse palates, there's also a curry beef option, a favorite among many.
While new flavors are embraced, traditional fillings remain popular, with pork and celery taking the crown. "Some customers prefer the original Chinese-style dumplings," Zhao acknowledges. "But Melbourne is a melting pot, and we wanted to offer fillings inspired by different cultures."
The choice of filling may be a matter of personal taste, but one thing is certain: homemade dumplings taste fresher and more delicious than store-bought ones.
"Supermarket dumplings are convenient, but they lack the freshness and taste of handmade dumplings," says Hordijenko, whose family migrated from Ukraine, where varenyky dumplings are a popular delicacy.
During the workshop, Hordijenko learned about the history of Lunar New Year celebrations and the tradition of putting a coin inside the dumpling filling for good luck and prosperity.
And this is where Gary Zhao's story takes an even more exciting turn. Since launching the DIY dumpling event, his sales have skyrocketed. "Previously, we sold around 1,000 dumplings a day. Now, we average 2,400 to 2,500 dumplings daily," he reveals.
The success has inspired Gary to plan more make-your-own dumpling events and expand his business further.
For many customers, making dumplings together is a special bonding experience. "It's a wonderful activity for family time and a great way to learn the art of traditional dumpling-making," says Condisetti.
Gary agrees, "Gathering to make and eat dumplings, regardless of the holiday or people's busy schedules, brings families together. This is the food culture we aim to share."
So, what do you think? Are you ready to embark on your own dumpling-making adventure? Join the conversation and share your thoughts in the comments below!
