Liam SmithLast week, I was craving for some dumplings so I did what any sane person in the 21st century would do—I asked my grandma for her secret recipe. Just kidding, I Googled it.
But the results were overwhelming, and so I decided to just go out—probably get takeout or go dine in. After many delicious detours and likely a few extra pounds gained over the week, I’ve managed to put together this list of Ottawa’s best dumpling spots.
The good news? I’m not gatekeeping anything! Trust me, whether you’re team pork, shrimp, veggie, or all of the above, there’s something on this list that’s gonna make your taste buds do a happy dance. Let’s get started!
Dumpling? Dumpling!
– Media credit: dumplingdumplingca
Address: 382 Bank St.
Contact details: +1 613 422 0888
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 11:30 AM to 10 PM
Cost: $$
Dumpling? Dumpling! has some seriously mouthwatering dumpling selections. Whether you’re into the classic pork & Chinese chives dumplings or looking for something with a twist like the beef & curry onion dumplings, they’ve got you covered.
The menu also features chicken curry dumplings, pork & shrimp dumplings, and for the veggie lovers, the Chinese cabbage shiitake mushroom vermicelli dumpling. If dumplings aren’t enough, their braised beef shank and wonton soup are popular too.
When it comes to drinks, they’ve got a bunch of fresh lime sodas, as well as soft drinks that are really refreshing. Furthermore, if you’re having a hard time choosing what to order, you can go for their combos and ‘mix of two kinds’ option.
| Pro tip: Some of their dumplings sell out fast, so it’s best to come early if you want to make sure you get your favourites. |
Sammi & Soupe Dumpling
– Media credit: sammi_soupe_dumpling
Address: 41 York St.
Contact details: +1 343 588 5588
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 11 AM to 9 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 11 AM to 11 PM
Cost: $$
Sammi & Soupe menu is packed with dumpling goodness, and the must-tries are the xiao long bao, beef dumplings, shrimp dumplings, and the pork & chive dumplings. They’ve also got some killer soup options like hot & sour soup and wonton soup.
Their pan-fried dumplings are also a crowd favourite, so definitely give those a shot. They’ve also got some great appetisers like Dan Dan Noodles and beef pancake rolls that you wouldn’t want to skip.
For drinks, they offer a variety of fresh juices alongside water and soft drinks that pair perfectly with their savoury dumplings. Plus, if you visit in the colder months, their hot teas will help keep you warm.
| Pro tip: Sammi & Soupe Dumpling is a popular spot, and some of their best dumplings sell out fast. Also, if you’re planning on ordering the pan-fried dumplings and the Xiao Long Bao, try to eat them as soon as they arrive at your table for the best experience—no one likes a soggy dumpling! |
Sula Wok
– Media credit: sulawok
Address: 184 Main St.
Contact details: +1 613 890 7852
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 11 AM to 8 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 4 PM to 8 PM
Cost: $$
Sula Wok is all about variety and flavour when it comes to dumplings. Here, you can’t go wrong with their shrimp pork, Tibetan beef, pork chive, Thai basil chicken, kimchi pork, cumin beef, and curry lentil purple yam dumplings.
For the vegetarians out there, they’ve got awesome options like spinach mushroom tofu, potato masala, and kimchi tofu dumplings. Trust me, just get one of each to really experience what they have to offer.
Other than those, they also have a bunch of sauce options to pair with your dumplings, which makes it even better because you can mix and match. Besides dumplings, you can also try some of their Asian tacos, fried rice, noodles, rice bowls and more.
| Pro tip: In Sula Wok, you can mix and match their dumplings to create your perfect meal combination. And if you’re looking for something easy to grab for later, you can check out their prepared meals. |
The Momo Spot
– Media credit: themomospot
Address: 79 Holland Ave.
Contact details: +1 613 728 7777
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday – 11 AM to 9 PM
Cost: $$
The Momo Spot got a fantastic lineup of Nepalese dumplings, with options like pork, chicken, and vegan momos.
But they’re not just about the classic steamed dumplings; you can take it up a notch with their Kothe Pan-Fried Momos, deep-fried momos, Jhol Momos (dumplings in soup), or their spicy chilli momos.
Aside from dumplings, you can also try their noodle soup, such as the vegetarian thukpa and chicken thukpa. For drinks, The Momo Spot offers a selection of Beyond The Pale tall cans along with some non-alcoholic drinks and sodas.
| Pro tip: Make sure to ask for extra sauce. Their in-house mild sauce, spicy sesame, and chilli cilantro really elevate the flavours of the momos. |
Datsun
– Media credit: eatdatsun
Address: 380 Elgin St.
Contact details: +1 613 421 7411
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 5 PM to 10 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 5 PM to 11 PM
Cost: $$
Switching gears, Datsun’s menu offers a variety of dumplings, noodles, and bao buns that are all worth trying. When in here, you should definitely try their pork and coriander lace dumplings, Kabocha squash dumplings, and shrimp and chive wontons.
They mix it up with other small plates like tuna tartare, chicken karaage, crispy rice paper rolls, and more. Now, the drinks at Datsun are great as well.
From classic cocktails to drafts and beer cans, there’s something for everyone. The most sought-after drinks include the Ex’s Sweater, Send Noods, Umeshu Gimlet, Bruma Hazy IPA, and Sapporo.
| Pro tip: While a reservation isn’t a must at Datsun, it’s highly advisable to make one. The place fills up quickly due to its immense popularity, and having a reservation ensures you won’t be left waiting for a table. |
Ha’s Dim Sum Noodle House
– Media credit: ottawachinatown
Address: 870 Somerset St W.
Contact details: +1 613 680 1688
Operating hours:
- Monday and Tuesday, Thursday to Sunday – 11 AM to 10 PM
Cost: $
If you’re looking for some killer dumplings, rice, and noodle dishes, Ha’s Dim Sum Noodle House is a must-visit. They’ve got all the dim sum classics like shrimp dumplings, pork shiu mai, coriander shrimp dumplings, and Shanghai pork dumplings.
Aside from that, they also have options like sticky rice in lotus leaf, steamed spare rib, and chicken feet. Don’t miss out on their poached vegetarian dumplings or pan-fried turnip pudding, either—you really can’t go wrong.
If you’re coming in a group, you guys can aim for their ‘dim sum and dinner combinations’ to get a taste of almost everything. Now, they don’t have a fancy cocktail menu, but you can grab a classic beer or a soda to wash down all those dumplings.
| Pro tip: Keep an eye out for their deep-fried shrimp balls and steamed egg custard buns. These customer favourites tend to sell out quickly, so get there early if you want to snag some! |
Mekong
– Media credit: mekongottawa
Address: 637 Somerset St W.
Contact details: +1 613 237 7717
Operating hours:
- Monday, Wednesday to Sunday – 3:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Cost: $$
Mekong is another fantastic dumpling spot, and their menu is super extensive, offering a wide range of appetisers, soups, rice dishes, and, of course, dumplings. First, you’ve got to try their shrimp, pork, and vegetarian dumplings, which are all game-changers.
They also have some great noodle and rice dishes like Pad Thai, teriyaki soft noodle, and Singapore-style rice vermicelli if you’re in the mood for something a bit different. By the way, they have a dedicated vegetarian menu, so if that’s your thing, check that out.
Not just that, if you love seafood, they offer a LOT of options for that, from prawns and scallops to calamari and some fillets. For drinks, Mekong offers a range of classic cocktails and Japanese sake, along with a decent wine selection.
| Pro tip: They sometimes have special seasonal items, so always ask the server what’s new and special. Also, they recommend making reservations, as the place is kind of intimate. |
Yimin Dim Sum House
– Media credit: wanderingwongzies
Address: 662 Somerset St W.
Contact details: +1 613 238 8828
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 11 PM
Cost: $
Yimin Dim Sum menu is packed with a variety of dim sum and other Chinese favourites that will keep your taste buds entertained. You’ll want to try their small, medium, and large dim sum options, alongside the chef’s specials and Cantonese-style dishes.
Don’t forget to check out their Szechuan spicy style dishes as well if you like a kick of heat. Other must-tries here include the congee and noodle soup and their selection of casseroles.
For a more rounded meal or if you’re coming in a big group, you can go for the dinner combos. Yimin also offers a range of sodas in cans perfect for washing down those dumplings.
| Pro tip: Keep an eye out for the house specials because they tend to have some unique and seasonal items that you won’t find elsewhere. These special items are often limited, so asking the server for recommendations is always a good idea. |
Wei’S Noodle House
– Media credit: weis_noodle_house
Address: 610 Bronson Ave.
Contact details: +1 613 230 6815
Operating hours:
- Monday, Wednesday to Sunday – 11 AM to 9:30 PM
Cost: $
Wei’s Noodle House has a vegan menu with the vegan spring roll, vegan dumplings, veggie Pad Thai, and fresh braised tofu wrap being among the crowd’s favourites. Of course, they also have some good pork, chicken, and ‘Beyond Impossible’ dumplings.
If you’re in the mood for a twist, their Pad Thai and selection of ramen are also worth a try. Even better, they offer vermicelli and rice bowls if you need something hearty but not too heavy.
Now, if you’re someone with a sweet tooth, their dessert section will probably grab your attention. There’s also a variety of drinks like tea, coffee, milkshakes, and those real fruit smoothies that hit the spot if you’re looking to cool down or just need a refreshing break.
| Pro tip: If you’re planning a visit, don’t forget they’ve got this “Show the Kitchen Some Love Fund,” which is a pretty neat initiative if you’re into supporting local spots. Also, for convenience, you can totally get your Wei’s fix through Uber Eats. |
Dumpling Bowl & Bubblicity Tea Shop
– Media credit: dumplingbowl
Address: 730 Somerset St W.
Contact details: +1 613 680 8867
Operating hours:
- Monday, Wednesday to Saturday – 11:30 AM to 8:30 PM
- Sunday – 12 PM to 7 PM
Cost: $$
Dumpling Bowl & Bubblicity Tea Shop is where you need to be for a good dumpling and, of course, bubble tea. The dumpling lineup here is incredible, featuring pan-fried pork dumplings, chicken and mushroom, shrimp and pork, seafood supreme, and more.
Aside from homemade dumplings, they also have wontons and noodles, such as pork and mushroom wontons, pork and shrimp, Thai peanut dry noodles, beef noodles, and vegetarian Shanghai wontons in soup.
Their bubble tea is also spot on if you’re looking to quench your thirst. Whether you’re into classic milk tea flavours or something a little fruitier like lychee or mango, they’ve got you covered.
| Pro tip: It can get pretty busy, especially during lunch and dinner hours, so if you want to dodge the crowd, mid-afternoon is a sweet spot. Also, ask about their seasonal specials—they sometimes whip up limited-time flavours that aren’t on the regular menu. |
