The Sydney Morning Herald logo
Advertisement
14/20Critics' Pick

Chef Wong

Updated ,first published

Dim sum at Chef Wong.
1 / 8Dim sum at Chef Wong.Supplied
Chef Wong in Huntindale.
2 / 8Chef Wong in Huntindale.Supplied
Prawn toast.
3 / 8Prawn toast.Supplied
Assorted dim sum at Chef Wong.
4 / 8Assorted dim sum at Chef Wong.Supplied
One of many dim sum dishes.
5 / 8One of many dim sum dishes.Supplied
Delicate prawn dumplings.
6 / 8Delicate prawn dumplings.Supplied
Fried beancurd.
7 / 8Fried beancurd.Supplied
A weekend feast.
8 / 8A weekend feast. Supplied
14/20Critics' Pick

Chef Wong

Cantonese$

A yum cha specialist that’ll take you on a dumpling adventure.

Even in Hong Kong, the home of dim sum, there’s a decline in dumpling masters devoting themselves to the art of yum cha. Let’s be grateful, then, for this restaurant, powered by a belief in honouring legacy, in this case that of Wing Kwong “Chef” Wong, a dim sum master who died last year, aged 70, after more than 50 years filling and folding dumplings. Wong’s daughter, Doris, now carries the torch.

Diners mark up the one-page order sheet with their choice of dumplings (all under $4; their folding precise and the fillings pert) through to XO fried rice and exemplary egg tarts. The rich meat of the house invention, coriander and roast duck, is brightened with prawn, while roast pork cheung fun are silky but properly chewy.

No shortcuts, no compromises. This is a modest restaurant, but there’s nowhere in Melbourne making dumplings with more integrity. What a gift.

Good to know: You can grab some of the excellent dumplings and fluffy pork buns from the freezer to take home.

Good Food reviews are booked anonymously and paid independently. A restaurant can’t pay for a review or inclusion in the Good Food Guide.

Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox.

Sign up

Continue this series

Melbourne’s Southern Suburbs
Up next
Mullet with pickled chilli.
  • Review

Dainty on Toorak

One of Melbourne’s best-loved addresses for spice.

Lunch at Donovans.
  • Review

Donovans

A dining institution that blends memory with enduring hospitality.

Previously
Outside the Hughesdale restaurant.
  • Review

Cha Adda

Tucked away and hiding lots of surprises.

See all stories

From our partners

Advertisement
Advertisement