Sunday, an extra hour of sleep and a cold November afternoon: this is exactly what dumplings were invented for. They’re cheap, comforting and endlessly varied, and the city is full of small, unassuming spots folding them by hand. To map out the best dumplings in Montreal, we leaned on Tastet’s dumpling list, which focuses on Asian dumplings, and picked nine addresses across the island. Bring friends; ordering “a few plates to share” is the whole point.
A quick dumpling glossary
Most of the places below specialize in Chinese dumplings, usually a thin wheat dough wrapped around meat, seafood or vegetables. You’ll be asked how you want them: boiled (soft and slippery, the classic for northern-style jiaozi), steamed or pan-fried (crispy bottoms). Then there are xiao long bao, or soup dumplings: steamed, pleated parcels with a spoonful of hot broth inside. Bite a small hole, sip, then eat. And don’t skip the black vinegar, chili oil and ginger on the table.
The best dumplings in Montreal: 9 spots
1. La Maison de Mademoiselle Dumpling (Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie)
This tiny restaurant opened on Plaza St-Hubert, at 6381 rue Saint-Hubert, in 2015. You can watch two women folding dumplings in the window, and every recipe comes from the owner’s mother. Fillings include pork and bok choy, chicken and cilantro, beef and cilantro, two vegetarian options, and pork, shrimp and ginger. Tastet lists plates between $10.45 and $14.15, and they’re a classic order to bring to a house party.
2. Harbin Dumpling (Mile End)
At 4801 boulevard Saint-Laurent, Harbin has become a neighbourhood classic for boiled, steamed or fried dumplings at very reasonable prices, with pork, chicken, beef, lamb, vegetarian and shrimp fillings. Get the pork, cilantro and shrimp, or the pork and chive. Tastet’s advice: skip the soups. Open daily, with takeout.
3. Mai Xiang Yuan (Chinatown)
With one location at 1082 boulevard Saint-Laurent and another on Sainte-Catherine, Mai Xiang Yuan serves plates of about 15 dumplings in a charming room with efficient staff. Order them boiled, and try the beef, onion and curry or the pork, shrimp and cilantro.
4. Le Petit Coin Dumpling (Plateau)
A small, unpretentious spot at 1201 rue Rachel Est, Le Petit Coin Dumpling was opened by two women who first came to Montreal as students (they also run a Yunnan rice noodle restaurant in Brossard). Eat in or take out.
5. Sammi & Soupe Dumpling (downtown)
Near Concordia at 1909 rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest, Sammi & Soupe Dumpling is the pick for xiao long bao, made in view through a kitchen window and served in sets of 10 or 15. Fair warning from Tastet: the service isn’t the selling point. The dumplings are.
6. The Dumpling Hut (Plateau)
At 3591 rue Clark, Dumpling Hut feels like eating in the owners’ dining room. The family adjusts its menu to customers’ tastes; if a dish becomes a favourite, it stays. Expect about 10 dumpling options built on family recipes.
7. Montreal Chinese Crepes & Dumplings (Montreal West)
A surprising little counter at 37 Westminster North with very low prices. Order the shrimp dumplings, the veggie ones and the sweet-and-spicy beef, and save room for a Chinese crepe. The welcome is as warm as the food.
8. Ai Dumpling (Notre-Dame-de-Grâce)
Tucked away at 6592 avenue Somerled, Ai Dumpling offers a long list of beef, chicken, lamb, pork, seafood and vegan dumplings. You choose: simply steamed or fried. Either way, you’ll be glad you came.
9. 3 Madames Dumplings (Verdun)
A small restaurant at 3872 rue Wellington celebrating homemade Asian cooking, with handcrafted dumplings and a menu of other traditional dishes. A good option for dine-in or takeout in Verdun.
Tips for a dumpling crawl
- Many of these spots are small, so go early or at off-peak hours on weekends.
- Order a mix of cooking styles to compare: one boiled, one fried.
- Some dumpling shops also sell frozen dumplings to cook at home, so it’s worth asking if you want to stock the freezer for winter.
- Check hours before heading out, as small family restaurants can change them.
Hungry for more noodle-and-broth comfort? Revisit our guide to Ramen Ramen Fes for ramen spots, our ranking of French onion soups, or plan a weekend around our Sunday brunch list and food hall guide. More in our Food section. Bon appétit!
More on MTL365
- This Week in Montreal (Nov. 2–8): CINEMANIA, La Grande Dégustation, a Habs Home Stand and the Eastern Final
- Montreal Sports Week Ahead: Alouettes Eastern Final, Three Habs Games and the Rocket at Home
- Clocks Fell Back Overnight. Was It Quebec’s Last Time Change?
- More Montreal food on MTL365
Photo: sfllaw from Montreal, Quebec / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Sources: Tastet (best dumplings), Tastet (Harbin), Tastet (Mai Xiang Yuan), Tastet (Le Petit Coin), Tastet (Sammi & Soupe), Tastet (Dumpling Hut)
