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Gyozas, pierogi, xiao long bao and ravioli – every culture has its respective dumpling, and that’s something that should be celebrated. That’s why we were thrilled to learn after seven long, dumpling-less years, the Melbourne International Dumpling Festival is making a triumphant return to the Queen Victoria Market.
The Melbourne International Dumpling Festival is a celebration of all cultures making sweet and savory fillings wrapped in pillow-soft dough. At the market, foodies can embark on a food-filled journey wherein they can try dumplings from all over the globe, from Tibetan and Nepalese momos to Polish pierogi. There will also be plenty of ravioli, xiao long bao, pelmeni, mandoo, manti and khinkali, to name a few.
The festival has not been held since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was supposed to resume in March 2023, but was postponed indefinitely due to unforeseen circumstances. That “indefinitely” finally has a brand new date: Monday, November 2.
The following day is the Melbourne Cup public holiday, so you can eat until you’re on the brink of a food coma with the knowledge that you’ll have the next day off to recover. The festivities kick off at midday and run until 10pm, giving you plenty of time to eat, digest, peruse all of your food options… and do it all over again. No matter what type of dumpling is your go-to, you’re bound to have a ball at this event.
The Melbourne International Dumpling Festival is free to enter, but you must register online beforehand, which you can do at the link here. For more details about the festival, visit www.dumplingfestival.com.au.
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