Little Red Dumpling

Little Red Dumpling is a lively and colourful dumpling bar tucked away in the basement of the century old heritage-listed church that is also home to The Pancake Manor in Brisbane CBD.

Those who remember going out in Brisbane in the 70's and 80's will recall that the basement was a late night bar extension of the Pancake Manor and now the split-level underground space has been brought back to life with red Chinese lanterns, cosy booths and an open bar kitchen running along once side.

Seating is available in booths, group or couples tables and walk-ins are accepted although in the evenings it is advisable to book. And with outlets across Brisbane, Little Red Dumpling's menu may be familiar to diners.

On the menu you'll find every kind of dumpling under the sun as well as a smattering of other street food such as wasabi prawns, cumin lamb ribs, deep fried wontons, spring rolls and chive pancakes.

The extensive dumplings menu includes pork chive, prawn, chicken cabbage, chicken & prawn, lamb coriander and rainbow dumplings as well as dumplings in Mr Zhong's secret sauce and crab roe xiao long bao (Shaghia style dumplings frilled with pork and crab.

There's also a selection of vegetarian dumplings, pan- fried dumplings (pork or wagyu bun) and wonton soup (plain or hot and sour) and wontons in red chill sauce.

Meanwhile a small selection of non-dumpling dishes include braised beef or lamb on rice, minced chicken try noodle, cold noodle salad and noodle soups (braised beef, chicken or braised lamb). 

Little Red Dumpling also serves delicious traditional desserts like ice cream bun, pumpkin pancake, Chinese donut, potato custard bun or hedgehog bun (dough hedgehogs baked with sweet red bean paste filling).

Drinks-wise, there's Chinese and Australian craft beer, a tiny menu of wine by the glass or bottle and mixed spirit drinks as well as shots of Baiju (Chinese liquor), whilst non-alcoholic drinks include a selection of fruit and Chinese teas and soft drinks.

Need to know - You'll find the entrance on the right hand side of the Pancake Manor church, where a doorway leads downstairs to the dumpling bar.