Downtown Dumpling Market

So, who’s down for some dumplings?! Move over Noodle market, Melbourne’s newest food festival Downtown Dumpling Market has landed at Birrarung Marr.

Running until 26 November, the bustling open-air hawker market will offer a delicious range of classic and contemporary dumplings, dishes and drinks from around the world. With 20 exciting vendors firing up their steamers, woks, frypans and BBQs, there will be something for everyone at the family and pooch-friendly springtime market.

Here are my top picks to try:

· Butter chicken dumplings from Naancho Naancho Man

The iconic Indian classic gets a twisted Naancho Naancho Man take. Chicken tikka heady with coriander and ginger swaddled in pastry, fried crisp and topped with a signature butter chicken sauce that adds creamy kick to the herby spice. Different, unusual – and outrageously delicious!

· Manti from Enfes Delights

Like tiny tortellini, Turkish manti are dumplings filled with spicy beef, quickly boiled and served with a garlic yoghurt and a minted butter sauce. Fragrant, exotic and incredibly moreish.

· Pan-fried mini bao from Wonderbao

These steamed-then-fried cloud-like pouches of perfection have made Wonderbao a crowd favourite at festivals and with chicken and veggie versions of the mini bao available, Downtown Dumpling Market is going to see just why! Also keep an eye out for their custard steamed bao.

· Mini mochi from IScream

Mochi is another Downtown Dumpling Market must-try. These squishy, sticky Japanese rice cakes are considered a symbol of good fortune and happy marriages – and are served with cream cheese for dunking, or, even better, gelato for a real marriage made in heaven.

· Yuzu spritz

The signature Downtown Dumpling Market cocktail is a fresh and fruity take on the summer fave and the perfect accompaniment to a dumpling dinner or weekend afternoon grazing and lazing on the grass. Chin chin!

A picnic rug is a must as a program of free entertainment complements the food and drinks on offer, with a line-up that includes musicians, dance groups, magicians and more.

Given the variety of options on offer, I’m fairly certain dumplings make the world the world go round. Downtown Dumpling Market is open from 4.30pm weekdays and from 12pm weekends. Entry is free with no bookings required. I’ll see you there!