As far as cuisines go, Mumbai does a lot of things well. We’ve got some fantastic burgers, fatty, porcine pleasure on offer and we know exactly where to get the best vada pavs too. But in this vast expanse of culinary offerings, there’s one thing we can all agree on, and that’s dim sums, dumplings and momos. Somehow, and we’re still not sure what it is about them, they always hit the spot.
We went about creating a little trail around the city, exploring the wide variety of exquisite dimsums, dumplings, moms, wantons and more, served around the city with sizzling sauces and innovative toppings. And naturally, we put together our favourites. So join us as we stumble upon exotic combinations like Spinach, Cheese and Water chestnut rolled into one soft, translucent steamed dumpling that are unfairly scrumptious. Or, smooth blends of Scallops and Caviar that give non-vegetarians an invitation to drool. All these delicacies sprinkled with an orange-red rich chilli oil, or a light mint-infused garlic and soy paste. From pan-fried to steamed, from delicate tofu to juicy pork, from authentic Chinese flavours to tangy modern twists - we bring you a buffet of culinary excellence for every mood, occasion and time. Get seated and remember, this is a marathon, not a sprint.
A. Dumplings, Dumplings, Dumplings. Tastes so nice, we’re saying it thrice.
I. Steamed Tenderloin Dumpings at China House, Grand Hyatt
Timings: 12:30pm to 3pm, 7pm to 12am
China House is a five-star haven of Chinese cuisine, whose delectable dishes are complemented by an exhaustive list of wines and a host of mouth-watering desserts to cleanse the palate. The Steamed Tenderloin Dumplings are a gift to all those with taste buds, cooked to perfection by magicians moonlighting as chefs. These succulent pieces of heaven are soaked up in a gorgeous chilli oil, topped with a garnish of fresh burnt garlic.
Other Things to Try: The Steamed tofu dumplings are a unique delicacy - soft, tender pieces of spiced tofu impeccably wrapped - and, should be enjoyed with a glass of swirling white wine.
Where: Grand Hyatt, Off Western Express Highway, Pipeline Rd, Vakola, Santacruz East
Meal for 2: Perfect only for a very, VERY special occasion @ Rs. 4,500
II. Shrimp Dumplings at The Table
Timings: 12pm to 3pm, 4:30pm to 1am
The Table is a simple yet chic culinary treasure that gives dimsum-lovers yet another reason to visit Colaba. The freshly crafted succulent Shrimp Dumplings are to die for, served with a potent, exotic Spicy Ginger Broth. To top this off, The Table offers a delicate Scallion Oil that elegantly soaks the light Shrimp Dumplings and makes them even more irresistible than they already were.
Where: Ground floor, Kalapesi Trust Building Opp. Dhanraj Mahal,, Below Hotel Suba Palace, Apollo Bunder Marg, Colaba
Meal for 2: It won’t seem so steep once you try the Scallion Oil @ Rs. 4,000
III. The Shrimp and Scallop Dumplings at Mekong
Timings: 12:30pm to 2:45pm, 7:30pm to 11:45pm
If indulgence is what you’re after, Mekong is where you will find it. They offer generous portions of unusual flavours that leave you licking your lips with satisfaction. The fusion of various Pan-Asian spices and nuanced tastes culminate in a culinary dream listed as the Shrimp and Scallop Dumplings. Get ready to experience rich, juicy, pieces of fresh seafood that will leave you longing for more!
Other Things to Try: Vegetarians rejoice! The elegant tastes of Steamed Peas, Edamame and Truffle unite to form Dumplings so delicious, even hard-core carnivores won’t be able to resist.
Where: The St. Regis, 462, Senapti Bapat Marg, Lower Parel
Meal for 2: Romantically lit, perfect for a date @ Rs. 4,000
IV. Prawn Cheung Fung Dumplings at Yauatcha
Timings: 12pm to 1am
This spectacular modern interpretation of typical old Chinese teahouses is every vegetarian’s Culinary Heaven. We recommend the delicious Prawn Cheung Fung Dumplings - a dish fit for the Gods - that are so soft that they melt in your mouth. Fresh prawn in a gorgeous flavoursome wrap - this dish is every seafood lover’s dream. Served with an assortment of sizzling, exotic sauces to die for, Yauatcha treats patrons to the authentic Chinese experience.
Other Things to Try: The Truffle Edamame Dumplings and Crystal Dumplings with Spring Onions are so delicious, they will carry you to Hong Kong and back. An absolute must try for all experimental foodies!
Where: First Floor, Raheja Tower, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East
Meal for 2: The real Hong Kong experience, and so much cheaper than flying there @ Rs. 3,000
V.The Truffle Edamame Dumplings at Hakkasan
Timings: 12pm to 4pm, 7pm to 1am
The grand oak doors, and steel and blue glass décor of this stylish Chinese eatery are beautiful, but they definitely aren’t the reason we urge you to visit. Their steaming, heavenly Truffle Edamame Dumplings are hand-crafted pieces of perfection, making Hakkasan a go-to destination for exquisite, soft and fluffy Chinese dimsums.
Other Things to Try: If you just can’t get enough dimsums, we recommend the Hakka fried dimsum platter: a delightful array of Chicken sesame balls, seafood taro puffs and roast duck rolls that is guaranteed to leave you wanting more.
Where: Krystal, 206, Waterfield Road. Bandra West
Meal for 2: We urge you to loosen the purse-strings for the mouthwatering platter @Rs. 3,000
VI. Scallop and Caviar Dumplings at The Great Wall, The Leela
Timings: 12:30pm to 3pm, 7pm to 11:30pm
The Great Wall goes a long way towards to evoke the spirit of China and create the perfect Chinese dining experience. Relish the exotic Scallop and Caviar Dumplings served with delicate sauces. You will be blown away by the exquisite, unique and decadent caviar topping these fresh dumplings offer. The diversity of fresh ingredients and characteristic cooking methods culminate flawlessly in the form of these delicious delights.
Other Things to Try: After devouring the soft, delicate Scallop and Caviar Dumplings, we advise that you venture on to the crispy, bold Fried Prawn Dumplings served with mayonaisse. Crunch is always an added bonus.
Where: The Leela, Andheri-Kurla Road, Sahar, Andheri East
Meal for 2: Fine-dining is a luxury well worth splurging on @ Rs. 3,500
VII. Wild Mushroom and Truffle Oil Dumplings at The Fatty Bao
Timings: Daily: 12pm to 3pm
Sun-Thu: 7pm to 11:30pm, Fri-Sat: 7pm to 1am
This edgy, chic Asian restaurant’s smooth combination of scrumptious dumplings and cool cocktails has made The Fatty Bao one of Bandra’s most-visited lunch spots within a few weeks of its opening. Wild Mushroom and Truffle Oil Dumplings are up there on our list thanks to an explosion of flavour so perfectly composed that they are almost addictive. Exotic ingredients, diverse flavours and an exemplary truffle oil topping - what more can one ask for? Don’t forget to try a funky, innovative cocktail as an accompaniment - we recommend the Mandalay Bay.
Other Things to Try: The Fatty Bao’s non-vegetarian delights are no less, with their delicious and succulent Chicken & Jalapeno Dumplings. Another must try dumpling delicacy is the wildly palatable Prawn & Chive Hargow. Trust us, shellfish has never tasted this good.
Where: Summerville, Junction of 14th & 33rd, Linking Road, Bandra West, Mumbai
Meal for 2: Perfect Dumpling&Cocktail combinations are totally worth it @ Rs. 2,500
VIII. Street Style Spicy Dumplings at Mamagoto
Timings: 12:30pm to 11:30pm
These Street Style Spicy Dumplings stuffed with flavoured minced shrimp and chicken, steamed to perfection are a drool-worthy modern take on traditional dumplings. Complete with a ‘street style’ sambal sauce - super hot chilli paste in a fiery, red chilli oil - these will awaken all your senses in exactly the way you always dreamed of.
Other Things to Try: Mamagoto never fails to amaze. Relish on their Jungle Dumplings - a feast of chive-infused shrimp drenched in a gorgeous ginger, mint and soy sauce giving it the perfect blend of flavours.
Where: 133, Ground Floor, Gazebo House, Hill Road, Bandra West, Mumbai
Meal for 2: Modern-spin on traditional cuisine is totally worth the raid on your wallet @Rs. 1,500
IX. Chicken Dumpling Noodle Soup at Facing East
Timings: 12pm to 3:30pm, 7pm to 12:30pm
Juhu’s Facing East with its brilliant interior that exudes plenty of elegance is a Chinese cuisine haven. Their Chicken Dumpling Noodle Soup is an intoxicating dish carved for the Gods - tender, perfectly-spiced chicken dumplings, hot and fresh soup broth, soft and tasty swirl of noodles culminating in a fantastic aromatic meal.
Other Things to Try: The gorgeous and fresh Prawn Dumplings are a rich, finger-licking treat for seafood lovers.
Where: JVPD Scheme, Next to Naturals, Opposite Lotus Eye Hospital, 13th Road, Juhu
Meal for 2: Heavenly dishes @Rs.1,300 seems like a steal
X. Laksa Prawn Dumplings at Noodle Bar
Timings: 12pm to 4pm, 7pm to 12am
Noodle Bar’s classy ambience is made complete with its savoury and piquant Laksa Prawn Dumplings. One bite of the succulent, grease-free prawn filling will make you want to kiss the hand of the gifted chef that crafted this shellfish to such perfection. Served with assorted spicy chilli oils and rich sweet pastes to infuse a whole new world of flavour.
Other Things to Try: Exotic ingredients in an unique combination comprise the pleasurable Shangai dumplings: Lotus stem, water chestnuts and carrot with celery and green onion. Vegetables have never tasted this good! Wine lovers rejoice at the sight of the juice Cantonese chicken dumlings with mild vinegar : Diced chicken marinated in wine and seasame oil finished with mild vinegar sauce.
Where: Shop No. 462, High Street Phoenix Mall, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel
Meal for 2: Exotic flavours come easy enough @Rs. 1,200
XI. Mushroom Dumplings at Dimsum and More
Timings: 12pm to 3:30pm, 7pm to 11:30pm
This un-spottable treasure is a tucked-away Chinese joint whose special feature is ‘take-out’. Still, food lovers will never have a problem locating Dimsum and More as the entire street is engulfed by the sweet smell of piping hot Dimsums cooking. Freshly made soft, juicy and flavoursome Mushroom Dumplings are every vegetarian’s delight.
Other Things to Try: The seafood dish of choice for all loyal patrons is the fresh, delicious Prawn Sumai. A close second favourite for non-vegetarians is the Chicken and Cheese - a combination of untraditional perfection.
Where: Shop 8, Ahiya Apartments, Behind Rajesh Khanna Garden, Santacruz West
Meal for 2: Happily shell out @ Rs. 800 for this hidden treasure’s delights
B. A Wide Variety of Delectable Dimsums A Day Will Keep The Doctor At Bay
XII. Chilean Sea Bass Dimsums at San-Qi, Four Seasons
Timings: 5:30pm to 11:30pmYum Cha Saturdays: 12:30pm to 3pm
Fresh, finely-sliced fillets of sea bass are elegantly flavoured with herbs, folded into paper-thin Dimsum wrappings, and steamed to perfection. San-Qi’s salty Chilean Sea Bass Dimsums are light and fluffy, melt-in-your-pieces masterworks. An all-you-can-eat menu featuring an array of Asian culinary delights is the Four Seasons’ food highlight with Yum Cha Saturdays - a weekend brunch you don’t want to miss, basically!
Others Things to Try: A light and savoury Prawn and Scallop filling paste in a perfectly shaped Siu Mai coating, garnished with flavoursome orange caviar - a seafood gift from the Gods.
Where: Four Seasons Hotel, 114, E Moses Road, Worli, Mumbai
Meal for 2: Treat yourself to the Five Star experience @ Rs. 4,000
XIII. Siu Mai of Prawn and Chicken at Joss and Umame
Timings: 12:30pm to 3:30pm, 7:30pm to 11:30pm
Farrokh Khambata’s restaurants Joss (Santa Cruz) and Umame (Churchgate) are iconic Pan-Asian homes. With only the finest ingredients have been sourced to make each and every dish, an outstanding experience for the senses. From a vast variety of Dimsums with unusual fillings, high quality Sushi & Sashimi, Vietnamese delicacies, Singaporean street food and Cantonese specialties - Farrokh’s dishes are exquisite. Gorgeous flavours and unique ingredients come together in a culinary marriage forming the relished Sui Mai of Prawn and Chicken.
Other Things to Try: The Crystal Dumplings of Asian Greens is a vegetarian’s happy place, with fresh green vegetables in a light, thin, dumpling blanket.
Where:Joss: Savoy Chambers, Next To Mini Cooper Showroom, Linking Road, Santacruz West
Umame: 1st Floor, East Wing, Cambata Building, Near Eros Theatre, Churchgate
Meal for 2: Quality comes at a price @ Rs. 3,000 for exquisite delicacies
XIV. Dimsum Platter at Royal China
Timings: 11am to 3:30pm, 7pm to 11:30pm
Royal China’s authentic Chinese fine-dining atmosphere is exalted by its perfectly-designed, delicious Dimsum Platter. Spicy sauces complement the unbelievable variety of the platter - a little bit of everything is the perfect way to go. This platter offers soft, juicy, succulent dimsums with assorted fillings that taste like little pieces of Heaven. We recommend you skip lunch - this fine-dining experience deserves a healthy appetite! You know you want to.
Other Things to Try: For those whose stomachs yearn for shellfish - the ultimate gift of the sea - Royal China spoils you with their exquisite Steamed Prawn Dumplings (har gau). This seafood filling is so flawless - you will never want to leave.
Where: Victoria Terminus, Behind Sterling Cinema Building, Hazarimal Somani Marg, Fort
Meal for 2: For that fancy feel of authenticity @ Rs. 2,500
XV. Har Gao at India Jones, Trident
Timings: 12:30pm to 2:45pm, 7:30pm to 11:45pm
India Jones serves authentic recipes from Vietnam, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia and Japan that can convert even the most food-apathetic eaters into food-lovers. Try the Har Gao - a majestic and elegant dish of fresh, red prawns tucked into a thin, translucent wrapping. Entrancing aroma of the authentic flavours and exotic spices that craft this exquisite dish will make your mouth water.
Other Things to Try: You don’t have to be able to pronounce it to eat it! Order the Xiang Jian Yu Mi Jiao - a perfectly crispy Pan Fried Chicken and Corn Dumpling plate.
Where: The Trident, Nariman Point, Mumbai
Meal for 2: It’s a steal at the Trident at @ Rs. 1,600
XVI. Ling’s Special Siu Mai at Lings Pavillion
Timing: 12pm to 11pm
One of Colaba’s oldest Chinese gems, Lings Pavillion is basically an institution now. Their menu offers an endless list of scrumptious Chinese creations, each one more flavoursome and delightful than the next. As hard as it was to choose just one favourite, we finally picked the most mouthwatering dishes of them all - Ling’s Special Sui Mui. Rich with flavour, soft and luscious, this dish is a hand-crafted culinary masterpiece.
Other Things to Try: While soft melt-in-your-mouth dimsums are succulent and delicious, Lings Pavillion likes to mix it up. Their Fried Prawn Wanton is a crunchy mix of flavours, whose aroma alone is enough to make you drool!
Where: 19/21, Mahakavi Bhushan Marg, Behind Regal Cinema, Colaba
Meal for 2: For Colaba’s legendary Chinese eatery @ 1,500
XVII. Prawn Har Gao at Five Fat Monks
Timings: 12:30pm to 12am
Inspired by the bold flavours of Southeast Asia, Five Fat Monks bring you lively street food culture - with a twist. The chefs work magic and present the deliciously soulful Prawn Har Gao Dimsums crafted with exotic ingredients and secret spices. Mix and match sizzling sauces and interesting toppings to shape your dish to your liking. Best had ordered in, who said you can’t eat dimsums at work?
Other Things to Try: The Chicken Sui Mai is another work of magic from the Five Fat Monks kitchen. Don’t forget to experiment with their wide variety of flavoursome sauces that add the perfect edge to the hot, fresh dimsums.
Where: Shop No. 2, Ground Floor, The New Kamal Society, Near National College, Waterfield Road, Bandra West
Meal for 2: Southeast Asia’s bold flavours with a twist @ Rs. 850
XVIII. Aromatic Thai Chicken Dimsums at Silli Chilli
Timings: 12pm to 11:30pm
On a busy Lokhandwala road stand a small little eatery finds a home – Silli Chilli - but don’t be fooled by the size. The quantities are perfect, the food bursts with exemplary flavours, the menu is experimental and fun, and it’s easy on the wallet. The plump and juicy Aromatic Thai Chicken Dimsums puts Silli Chilli on the best-dimsum map. These delicious dimsums with precise flavours and exciting sauces are a God-send for Lokhandwala locals.
Other Things to Try: After polishing off a plate of the Aroma Thai Chicken Dimsums, we recommend an Awesome Threesome. Silli Chilli treats vegetarians to a faultless, smooth marriage of Spinach, Cheese and Water Chestnuts to form an Awesome Threesome Dimsum delight!
Where: Shop No.4, Sun Swept CHS, Opp. Hazel Salon, Lokhandwala Complex, Andheri West
Meal for 2: Flawless flavours and intoxicating aromas @Rs. 600? Yes please.
C. Melt-In-Your-Mouth Momos. Because You’re Worth It.
XIX. Pork Momos at Kepchaki Momos
Timings: 2pm to 12am
This blink-and-you’ll-miss-it stall on Bandra’s busy, bustling Carter Road is a tiny haven for gorgeous, flavoured meat wrapped in delicate, soft steamed momos. The Pork Momos are to die for, with succulent meat so tasty, the filling could be a dish by itself.
Other Things to Try: The unique blend of the Chicken and Mint Momos is a beautifully constructed dish that is guaranteed to make your mouth water.
Where: 4-B, Gagangiri Apartments, Off Carter Road, Bandra West
Meal for 2: At this little place, you’re paying for taste @ Rs. 300
XX. Momo Cha at Moktu
Timings: 11am to 11pm
Infinity Mall’s food stall Moktu serves delicious, hot and fresh momos inspired by different countries. Their Tibetan-inspired momos are a treat for anyone adventurous with food. Still, the real treasure at Moktu is the traditional Nepali chicken momos - Momo Cha. These finely prepared, perfectly-shaped, fresh, flavoursome momos are complemented by the tangy tamarind chutney and hot mustard sauce. Tender chicken cooked to such perfection that you will savour every little bite, and want more!
Other Things to Try: The savoury chicken in a perfect blend with melted cheese wrapped inside soft, thin momos makes the Chicken and Cheese Momos a MUST TRY!
Where: 2nd Floor, Food Court, Infiniti Mall, Link Road, Andheri Lokhandwala
Meal for 2: Perfect after a shop-till-you-drop day @Rs.250
XXI. Chicken Momos at Dev Momo Hut
Timings: 6:30pm to 10:30pm
Dev’s Momo Cart makes this random footpath the most visited one in Worli! His expertly cooked Chicken Momos served hot and fresh with a tangy tomato sauce are the perfect evening snack. Simple, but delicious, the Chicken Momos filling is irresistibly tasty. Mouth-watering momos that truly hit perfection when tried with his classic signature Garlic Sauce. Trust us, one bite will make you want to drag Dev’s cart to the footpath outside your home!
Other Things to Try: Vegetarians - don’t fret! Dev has his home-made fresh Paneer filling wrapped in perfectly crafted momo blankets for all herbivore momo-lovers. Don’t forget the wildly popular Garlic Sauce - it is to die for.
Where: In Front of Nature’s Basket , Near Flora Hotel, Dr RG Thadani Marg, Worli Sea Face, Worli
Meal for 2: All broke college students flock to Worli @Rs. 150
XXII. Pan-Fried Pork Momos at New Sernyaa, Tibetan Chinese Kitchen
Easily the most authentic Tibetan food you’re likely to find, this little Oshiwara restaurant may just be the city’s best (and now, worst) kept secret. Its owners are of Tibetan origin themselves, though raised as Sikkimese in Calcutta, and it’s clear that their methodology when it comes to making these sumptuous pork-mince filled momos that they’ve been passing down the tricks of the trade for many generations now. We’re particularly soft for the pan-fried kind, but if you’re either a little health conscious or looking for the ultimate, real thing, then go for the regular steamed momos.
Other things to try: Their chicken, prawn, and lamb momos are all just as good. It just depends on your choice of protein.
Where: Adarsh Nagar, Andheri West › 185, Oshiwara Link Road, Adarsh Nagar, Andheri West, Mumbai (They also have a new branch in Malad now)
Meal for 2: Too good to be true @ Rs. 700
We know, we know. Nobody died and made us dimsum gods, but man, we wish they would. Anyway, if we missed out on some secret place you’ve been going to all your life for the best of the best dimsums, let us know in the comments section below. You’d be doing the world a service.
If you enjoyed reading this article we suggest you read: