The doors have finally opened at Brisbane's newest dumpling shop, Happy Little Dumplings at The Barracks, Petrie Terrace, with plenty of har gow, jiaozi, shu mai and steam buns, for all.
Paddington locals are now spoilt for choice with another top-dumpling-spot, Steamed just up the road opposite the Paddo Tavern in Given Terrace.
This store, the fourth for Happy Little Dumplings, has opened where Coaldrake's bookshop used to be in The Barracks with 35 seats outside the small shop front. Although this is an open air space there are plenty of heaters around so the area rarely seems cold.
Happy Little Dumplings started in Brisbane in 2011 by friends, and dumpling junkies, Mellita Rayner and Candice Collier. The pair were finding it increasingly hard to get a fix of their favourite food so they decided to start their own business.
“You used to have to drive into the Valley or Sunnybank for dumplings, which was really inconvenient when we just wanted to do a quick grab and run,” said Candice. “So we decided to open our own business where fellow dumpling junkies could get fresh, high quality dumplings in easily accessible locations that could be enjoyed on the run.”
With no food or hospitality experience, the girls worked with Candice’s aunty who is a Thai chef to learn cooking techniques and used their love of food to develop recipes featuring unique fusion flavours.
“We now have seven people working in our kitchen from various backgrounds including Vietnamese, Thai, Italian, and Indian which is why our dumplings truly are fusion food,” said Melita.
“The Barracks is our fourth store opening and we now have a team of six partners who were essential in our growth."
Candice and Melita think their most popular flavours are Chinese chilli duck and pork belly and bok choy and are looking forward to sharing these with their new clientele.
My vote goes to prawn and coriander but pork belly is a close second.
Bottom line: Good dumplings and a great addition to the Barracks line up.
Best tip: Don't forget to try one of their fabulous desserts.
Happy Little Dumplings
Kerry Heaney
Disclaimer: Ed+bK was a guest at the opening celebration for The Barracks store.
