Ah, Chinese New Year! That glorious time of year when we have a socially acceptable excuse to stuff ourselves silly with dumplings at all hours of the day (and night). Seriously, is there anything better than the annual license to indulge in these little parcels of joy? I think not.
As a proud Melbournian, there’s one thing I hear over and over: “The best Asian food is in the south-eastern and eastern suburbs – places like Box Hill.” Now, having called various parts of Melbourne home over the last two decades and now residing in the western suburbs, I’ve got to say –this is where I wave my chopsticks in disagreement.
Enter Chi Bao in Yarraville. This unassuming spot, hidden in the now-trendy streets of Yarraville, is a masterclass in understated excellence. But let’s not get caught up in labels – Chi Bao is all about one word: consistency. It’s understated, humble, and consistently knocks it out of the park with its food, especially those mouthwatering dumplings.
The Dumpling love affair
Let’s start with the showstopper: The Xiao long bao. These soft, pillowy soup dumplings are tiny pockets of pure joy. If you’ve ever struggled with the delicate art of eating them without a volcanic eruption of soup, you’re not alone. Shoutout to Anthony Bourdain for teaching us the ropes – poke a little hole, let it cool, and then savor that heavenly mix of broth, chilli, and vinegar before devouring the dumpling itself. It’s a ritual, really, and one that leaves you craving the next dumpling immediately after the first.
But Chi Bao doesn’t stop at soup dumplings. Their menu is a parade of deliciousness – chilli dumplings, wontons, and a variety of other Eastern delights that you don’t need to fully understand to enjoy. You just need to eat. And eat. And eat.
Chilli oil: The Dumpling’s soulmate
Let’s talk about chilli oil – the MVP of the dumpling world, what turns a great dumpling, into a magnificent dumpling. The perfect yin to the dumpling yang. Chi Bao’s chilli oil is the perfect blend of heat and flavor, a spicy sidekick that takes your dumpling experience from delightful to downright divine. It’s the kind of chilli oil that lingers in your memory long after the last dumpling is gone, teasing you to come back for more.
Service with quiet confidence
Now, onto the service. Friendly? Absolutely. Attentive? Definitely. But what I love most is their quiet confidence. Honestly, I’ve been there so many times they could probably recite my order in their sleep, but they still treat every visit like it’s the first. No over-the-top theatrics, just a gentle nod and a warm smile. It’s the kind of service that makes you feel welcomed but never overwhelmed – a delicate balance that Chi Bao nails every time.
The trifecta of happiness
In a world where consistency is often underrated, Chi Bao shines. They’ve perfected the holy trinity of dumpling delight: Delicious dumplings, killer chilli oil, and impeccable service. It’s simple, really – ‘consistency’ is the new ‘perfect’.
So, as the Year of the Snake kicks off, you’ll find me at Chi Bao, indulging in my favourite tradition of all: Dumplings, dumplings, and more dumplings. Happy eating, and may your year be as satisfying as that first bite of a perfectly crafted Xiao long bao!
Restaurant website: https://www.chibao.com.au
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