Yulongfu Restaurant Legendary Xiao Long Bao Dumplings
Dumplings are a feature of the Melbourne dining scene, and there is no better exponent of the Xiao Long Bao (or XLB's for the dumpling educated) than newcomer Yulongfu on Bourke St. We were invited to experience this new dumpling and Chinese restaurant sensation.
With generations of tradition and culinary expertise behind the menu, husband-and-wife team, Yong and Emily Liu take great pleasure in serving up their expertly hand pleated Xiao long bao at their humble Melbourne eatery, Yulongfu, namely their exquisite black truffle and pork Xiao long bao. This is a work of art, something that belongs in the NGV, with it's distinctive black casing and luxe 16 pleat fold. (Try 16 pleat fold at home and see how you go!).
The hit of soupy goodness hits you like a warm hug.
Roughly translating to ‘Velvety Dragon Fortune’ Yulongfu is perhaps the best Xiao long bao in Melbourne, as all their recipes are unique to their families and have been passed down since 1904.
Perfectly folded with 16 beautiful pleats, Yulongfu’s Xiao long bao ensure a thin, tender dumpling with neat as pin gathering at the tippy top, for easy chop stick access from soupy dumpling splendour, served piping hot, straight from steam basket to mouth. (We love the steam basket to mouth philosophy).
The Steamed Pork Xiao Long Bao is referred to by some as the "normal" XLB but this too is top notch soupy goodness comfort food, and also displays the 16 fold twist.
Chicken and Prawn Wonton Soup is also perfect for warming comfort food on a winter's day.
As the weather cools, it’s the perfect time of year to enjoy the sweet and sour flavours of Shanghainese food, in particular we recommend the tender balls of pork soup steamed in a black truffle dumpling case, or indeed the Steamed pork white casing variety.
Other moreish morsels include pan-fried dumplings, steamed dumplings, pan-fried buns, wontons, and plenty of sizzling plates to share with family and friends. also keen for the clay pot, Peking Duck, Hot Pot, Fried Rice and other dishes. In fact we were highly impressed not only by the signature dumplings, but by the descriptions of menu items across the board. Definitely a place to return to for your comfort food fix.
Definitely some of the best Xiao long bao I've had in Melbourne and possibly the best.
Get your XLB fix on at Yulongfu. Highly recommended.