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Be it a Sunday brunch or an occasional treat, MasterChef 2020 Finalist and founder of Journey to the West, Sandy Tang, shares her top 5 dumpling places that you shouldn’t miss out on. Tuck in: 

1. For Steamed Dumplings: Fatt Pundit

The Lowdown: Fatt Pundit is inspired by the Indo-Chinese cuisines from Kolkata, where the Hakka Chinese community settled in India. The flavours are bold and fiery, with an ingredient list of hot chillies, Sichuan peppercorns and Indian spices. They offer a selection of momos which are steamed dumplings served with a spicy chutney which can also be found in the Himalayan region. My other favourite is their crackling spinach drizzled with sweet yoghurt, date molasses and pomegranate seeds – perfect for dampening down the heat.

Address: 77 Berwick St, London W1F 8TH (Soho) and 6 Maiden Lane, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 7NA (Covent Garden)

2. For World-Renowned Dumplings: Din Tai Fung

The Lowdown: The most-loved dumpling brand from Taiwan situated in Covent Garden, and recently launched at Selfridge’s. Shopping followed by dumplings, what’s not to love? Their signature includes the classic crab and pork xiaolongbao, known for its paper-thin wrapper with 18 pleats and soupy filling that bursts into your mouth with flavours of ginger, sea urchin and crab meat. Their prawn and pork wontons in spicy sauce are packed with pungent flavours in a silky wrapper. Their fried pork chop and egg fried rice is also my go-to comfort food dish.

Address: 5-6 Henrietta Street, Covent Garden, London WC2E 8PS (Covent Garden) and 4th Floor, 400 Oxford St, London W1A 1AB (Selfridge’s)

3. For Russian Dumplings: Zima

The Lowdown: The townhouse in Soho offers classic Russian dishes with a modern twist. Entering the hallway, you will see its interior decorated with hand-painted spinning wheels and sledges. Guests have a variety of zakuski to choose from, followed by beef stroganoff and some pelmeni, boiled dumplings stuffed with either lamb or beef and chicken. They are either served in a chicken bouillon or with smetana on the side. On your third round of nastoykas, vodka infusions made with sweet or savoury ingredients, you and your friends will be ready to head down to the basement karaoke bar.

Address: 45 Frith St, London W1D 4SD

4. For All the Dumplings: Uzbek Corner

The Lowdown: Your one-stop shop for dumplings of all kinds. Taking you on the journey across the Ancient Silk Road, their menu offers a range of dishes from steamed mantis to the traditional Samsa, puff pastry stuffed with meat and onions. Their Borsh should also not be missed; an incredibly flavoursome beef-based beetroot soup served with fresh flatbread on the side.

Address: Market, 23-25 Queensway (inside the Queensway, London W2 4QJ)

5. For High-End Dumplings: Park Chinois

The Lowdown: Located in the most sought-after area in Mayfair and decorated in the style of 1920s Shanghai supper clubs. Park Chinois offers you something more extravagant and will certainly impress your dinner guests – their jewel-like dumplings including the Iberico Siew Long Bao and Scampi Shumai with Tobiko caviar. Their house-signature, the 72-hour roast duck de chine is one of the best Peking ducks in town. For a sweet and happy ending, their Sweet Custard Bao, in the shape of a celestial peach, celebrates health and longevity. Visit them on a Friday or Saturday night, in addition to the lavish banquet, there is a live show of acrobatics and cabarets and a live DJ in the underground bar.

Address: 17 Berkeley St, London W1J 8EA