Hutong Dumpling Bar
162 Commercial Road
Prahran
(03) 9098 1188
Google Map
I have always been a fan of Hutong in the city. The service is pretty bad but who cares when the food is good. The xiao long baos are commendable. The mince pork string beans and the szechuan pepper prawns are my personal favourites. But it seems the reviews of the new Hutong in Prahran have been mixed.
The Hutong dumpling bar is part of the Cullen hotel. A nice little bar and outdoor area forms the back of the restaurant. The dining area in the front looks bright and spacious and it has 2 private rooms. With its nicer furnishings, my expectations of the food were definitely higher.
Hutong
The waiting staff were more well trained and they do not stop smiling! But the meal itself was definitely not what we had in mind. There was no ala carte menu but little dishes were brought out on tray by the waiting staff. It is somewhat like a yumcha style lunch minus the trolleys.
As usual, we ordered the siew mai. It seems like a good start to the meal. The wonton skin was nice and thin and filling was very meaty and juicy. But I was a little surprised by the presentation. It was a tad sloppy.
Siew mai
2nd dish – Xiao long bao
The xiao long baos were not piping hot and may have done its round before we took it off the waiting staff. It still had that explosion of meaty juices when biten into but I would have preferred if it was fresh from the kitchen! And hang on, where was the julienne ginger?
Xiao long bao
3rd dish – Spinach dumplings
The green skin was quite attractive but it was too thick. It had vegetarian filling of spinach and mushrooms.
Spinach dumpling
4th dish – Hargao (Prawn dumpling)
Again, it looked sloppy but tasted good. The prawns were plump, juicy and had a nice flavour to it.
Hargao
5th dish – Peking duck
Mister had a sudden craving. If not, we would not order this. This is not a place to come for peking duck. The skin was not thin enough and the meat was quite dry.
Peking duck
6th dish – Cold silken tofu with preserved egg
It is hard to go wrong with this dish. It is so simple and yet so tasty.
Cold silken tofu with preserved egg
7th dish – Spicy chicken
The cold chicken pieces were swimming spicy oil. It was actually not a bad dish. Or maybe I just love my spicy foods.
Chilli oil chicken
8th and last dish – Chilli wontons
Mr R insisted on ordering this dish. The wontons were not delicate. The taste of the pork filled wonton were overwhelmed by the spicy chilli oil. It was not memorable.
Chilli wonton
So it is really obvious that I was not impressed. But I have to admit that the skin of most of the dumplings were thin and had a very nice slippery texture. The flavours are heavily enhanced by MSG and the bill came to $103 which we felt were a little too expensive for what we had.
How do you like your dumplings?
{ 29 comments… read them below or add one }
Oh what a shame. I intended to go while I was up in Melbourne, but I never made it (too much time at the pub instead). Hopefully it improves by the time I get back, or I don't think I will be going. There are just too many places in Melbourne to get great dumplings, and shoddy expensive ones are not on my list. I'll be interested to hear more in the future.
You know what – I went to Hutong Dumpling in the city with my parents a few months ago (after raving about how great it was) and it was TERRIBLE. The dumplings came out cold and when we told them they reheated it in the microwave, so the pastry was all dried out. Pastry was in general too thick for the other dumplings we ordered.
We also ordered some other dishes (can't remember) which my Mum said were completely unauthentic.
So to be honest I'm not surprised about your conclusion on this new venture. Maybe standards have slipped?
Jetsetting Joyce
How disappointing! Although I'm glad I can stick to the city one and not have to trek across town.
Did the Peking duck come already wrapped? Given that they were promoting their new duck chef I was hoping that it would be more of a traditional service.
I'm not a huge fan of the chilli wontons, although one of my friends always insists on getting them. I'll def try the string beans on your rec next time I'm there – love that dish!
Your commentluv is working! Oh, and now I've read Joyce's comment it seems that even the city outlet isn't up to scratch any more. Boo!
Injera´s last blog ..Monotasking Manifesto
So many dishes! I am wondering if those are home made dumpling or not. I am not a dumpling expert but I like the shrimp filling ones. MAybe that's more of a trendy place than a great place, if you see what I mean.
citronetvanille´s last blog ..For the love of bread – Whole wheat country bread with figs
I haven't had dimsum for a long time now. It wasn't the kind of food to eat alone. Sorry to hear it wasn't as good as the other branch. $103 for two? it was definitely pricey.
CheapAppetite´s last blog ..And the Cheap Appetite 2010 Food Budget is…
Sorry to hear it wasn't up to your standards! Thanks for the head's up though – useful to know where not to go when I'm in that area!
Trissa´s last blog ..“Wicked” Oreo Cookies
Peking duck should be my favourite! Love love love it so much. Besides that the wantons look great too! Thanks for sharing…. the yummy photos. hehe…
kristy´s last blog ..Pear & Blueberry Slices
I regularly eat at the CBD outlet as it's across the road from work. We've always had decent service and good dumplings. We are always there at midday or 12:30 though, so maybe they are at the best during busytimes?
Can't wait for more XLB that's for sure! Hmm.. maybe tomorrow (though I've noticed that the prices have gone up the last week or so).
Lucky girl again to enjoy all these mouth-watering dim sum. LOve all of them.I'm drooling!
MaryMoh´s last blog ..Boiled Chicken And Vegetables Noodle Soup
well, not really asking for a return visit is it?
I've only started eating dumplings for the first time this past year, so I'm still learning how I like my dumplings but I think they should have a thin skin, be hot and fresh tasting, and not "sloppy" hehe. I'm hoping my upcoming visit to Melbourne will involve some dumpling consumption!
Conor @ HoldtheBeef´s last blog ..Degolicious Dining at Jackson's Restaurant
I'm just jealous that you have so many dumpling places to choose from! It's slim pickings around here, my dear. : (
Trix´s last blog ..For Top Chef Fans: My Late December Lunch at Volt
Dumplings have got to be some of my favorite food to eat when I'm in China. I cannot wait to go back to Shanghai to feast on endless amounts of "xiao long bao" I also love "sheng jian bao" (sp?) Great pictures — next time maybe we can work something out and you can hide me in your pocket and take me along
Joy´s last blog ..Quiche Lorraine (Adapted from Thomas Keller)
I learned something new here, never knew there were so many ways to make dumplings. These all look so tasty and delightful, wish we had a dumpling bar near our house.
Thank you,
CCR
=:~)
Cajun Chef Ryan´s last blog ..Welcome to Mardi Gras 2010
I've been to the one in Melbourne in May last year and it was quite good. Maybe the std. has dropped. I'll check it out with my daughter.
that is so disappointing! I know what it is like looking forward to eating a restaurant and it turns out to be a letdown. I cannot believe how expensive it was and it ended up being mediocre.
I'm sorry that the dumplings weren't so great here. Must have been a disappointment
Natasha – 5 Star Foodie´s last blog ..5 Star Makeover Roundup: 2009 Favorites
I just drooled all over my keyboard. LOVE dumplings.
Resist! I must resist. I find it hard to stop eating dumplings once I’ve started. Seeing your great snaps makes my mouth water. That place would send me broke at those prices. I often find my frugal self at Camy Shanghai Dumpling house in town for inexpensive dumplings and bizarre service.
Foo
@Maggie – Standard must have drop. But happy to make you some next time you are back
@Jetsetting Joyce (MEL: HOT OR NOT) – Just another disappointment. I do not mind the ala carte dishes at Hutong city though.
@Injera – You should join our dumplings party
@citronetvanille – they are definitely home-made. Maybe it is a hype but I am sure they can do better because they have!
@CheapAppetite – It was $103 for 3. Still exxy in my books.
@Trissa – Yeap. Go somewhere to satisfy your tummy
@Kristy – Unfortunately, this peking duck was average
@essjayeats – I guess that is the time it is fresh!
@MaryMoh – I wish it tasted good as well
@Conor @ HoldtheBeef – When are you coming?
@Trix – I am sure you will make better dumplings
@Joy – The dunmplings in Crystal Jade Shanghai are the best I have tried so far.
@Cajun Chef Ryan- It is just a stuffing so can have many different flavours.
@Cheah – Most likely. Disappointing huh
@Jessie – Yeap. Not returning for sure
@Natasha – 5 Star Foodie – Totally and thanks for putting me as a favourite for the 5 star makeover! over the moon
@Alison – Drooling is allowed
@Foo – Try dumplings Plus next time. I do prefer that to Camy's
I arrive on the 25th and am staying for a whole week! Woo! I'll soon be sending out a bloggy call to all my Melb peeps to see if anyone is keen/able to meet up for some food and also to get restaurant recommendations
Conor @ HoldtheBeef´s last blog ..Degolicious Dining at Jackson's Restaurant
No probs! Let us know and I can arrange something if you like
Just let me know who.
Cool, thanks! Will be in touch
Conor @ HoldtheBeef´s last blog ..Foodie Exchange – Degrassi style
Too bad you didn't have a good meal
Though I have to say the photos make me want to make some of these at home 
Ahh what a shame Penny! A good dumpling is a thing of beauty. And I'm with you on the Peking Duck pancakes-I want skin!
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella´s last blog ..Pesto Rack of Lamb & The Best Mashed Potato!
@Rochelle – Try and make some. I am sure it will taste much better.
@Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella – Yes. The perfect dumpling will be remembered.
Loooooooove dumplings – my mouth is watering!
Mardi @eatlivetravelwrite´s last blog ..Where on earth….
WORST EVER. Food was cold and service was non-existent. Might have been because it was bitter cold outside, or because the restaurant was 3/4 full, or because the waitresses were pushing around the same food for two hours, or because it took us 3 goes to get our Shao-long bao, or because we were the ONLY ASIAN customers. Who knows?!?! But like I said on the day. I make better out of my microwave.
I stick to Hutong city and will not be back to the South Yarra Hutong anytime soon.
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