I really like Canberra, and we visit a lot, not just because of the cool places like Questacon and The War Memorial (which made me cry but don’t tell anyone ’cause people might think I’m a wuss) and visiting the guys at the Aboriginal Tent Embassy, but because they have food.
Last time we visited Canberra I went truffle hunting which was so cool and stinky and we ate at some nice restaurants. This time we tried a new place called CBD Dumpling House but only because I nagged and nagged my mama until I drove her mental because dumplings are the best food ever invented and it was my DUTY as a roving dumpling reporter to try it.
The restaurant was big and crowded. There was a window into the kitchen and I liked watching what the chefs were cooking because I could see what looked the best. There were lots of dumplings plus other things and it was really hard to pick. We started with Seafood spring rolls, which were really crispy and delicious but also kind of weird because the pastry looked like fried spider webs.
We also had Char Kwai Teow which had lots of prawns and Chinese sausage which my sister went crazy for. It was spicier than ones I’ve tried before but that just made it yummier. The other dish I tried was Sizzling Tea Smoked Duck which was noisy and hot!
It came with a gloopy reddish brown sauce and was good.
We also had dumplings. The Xiao Long Bao (pork soup buns) didn’t have as much soup as I like and the pastry was a bit thicker than usual but they were still nice. The (pan-fried) pork dumplings were awesome. They were the right size for my fire-in-the-hole technique of dumpling eating (throwing a whole dumpling in the mouth at once) and I ate loads of them.
They were crunchy and soft at the same time and I liked them so much I’m going to try nagging my mama until she makes me some at home.
Reviewed by Raffles – aged 6
CBD Dumpling HouseShop
FG13C, Scott’s Crossing, Canberra Centre, Canberra City 2601
Ph: (02) 6262 8855
An award-winning travel writer and photographer, Aleney de Winter was fresh from school when she first set off to explore the far reaches of Australia with a two-man tent and a beaten-up Kingswood for company. Three decades, and two kids later, and she's still on the go, with her itchy-footed offspring in tow. 
HappinessSavouredHot
June 5, 2014 at 9:57 am (9 years ago)That all looks absolutely delicious! I wish dumplings were easier to make. I love to eat, but to cook… not so much! 🙂
BOYEATSWORLD
June 5, 2014 at 8:29 pm (9 years ago)Actually we just discovered they’re not too hard at all. We have an easy recipe to come soon on the blog.
Emily @ Have A Laugh On Me
June 5, 2014 at 10:31 am (9 years ago)Nagging will get you every where!! I just licked the screen – Day 3 of juice only detox x
BOYEATSWORLD
June 5, 2014 at 8:27 pm (9 years ago)Oh hon, will avoid all food related posts for the next few days! Hang in there…
Lisa
June 5, 2014 at 11:00 am (9 years ago)Can you take me with you next time you go to Canberra? That all looks delicious! I’m sure that Sugarpuff could smuggle me in her lovely new suitcase 🙂
BOYEATSWORLD
June 5, 2014 at 8:28 pm (9 years ago)We’d love that, Lisa. x
Mr Eatsworld
June 5, 2014 at 11:50 am (9 years ago)I should never have taught you the fire-in-the-hole technique for eating dumplings. You’re too fast at scoffing them all now!
BOYEATSWORLD
June 5, 2014 at 8:31 pm (9 years ago)I don’t think so daddy. I will get even faster and you wont get any. Love Raffles x
Leah
June 6, 2014 at 12:22 am (9 years ago)Yum! I’ll add this to our food destinations next time we’re in Canberra. The War Memorial was really confronting for my kids – especially my son.
BOYEATSWORLD
June 6, 2014 at 6:25 am (9 years ago)It really made an impact in Raffles too, Leah. But it’s important and he’s glad he went.
NewLifeOnTheRoad (@NewLifeOnRoad)
June 9, 2014 at 10:10 pm (9 years ago)Oh my gosh that looks so yummy. I have been to Canberra with our boys awhile ago but gee I haven’t been there to try Dumplings 🙂
BOYEATSWORLD
July 8, 2014 at 5:42 pm (9 years ago)Canberra has some great food as well as great stuff for the kids. Perfect excuse for a family weekend away:-)
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella
June 10, 2014 at 5:21 pm (9 years ago)Great review Raff! And I love the use of the word gloopy! 😀
BOYEATSWORLD
July 8, 2014 at 5:42 pm (9 years ago)Gloopy is terribly underused in food posts, Lorraine 😉
Winnie @ Bubfriendly
June 14, 2014 at 11:53 pm (9 years ago)Thanks for a fantastic review Raffles! Those dumplings look sooooo yummy!!! Must add that to our must visit places on our next visit to Canberra!!!!
BOYEATSWORLD
July 8, 2014 at 5:43 pm (9 years ago)Thanks Winnie.:-)