Back when the CBD was crawling with people, getting a seat at Dumpling Darlings during lunchtime would typically mean a long wait. The cosy space only fits 35 – even fewer now with social distancing measures in place – but its affordable and tasty menu of dumplings and noodles keep people coming back for more. Encouraged by the popularity of its original Amoy Street outlet, founders June Tan and Foo Choo Kiat decided to open another along Circular Road.
But the circuit breaker came and derailed plans. According to June, the lease at the Circular Road location was signed in March but the opening had to be pushed back until dining out was allowed again. After a long wait, the second outlet of Dumpling Darlings is finally ready to welcome hungry diners.
The new place retains a similar vibe to the Amoy Street original. Stepping in feels like entering dive bar with dim mood lighting, a neon sign in the shape of a dumpling, and most importantly, a wallet-friendly food and drinks menu.
The menu retains all of Dumpling Darlings’ greatest hits: miso mushroom noodles ($6) and Sichuan pork noodles ($6), best paired with freshly made dumplings stuffed smoked duck ($8), vegetables ($8), and more. Can’t decide? The Dumpling Party of 15 ($20) provides a sampling of five different juicy variants – from the original down to the fried pierogi. Exclusive to the new outlet are two new creations: the prawn and crab ($10) dumpling, and the XO prawn noodle ($10) topped with a generous scoop of ebiko. Even desserts come in the form of dumplings too, filled with pear and cheese ($8), then deep-fried and served with a scoop of ice cream.
Choose to wash it all down with familiar classics of the floral longan osmanthus pu-erh ($6) and refreshing salted plum with wolfberry pu-erh ($6), or share a toast with craft beers (from $11) on tap and a fruit-focused cocktail ($18) selection of cherry cognac, pineapple rum, and more. A curated list of natural wine is also available by the bottle (from $80). Before heading off, remember to peep the giant mural that’s located at the side of the shophouse that Dumpling Darlings occupies. The adorable artwork features the sights from the neighbourhood, alongside the eatery’s two adorable mascots: Jo and Pork Chop.
