ShanDong MaMa

If this cafeteria heaving with hungry Melburnians is anything to go by, we have a new favourite dumpling destination. Mama shares her love with all kinds of dumplings: fresh mackerel, ginger and chive; diced seafood and chicken with lemon, parsley and garlic; and vegan-friendly zucchini and black fungus. There are also homely noodles, rice with flavoursome toppings, and tender Sichuan beef beneath a dried chilli forest. Tame the fire with rice noodle and carrot salad scattered with fried egg and dried shrimp. For snackers, $8 returns five dumplings and a drink between 3pm and 6pm. For gorgers, pu-erh digestive tea goes a long way.