Mama Tran Dim Sims Review: Handmade Pork or Chicken Dimmies

The Other South Melbourne Dimmie – Mama Tran Dim Sims Review

When most people think of the South Melbourne Market, the iconic machine-made South Melbourne Market Dim Sim (SMM) comes to mind. But tucked around the corner at Stall 35 is Mama Tran, often called “the other South Melbourne dimmie.” Unlike the mass-produced SMM version, Mama Tran belongs to the homemade camp. Handmade in smaller batches with fresh ingredients, resulting in a product that feels less processed and more personal. For dimmie lovers who find the classic SMM too peppery, Mama Tran has become a popular alternative.

Size, Value and First Impressions

Mama Tran dim sims are big. Among Melbourne’s largest, they can stretch to six, seven, even eight bites before you’ve conquered one. That bulk makes them filling and sometimes divisive. Too big and too mushy for some, but hearty and satisfying for others. Available in both pork and chicken, they sit at the more premium end of market pricing, but regulars argue the quality of ingredients justifies the cost. Fried is the preferred option for many, with a thinner, crisper skin that holds up better on the run compared to steaming, which can leave them a little too soft to handle comfortably.

Flavour and Texture

Mama Tran’s flavour leans toward the “mushy-cabbagy” style of dim sim. Fans praise the balance of cabbage, pork or chicken, and black pepper, which gives a subtle lift without overwhelming the palate. Water chestnuts and vegetables add texture, setting them apart from pure meatball-style dimmies like Tai Wah. Critics say the meat-to-cabbage ratio is tilted too far toward the vegetable side, resulting in a looser, less robust bite. Still, the fried version often redeems any shortcomings, offering a satisfying crunch with a savoury, cabbage-sweet filling inside.

Community, Heritage and Comparison

Mama Tran’s heritage is tied closely to the Dragon Room family, who make the dim sims by hand using quality ingredients. This connection gives the brand credibility among dimmie purists, even if opinions differ on execution. Compared side by side, Mama Tran is less peppery than SMM dimmies and often considered superior in freshness. However, those who prefer the firm, meat-heavy style may find Mama Tran’s too loose. Ultimately, they appeal most to the “cabbagy” dimmie camp, delivering a lighter, vegetable-driven take on the classic.