Melbourne’s Best Dim Sims Rated
Melbourne is the undisputed home of the dim sim. From market stalls and suburban takeaways to hidden gems tucked into industrial estates, the city boasts a dazzling variety of dimmies, each with its own loyal following. But the question remains: where can you find Melbourne’s best dim sims rated?
A City of Dimmie Icons
What makes dim sims so special in Melbourne is how every shop has its own interpretation. In Mentone, Tai Wah is famous for its dense, beefy parcels — a true old-school favourite that divides opinion but has endured for decades. Over in East Bentleigh, Seven Stars offers a beautifully balanced pork-and-cabbage blend that many locals call the gold standard.
Then there’s Fong’s, with dimmies that are bigger, denser, and pepperier, often filling enough to be a meal in themselves. Travel north to Preston, and Moon Palace serves legendary chili dim sims that pack a unique punch, earning a reputation as one of the city’s most innovative takes. Whilst in Preston, don’t miss Preston Noodle!
Market Favourites and Hidden Gems
No list of Melbourne’s best dim sims rated would be complete without the South Melbourne Market dim sims. Giant, peppery, and iconic, they remain a must-try despite debates over consistency. Just around the corner, Mama Tran provides a handmade alternative that’s lighter, sweeter, and a little more cabbage-forward.
Further afield, gems like Berwick Palace, Pearl Garden in Upwey, and Kanga Sushi in Knoxfield each bring something unique to the table, whether it’s sweetness, size, or delicate handmade refinement.
The Verdict
Ultimately, there’s no single answer to the question of Melbourne’s best dim sims. That’s why we’ve rated and reviewed ten of the city’s favourites, each with its own style, strengths, and quirks. Whether you’re chasing nostalgia, bold pepper, or delicate balance, Melbourne has a dimmie for every taste.
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South Melbourne Market Dim Sims
South Melbourne Market Dim Sims are a Melbourne institution. Huge, peppery, and best enjoyed fried, they’ve delighted crowds for nearly 60 years. While some say commercialisation has softened their edge, eaten fresh from the market fryer with soy and chili, they remain an essential dimmie experience.
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Kanga Sushi Dim Sims, Knoxfield
Kanga Sushi in Knoxfield serves smaller, handmade pork and chicken dim sims with thin skins and a subtle sweetness. Best fried for crunch or steamed with soy, they’re lighter than Tai Wah but full of flavour. A hidden gem that rivals some of Melbourne’s most famous dimmies.
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Fong’s Dim Sims, Bentleigh East
Fong’s is known for its large, dense dim sims that mix pork and beef with a peppery edge. Best fried for crunch, they’re hearty and filling, often too much for more than a few at once. A Golden Mile classic, Fong’s ranks high among Melbourne’s most satisfying dimmies.
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Berwick Palace, Berwick
Berwick Palace offers big, beef-leaning dim sims with a hint of sweetness that sets them apart. Fried is the standout, delivering a crisp casing and juicy filling. Not the prettiest dimmies, but flavour wins over form. A divisive but memorable contender in Melbourne’s dim sim scene.
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Pearl Garden Dim Sims, Upwey
Pearl Garden in Upwey was once a top contender in Melbourne’s dim sim scene, famous for its championship wins. Today, its beefy, cabbagey dimmies divide opinion. Some praise their flavour, others find them mushy, but they remain a beloved local classic worth trying fried or steamed.
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Seven Stars, Bentleigh East
Seven Stars dim sims strike the perfect balance of pork and cabbage in a neat, golf-ball-sized package. Reliable skins, nostalgic flavours, and strong family heritage make them a local favourite. Softer and more approachable than heavyweights like Tai Wah, they’re a versatile dimmy loved both steamed and fried.
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Moon Palace, Preston
Moon Palace is a humble Preston shop run by Colin and Jenny Choy, producing some of Melbourne’s finest dim sims. Smaller than rivals but packed with flavour, their beef and chili dimmies are consistent, balanced, and legendary. Fried or steamed, these gems have earned a loyal following over decades.
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Tai Wah, Mentone
Tai Wah is an old-school Chinese restaurant serving some of Melbourne’s most beloved dim sims. Big, dense, and meaty, these hearty dimmies divide opinion but remain iconic. Best fried for texture, they’re a nostalgic taste of the 1960s and a must-try for anyone exploring Melbourne’s dimmie heritage.
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Mama Tran, South Melbourne
Mama Tran dim sims are handmade and cabbage-forward, offering pork and chicken varieties less peppery than the famous SMM dimmies. Big, bold, and best enjoyed fried, they divide opinion between mushy and delicate. For fans of a vegetable-driven dimmy, Mama Tran is a South Melbourne Market essential.
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Preston Noodle Dim Sims, Preston
Preston Noodle on High Street serves some of Melbourne’s best pork dim sims. With thin skins, finely minced filling, and a subtle sweetness, they’re lighter than Tai Wah but full of flavour. Steamed or fried, these handmade dimmies have earned a reputation as the north’s pork dimmie benchmark.