Only half of our meal came out and had to remind the wait staff to bring out the rest. During our meal, a chef from the dumpling kitchen spat phlegm into the bin quite loudly, the entire dining room lost their appetites collectively.
Wait staff were not attentive and food was ok. Wishing them all the best
Heche · 2026-01-19
This is a really underrated hidden gem in Melbourne’s Chinatown. Although the food was a little expensive the taste made up for it. The xiaolongbao was cooked to perfection with a juicy interior, and if you like your dumpling wrappers a little on the thicker side this is the place to go. The wok fried green beans were pretty salty so be aware but had a nice umami kick to them. The pan fried dumplings were mediocre but very crispy. Would recommend if you want some authentic Chinese food.
Hello · 2025-12-20
Got the sizzling Beef, stir fry beans and signature Xiao Long Bao.
Overall experience. A very proper chinese restaurant.
Service was scan to order so pretty easy.
Now to the review:
Xiao Long Bao. Very good but could have been juicier.
Sizzling beef. On the more saltier side, and portion was small.
Stir Fried bean. Its missing that Oomph!
If you are hungry and you need a hit of a succulent chinese meal. This could be it.
Arthur Wang · 2025-12-07
🥟 Juicy Bao – Melbourne’s Dumpling Heaven 🥢✨
If you’re craving authentic Chinese flavors in the heart of Melbourne, Juicy Bao is a must-visit spot for dumpling lovers and foodies alike. Famous for its handmade xiao long bao (soup dumplings), this bustling restaurant delivers a truly flavor-packed dining experience.
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🥟 The Star of the Show – Xiao Long Bao
The xiao long bao here lives up to the name “Juicy Bao” — delicate, thin-skinned dumplings filled with rich, flavorful broth and perfectly seasoned pork. Each bite bursts with savory goodness, making it one of the best spots in Melbourne to enjoy this Shanghainese specialty.
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🥩 Stir-Fried Beef with Gai Lan
Another highlight is the stir-fried beef with Chinese broccoli (gai lan). The beef is tender and juicy, stir-fried to perfection in a savory sauce, and paired beautifully with the crisp, fresh gai lan. It’s a dish that balances flavor and texture — simple yet absolutely satisfying.
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🌶️ Spicy Chicken – Kou Shui Ji (口水鸡)
For those who love bold flavors, the spicy chicken “kou shui ji” (hou shui gai) is a must-try! Tender poached chicken is drenched in a fragrant, spicy, and slightly numbing Sichuan-style chili sauce — an explosion of heat, aroma, and umami that keeps you coming back for more.
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🍜 Why You’ll Love Juicy Bao
• ✅ Super tasty xiao long bao — juicy, delicate, and bursting with flavor
• ✅ Authentic Chinese dishes like stir-fried beef with gai lan and spicy chicken
• ✅ Cozy, bustling atmosphere with quick service
• ✅ Perfect for dumpling lovers and anyone craving rich, comforting flavors
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📝 Final Thoughts
Juicy Bao is a dumpling paradise and one of Melbourne’s top spots for authentic Shanghainese and Sichuan dishes. From their famous soup dumplings to flavorful stir-fries and spicy delights, it’s the perfect place for anyone who loves bold, satisfying, and comforting Chinese food.
Be prepared — it can get busy during peak hours, but the flavors are well worth the wait! 🥢🔥
Min Min · 2025-08-27
Definitely worth trying if you're looking for decent quality Chinese cuisine. The dumplings were tasty, the service was quick, and the atmosphere was nicer than usual. The sweet and sour soup was also interesting: undeniably tasty but oddly thick and gooey. The one downside was that the food was a bit pricier than we expected. But we were otherwise very satisfied.
Kit Williams · 2025-07-05