PUBLISHED August 31st, 2020 06:00 am | UPDATED September 4th, 2020 01:36 pm
Walking down Circular Road, the storefront of Dumpling Darlings‘ new outlet is so unassuming that you could almost miss it, save the signage with a red glowing dumpling above the door. Stepping in, the familiar smell of Asian sauces and spices perfumes the air – a little at odds with its cosy, kitschy interior but together, they make a welcoming and homely venue. Like their Amoy street location that opened in 2018, Dumpling Darlings offers a curated range of dumplings and noodles alongside a small list of craft beer, cocktails, and natural wines.
You can’t visit Dumpling Darlings – whether it’s your first time or otherwise – without trying their dumplings, and so eat some dumplings, we did. Their new Prawn & Crab Dumplings (S$10) were sublime, with a delicate balance of chili rempah and Assam mayo complementing the flavour of the seafood. These are exclusive to the Circular Road branch (while their Momo Curry (S$10), made with Impossible meat, is available only at Amoy Street). Their Fried Pierogi (S$8) were also a stunner, with just the right amount of truffle flavour running through the smoked bacon and potato filling and a nice kick from the Sriracha crema.
Their super slurpable noodle bowls also packed a great flavour punch. The XO Prawn Noodles (S$10) – available only at Circular Road – were drenched in a flavourful sauce and topped with scallions, nori, prawns, and a delightfully jammy Hanjuku egg. The Miso Mushroom Noodles (S$6) had a beautiful umami depth to them, if a tad lacking in sauce. Lovers of spicy food should definitely opt for their Sichuan Pork Noodles (S$6). If you’re feeling extra daring, request for some of their housemade chili oil, which packs an intense punch!
We also tried their selection of natural wines, comprising of two whites and two reds, and the classic styles fared better than the funkier wines with the dishes. The La Ferme des Sept Lunes (S$80 per bottle), a 2014 Saint-Joseph Roussanne, is a beautifully floral tipple with notes of mandarin, apricot, and honeysuckle that plays well with the rich but delicate prawn & crab dumplings. A fruity and crunchy blend of Cinsault, Carignan, and Syrah, the 2016 Coteaux du Languedoc by Mylène Bru (S$80 per bottle) was delicious with all the umami in the noodles. For non-boozy options, try one of their non-alcoholic concoctions like the Grapefruit Thyme Strawberry Green Tea (S$6) or the Longan Osmanthus Pu-Erh (S$6).
Though there’s nothing new about the Dessert Dumplings (S$8), they are to die for. A twist on the classic apple crumble with ice cream, dig into these warm parcels of poached pear perfumed with amaretto and vanilla bean, topped with a sweet spoonful of Tasmanian leatherwood honey (said to possess a range of health benefits) ice cream – and go to heaven.
Dumpling Darlings is located at 86 Circular Road, Singapore 049438. Open Tue — Sat 11.30am — 3pm and 5.30pm — 10.30pm.