Many cultures have dumplings, the bite-sized savoury snack food that consists of a filling wrapped in a dough, usually steamed or fried. We are most familiar with Asian style dumplings – Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and Korean – with fillings such as minced pork, prawn, tofu and vegetables.

The Illawarra has a handful of restaurants serving great dumplings, stretching from Woonona to Kiama.

Here are some:

• Fresh Buns and Dumplings, Woonona – sharing a building with Samara’s, this is a welcome addition to the northern suburbs.
• Jin’s Place, Corrimal – with authentic Korean and Japanese cuisine, dumplings aren’t the only thing on the menu.
• Pho and Dumplings, Wollongong – open till late every day of the week with very reasonable prices.
• An Chut Chut, Wollongong – a little taste of Vietnam in the centre of the Arts Precinct, this place buzzes during the busy office workers’ lunch period.
• Kiama Dumpling Shop – fresh handmade dumplings from locally sourced ingredients.