Dumplings on Riccarton, on Riccarton Road, has fed local families for 35 years, giving the suburb one of its longest running and most loved budget-friendly Chinese takeaway spots.
What Dumplings on Riccarton offers Riccarton families
The restaurant is famous for its two dollar rice, generous enough to fill most people up on its own, alongside freshly made dumplings, wontons, spring rolls and honey chicken. Reviewers consistently describe the food as offering incredible value and generous portions, with the BBQ pork steamed buns and fried bread singled out as standouts, and one long time customer describing it as not just another Asian takeaway place but a real Kiwi institution.
The restaurant connects to the mall with an open plan layout and outdoor seating when available, and the menu covers a wide range including vegetarian options alongside its signature dumplings and rice dishes. Staff are repeatedly described as friendly and always smiling, contributing to the restaurant’s own reputation as a welcoming, community-minded spot rather than a purely transactional takeaway.
Visiting Dumplings on Riccarton
The restaurant is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 4:30pm, closed Sunday and Monday, and families are encouraged to visit earlier in the day given the shorter operating window compared with a standard evening restaurant.
For more on dining options across Riccarton, see our Family-Friendly Dining & Outings page, and our Riccarton suburb page for the fuller local picture.
Families on a tight budget often find Dumplings on Riccarton one of the most affordable options in the suburb, making it a practical choice for a regular family lunch rather than an occasional treat.
Given the restaurant’s own decades of history serving the same community, many local families have grown up visiting across multiple generations, adding a layer of familiarity few newer takeaways can match.
Given the restaurant’s own limited afternoon hours, families planning a visit are encouraged to check current opening times before heading over, since a later arrival can mean missing out.
The restaurant’s own connection to the wider mall precinct also makes it an easy stop for families already shopping nearby on Riccarton Road.
Families with picky eaters often appreciate the wide menu range, giving most people something they will enjoy on the same order.