BRISBANE CBD DINING
Little Red Dumpling’s underground Brisbane CBD bar is made for ordering one more plate
Handmade dumplings and fluffy bao are the starting point, but the cumin lamb ribs and comforting rice dishes make it easy to build a much bigger feast.
There is something satisfying about heading below street level in the middle of Brisbane and finding a dumpling bar waiting underneath. Little Red Dumpling’s Charlotte Street location brings handmade dumplings, bao and share plates into an underground CBD setting.
We ordered broadly, moving from fluffy buns and fried chicken bao into cumin lamb ribs and shallot pancakes. It is exactly the sort of menu where sharing gives you a much better meal than protecting one plate for yourself.
Is Little Red Dumpling Brisbane CBD worth adding to your itinerary?
Yes. It is a reliable CBD option when you want handmade dumplings but also enough bao, ribs, pancakes and rice dishes to turn them into a full meal.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Menu highlights
Highlights from Zen’s visit.
At a glance: what we ordered
- BBQ pork bun
- Fried chicken bao
- Cumin lamb ribs
- Shallot pancakes
- Selected dumplings and rice dishes
Zen’s take
The handmade dumplings are the obvious reason to begin, but I would not stop there. The cumin lamb ribs bring a deeper savoury flavour, and shallot pancakes give the table something crisp to break up the softer buns and dumplings.
The Charlotte Street location works equally well for a city lunch or a casual dinner, particularly if your group wants to order several plates and keep them moving around the table.
What I’d order again
I would keep the BBQ pork bun, fried chicken bao and cumin lamb ribs, then add one boiled or pan-fried dumpling variety from the current menu. That gives the table a useful mix of textures.
What to know before you go
The venue is on the lower-ground level, so look for the Charlotte Street entrance rather than expecting a street-facing dining room. Current trading hours and menu items should be checked before a late dinner.
Is Little Red Dumpling worth visiting?
Yes. It is a reliable CBD option when you want handmade dumplings but also enough bao, ribs, pancakes and rice dishes to turn them into a full meal.
GOOD TO KNOW
Frequently asked questions
Are Little Red Dumpling’s dumplings handmade?
The restaurant says its dumplings are prepared in house daily using locally sourced ingredients.
What did Zen order?
Zen ordered BBQ pork buns, fried chicken bao, cumin lamb ribs, shallot pancakes and additional dumpling and rice dishes.
Where is the Brisbane CBD location?
It is on the lower-ground level at 18 Charlotte Street in Brisbane City.
KEEP EXPLORING
More places and guides connected to this visit
Zen visited in July 2026. Menus, ratings, prices and opening hours can change, so check directly with the venue before you go.
It was a pleasure to be invited to experience Little Red Dumpling Brisbane CBD but all opinions shared are my own.