Mother’s Dumplings – 421 Spadina Ave., Toronto, ON M5T 2G6
Country: China
Seating: Large indoor space with 2 outdoor tables (call in advance to confirm)
Must-try dish: C2 – Pan Fried Pork, Shrimp and Melon Dumplings
The high: There were excellent recommendations that were enjoyed outside in the sun for the short period that patios were open in March. 
The low: Although we got to dine on their small patio out front, the restaurant served the food in takeout containers to limit sharing germs because of the pandemic. 

The lack of Chinese restaurants reviewed by Mandrea Bike made Mother’s Dumplings a good candidate for an outdoor lunch. Outdoor dining in Toronto made a brief appearance in March and it was a no-brainer to take advantage of it while it lasted. Not to mention, some vitamin D was much appreciated after a long COVID winter. 

The patio at Mother’s Dumplings is made up of two tables, each with two chairs and is available on a first-come-first-serve basis. We arrived shortly after opening, hungry for fare from North Eastern China. Based on recommendations, this was the order: 

• B5 – Steamed Beef and Chive Dumplings
• B9 – Steamed Juicy Pork Bun Dumplings
• C2 – Pan Fried Pork, Shrimp and Melon Dumplings
• D2 – Green Onion Pancake
• E6 – BBQ Pork Steamed Buns
• J6 – Vermicelli Salad Northern Style

Initially, it seemed like there may have been too much food, however it was manageable in the end due to decent portion sizes and the choice to order fewer dumplings. Not surprisingly, this place is known for their dumplings, so the must-try dish was the Pan Fried Pork, Shrimp and Melon Dumplings. They were closely followed by the Green Onion Pancakes, the BBQ Pork Steamed Buns and the Steamed Beef and Chive Dumplings, which were all recommended for good reason. 

The Vermicelli Salad Northern Style is an authentic dish from the North Eastern region of China, and although there was some hesitancy from the server in recommending it, the flavours in the salad itself were delicious. It’s served cold and the noodles have a slimy texture, so for those who are picky about textures, you may want to steer clear! 

The Steamed Juicy Pork Bun Dumplings were a tasty last minute addition to the meal. This is their take on the soup dumpling, though they came as a bit of a disappointment as they were lacking on the juiciness that comes with the first bite. Despite the flavours being great, the soupier the better. 

After having a taste of Chinese food at Mother’s Dumplings, it goes without saying that it won’t be the last. Mandrea Bike is looking forward to exploring the cuisine from other regions of China, and sampling various dumplings along the way. 

But until then, please support small businesses and restaurants, we are coming close to losing the multicultural mosaic that such businesses represent in making up Toronto. 

Eat with you soon,

Mandrea Bike
(Mat & Andrea)