Gary Zhao Sells 2,500 Dumplings Daily in Melbourne

When Gary Zhao moved from China to Australia in 2016, he couldn't find dumplings that tasted like home. So the 33-year-old decided to make his own solution.

Zhao opened Hoppy Dumpling on Melbourne's Russell Street in 2024, bringing authentic flavors from his childhood in Guangdong province. His family, originally from northern China, made dumplings for nearly every meal.

But Zhao didn't stop at serving traditional food. Several months ago, he launched DIY dumpling-making workshops where customers can hand-roll their own dumplings and learn the ancient craft dating back thousands of years to China's Han dynasty.

The response shocked him. Almost 30 people from diverse backgrounds showed up to his first Lunar New Year event, including families from Sri Lanka, Ukraine, and Australia.

"The reality has shocked me," Zhao said. "Many people from different cultures have come along and they are all very interested."

Gavin Rajahmoney, whose family migrated from Sri Lanka, tried making dumplings for the first time at the workshop. He drove from his Chinese language class to join the celebration.

Adam traveled 70 kilometers from Geelong to attend, remembering his first dumpling-making experience in China 25 years ago. Paul Hordijenko brought his mother Antonia to learn techniques different from their Ukrainian varenyky dumplings.

The Ripple Effect

Zhao's workshops offer five filling options that span cultures: traditional celery and pork, Korean-style kimchi with pork, French chicken liver pâté, chicken with cheese and corn, and curry beef. The fusion flavors reflect Melbourne's diversity while honoring the dumpling's cultural significance.

The workshops have transformed his business. Zhao's daily sales jumped from 1,000 dumplings to 2,500 after launching the events.

"Business is getting better and better," he said. He's already planning to open a second location in South Yarra.

Beyond the sales numbers, customers say the experience brings families closer. "It is a really nice activity for family bonding and a really great way to learn the art of making traditional dumplings," said customer Linisha Condisetti.

Zhao teaches participants that in Chinese tradition, families sometimes hide a coin inside dumplings for good luck and prosperity. The symbolism resonates across cultures where gathering around food strengthens bonds.

Paul Hordijenko noticed the difference in taste immediately. "The dumplings that you buy in a supermarket are just quick and convenient, with pretty standard taste," he said. "But the ones that you make by hand, they taste much fresher."

For Zhao, the workshops fulfill a deeper purpose than profits. "Gathering to make dumplings and eat dumplings, sharing dumplings does unite families," he said. "This is the food culture we really want to convey."

What started as one immigrant's disappointment has become a celebration that brings Melbourne's multicultural community together, one handmade dumpling at a time.