New Centretown Restaurant Serves Unique Dumplings Inspired by Home

A new restaurant in Centretown, Ottawa, is reimagining traditional Chinese comfort food by serving dumplings filled with authentic flavors from southern China. Dumpling Bliss, which opened in January 2023, offers a selection of innovative dumplings crafted with care by Doven Chan, who draws inspiration from the dishes he grew up eating.

At Dumpling Bliss, customers can choose from fifteen different fillings, including black pepper beef, cucumber and egg, and pork with three delicacies. Each dumpling is prepared in small batches daily and wrapped in chewy, house-made dough. Chan believes that a good dumpling can serve as a self-contained meal, stating, “It’s already delicious enough to serve as a dish. You don’t need to dip it. You don’t need rice. You just eat. It’s complete.”

Unlike many dumpling restaurants that follow northern Chinese styles with thick wrappers, Dumpling Bliss embraces the lighter, more varied dumplings common in southern China. Chan explains that dumplings are less prevalent in southern cuisine, but when they are served, they are typically smaller and feature a wider range of fillings. “Black pepper and beef, green pepper and beef stir-fried, or tomato and egg is very popular in the majority of China,” he added, highlighting the flavors often found in family kitchens of Guangdong.

The menu organizes fillings by protein, featuring options such as pork, beef, chicken, seafood, and vegetarian choices. One of Chan’s favorites is the cucumber and egg dumpling, which offers a mild, umami flavor reminiscent of seaweed. Another standout is the fish, chive, and egg dumpling, which evokes the savory breakfasts enjoyed along China’s coastal regions.

In developing the menu, Chan prioritized quality ingredients over fillers. He proudly claims, “I can loudly and proudly tell people that they’re going to taste shrimp and pork in our three delicacies.” He aims to provide a genuine culinary experience, avoiding the common practice of diluting flavors to cut costs.

The restaurant, located just two blocks from city hall at 111 Cooper St., features a warm ambiance with red and gold lanterns illuminating faux brick walls. Guests place their orders via a QR code menu, a convenient option especially during busy lunch hours. The ability to order an appetizer, ten dumplings, and dessert without feeling rushed enhances the dining experience.

Chan’s journey to restaurant ownership began unexpectedly. After moving to Ottawa in 2019 to study event management at Algonquin College, he started working at a Korean grill restaurant. It was here that he discovered his passion for creating personalized dining experiences. Missing the flavors of home, he sought guidance from a family friend, a chef from northern China, who shared recipes that would become the foundation of his future menu.

Joining Chan in this venture is co-owner Ivie Zeng, who manages the front of house, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere. Together with Chan’s father, the trio produces between 600 and 800 dumplings daily. The dumpling casings are made from a custom dough recipe that balances elasticity and softness, developed after extensive experimentation.

Dumpling Bliss offers various cooking methods, each yielding a unique texture. Boiled dumplings have a gentle bite, pan-fried versions feature a firmer casing, and steamed dumplings provide a soft, pliant experience. A standard portion includes ten dumplings, making it an ample lunch option when paired with sides like the crispy karaage chicken, served with a mayo-based dipping sauce.

For dessert, the pumpkin rolls stand out with a crisp tempura shell encasing a custard-like filling. Meanwhile, the taro and sweet potato bites, served hot, offer a delightful contrast in texture.

When asked about recommendations for first-time visitors, Chan shares a thoughtful approach, stating, “There’s a saying. 1,000 people, 1,000 mouths, 1,000 opinions.” Nonetheless, he suggests trying the cucumber and egg dumpling for vegetarians, the fish dumplings for seafood lovers, and the black pepper and beef for a hearty lunch option.

Despite the challenges of attracting customers in a quieter part of town, Chan remains optimistic. “It’s hard to promote dumplings to someone who’s never had them,” he noted, emphasizing the need for effective outreach. He often takes to the streets, distributing coupons and brainstorming ways to increase visibility for his new establishment.

Dumpling Bliss represents not just a culinary venture but also a heartfelt homage to Chan’s heritage, bringing authentic flavors to the Ottawa dining scene. With its unique offerings and commitment to quality, the restaurant aims to introduce more people to the joys of dumplings, one bite at a time.