Dumpling Bliss Brings Unique Chinese Flavors to Ottawa’s Centretown

A new dining experience has arrived in Centretown, Ottawa, as Dumpling Bliss opens its doors, offering a fresh take on traditional Chinese comfort food. The restaurant, which debuted in January 2023, specializes in dumplings crafted from beloved family recipes. Located at 111 Cooper St., Dumpling Bliss features a menu that highlights unique fillings inspired by southern Chinese cuisine, setting it apart from the more common northern styles.

At Dumpling Bliss, each dumpling is a small meal in itself, according to owner Doven Chan. With a selection of fifteen fillings made fresh daily, the dumplings are wrapped in chewy dough prepared in-house. Chan believes that a well-made dumpling should be satisfying enough on its own, eliminating the need for extra sauces or sides. “You don’t need to dip it. You just eat. It’s complete,” he explained, emphasizing the quality and flavor of each bite.

Chan draws on his upbringing in Guangdong, where dumplings are less common but celebrated for their diverse fillings. Unlike the thicker, doughier wrappers typical of northern Chinese dumplings, those at Dumpling Bliss are lighter and more varied. Popular fillings include black pepper beef, cucumber and egg, and a seafood mix of shrimp and pork. “I can loudly and proudly tell people that they’re going to taste shrimp and pork in our three delicacies,” Chan stated, highlighting his commitment to using quality ingredients without fillers.

Innovative Dining Experience

Dumpling Bliss combines a welcoming atmosphere with modern ordering methods. The restaurant features bright red and gold lanterns that illuminate faux brick walls, creating a cozy dining space. Customers place orders via a QR code menu at each table, streamlining the lunch experience for busy patrons. This system allows for quick service without sacrificing flavor or quality, perfect for those on a tight schedule.

The restaurant prepares between 600 and 800 dumplings daily, managed by Chan, co-owner Ivie Zeng, and Chan’s father. Zeng oversees the front of house, ensuring that guests feel at ease while enjoying their meals. The dumpling dough recipe is a carefully balanced blend of pizza flour and all-purpose flour, aiming for the ideal texture that can withstand various cooking methods—boiling, pan-frying, or steaming.

Dumpling Bliss’s menu caters to a range of tastes, allowing first-time visitors to explore a variety of flavors. For those unfamiliar with dumplings, Chan suggests starting with the cucumber and egg for a vegetarian option, or the black pepper and beef, especially when pan-fried for added texture. The restaurant also offers side dishes, including crispy karaage chicken served with a mayo-based dipping sauce.

Challenges and Community Engagement

Despite the quality offerings, attracting customers has proven challenging for Chan. The restaurant’s location on a quieter stretch of Cooper Street, partially obscured by trees, makes it less visible to potential diners. To promote Dumpling Bliss, Chan has taken to the streets, distributing coupons and brainstorming signage to draw in curious customers. “It’s hard to promote dumplings to someone who’s never had them,” he noted, drawing a parallel to selling tacos to those unfamiliar with the dish.

As the restaurant continues to grow, Chan remains committed to providing authentic flavors and a unique dining experience. Dumpling Bliss not only reflects his culinary journey but also serves as a testament to the rich traditions of Chinese cuisine. As diners discover the diverse offerings, Chan is optimistic that the flavorful dumplings will entice both newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts alike.