Camy Shanghai

Definitely ‘No Frills’.
This ‘cheap and cheerful’ dumpling house is one of the best around. The food is great but the service isn’t (but it adds to the atmosphere — have some fun with it).
A perfect place for a quick, fresh and delicious dumpling meal.

Probably the worst dumplings I’ve had. It is difficult to mess them up, but when you bite into the dumplings and nearly every one has either raw meat or pieces that are as hard as a rock it is pretty awful and frustrating. Prices are high as well. Terrible experience.

Camy’s shithouse dumplings? Perhaps. They are nothing special — I prefer the Shanghai Noodle House just next door.
Always found the dumplings to be a bit gluggy and just a bit, well, blergh.
It’s cheap and you get what you pay for — no linen on the tables here: P

It was recommended by workers that I come here for my birthday dinner. While I wouldn’t necessarily say it is anything «special», It was certainly a filling and budget friendly meal. Between two of us we ordered two plates of dumplings and one of wontons and struggeld to finish the meal. Not bad for about $ 8 per plate!
There are a range of different fillings and flavours to choose from, as well as the different sizes you can get. We opted only for fried dumplings which was something nice and different, though at times a bit dry. Next time I go (and there will be a next time), I’ll be looking to try the steamed dumplings.
Yes, they have meals other than dumplings. I couldn’t tell you what they’re like though, and I’m not sure I’d be interested in trying them. There are probably at least another 20 restaurants in Chinatown that do those meals better. If you’re coming here, you’re coming for cheap dumplings.
It’s quick, busy, and straight to the point.

You should never expect a spectacular dining experience when visiting Camy. If you eat here in a small group you will no doubt be crammed onto a share table where you will be expected to eat and get out as soon as possible, if not sooner. There will be a box of tissues on your table to use as serviettes and a bowl to eat from that you’ll have to find from a nearby shelf that is more often than not still wet with… something. Your waiter will be abrupt and sometimes a little hard to understand. You’ll have a strange mix of music to listen to and your table will quite possibly be coated in a sticky layer of who knows what thanks to it being wiped down by hand seconds before you were shoved into your seat.
So now that you know what is in store for you at Camy, your expectations should be fairly low. Good, because it’s not as bad as it sounds. While the food here is nothing to write home about, it’s still quite tasty and there are a couple of faves worthy of at least writing a Unilocal review about. The pumpkin cakes and spring onion pancakes are great. The dumplings are usually quite good and pretty much everything else is «okay». One you have ordered your meal will be brought to you in next to no time, and usually not all at once. Hell, half of the time you might not even be sure that you’re actually eating something that you’ve ordered. Just go with it though and enjoy, because sooner or later someone will get your food and you can make some new friends while you trade plates.
But the food is cheap enough and quick enough that you can grab a quick bite if you are short on time, which is why we come here. We know not to expect much in terms of service so it’s fine. If you’re going in a group, get All You Can Eat. $ 15 gets an endless supply of food that just keeps coming until you tap out and say «no more». It’s BYO and cash only, so come prepared for that and remember to set your expectations low, because it really is worth going to, even if it is for a laugh.

If you’re look for cheaper than cheap and open late dumplings, Camy Shanghai is the way to go. It’s BYO and cash only, pretty typical of most dumpling houses. The service is non-​existent but the food is quick. The set menu is only $ 15 for all you can eat dumplings, noodles, etc. I love their prawn and spinach dumplings as well as their mushroom ones. There are definitely better places around, but this is good if you’re in the area.

Cheap, really cheap dumplings and tea. This is a typical, busy Chinese dumpling house in Melbourne’s Chinatown.
The «service» if you could call it that, is abrupt, at best. The décor is set up to maximise space (you’ll be sharing tables) but it’s all part of the experience.
Great dumplings serviced with minimal effort and minimal cost, this place is very popular. Great little spot for cheap, quick eats before a night out.

Super quick food service, like a few minutes from ordering. While not the best, it’s good value, good servings and hits the spot for a quick informal feed.
Not my first choice for a dumpling fix.

Hey, if you’re hungry and want quick service & not to fussed about décor or service. go here!
Ultimately — the food is quite good for the price you pay. Meh, the inside of the eatery should be updated and yes — the service isn’t incredible but I rate the food as yum & cheap. Good for a quick meal before a show or a night out with friends. Xiao long bau is my fave.

Yeah uh… nothing really good to say for this place. Except that it might be suitable for a dodgy stomach filling exercise before a night out on the town.
Went with a group of 25ish girls for pre-​eats before a stripper boat cruise (lucky I had to work so I had an excuse to get out of the cruise!).
A few of us arrived before the guest of honor and asked for the table reserved under her or her sisters name. They had no record of it, they just wanted to know how many people were coming. We did not know so we had to wait. In the end we were seated up the top in the corner — by this stage the place was rather warm and steamy inside due to the wet night outside.
We all went for the $ 15 banquet and ordered a few bottles of wine (clearskins — white or red for $ 10 — and of course the white is Chardonnay — yuck!)
Out come a big tray and they laid down plastic wine glasses — I didn’t really expect that… ! We had these tiny red bowls (that were still wet) and some dubious sticky condiments across the table to use (its clear they never wash the bottles).
The dumplings came out super quick. I had I suspect a fried pork dumpling (which I usually love) however it was very bland and a bit burnt on the bottom. There was hardly any of them either :(
The rest of the dumplings were pretty much no better. There were some dubious ones that had green contents that I had one of and it reminded me of that one time I purchased frozen dumplings (never again).
The spring rolls were alright I guess, and some pumpkin things that were round… kinda gooey feeling. Really the worst dumplings Ive eaten in a long time!
As for the restaurant on the stairs there were 3 holes in the plaster that were mended up with clear sticky tape! And I saw graffiti in the toilets also — gross. The hand-​wash was empty — the toilet paper dispenser was dodgy (had tissues in my bag thankfully).
I wont be going back…

You really can pig out at Shanghai Dumplings. And the food is fast, and full of flavour. This is not a classy dining experience, but I don’t think that is their plan. It’s busy, noisy, uncomfortable. But works for what it is. If you want to give out-​of-​towners an authentic, line up in the lane way, Chinese dumpling experience, then Camy Shanghai Dumplings is worth a visit. Don’t expect anything more than a lot of a tasty, filling, calorie laden food. Nothing more. But that’s okay.

If you’re a student, or even if it’s an off pay week Camy’s will not only appeal to your wallet but see you walking away full, with change to share a vodka at section 8 next door.
If you’re after good food and a dining experience … you may or may not get it (if I were a betting man I’d have money on the latter).
If busy, you’ll be shoved in any old seat and will have to share cramped tables with others and fight for the staffs attention.
Help yourself to tea and bowls, but be dry them with the «complimentary» box of tissues on your table (ah, reminds me of Nanna).

I used to grab a bite here in my uni days and have been pretty loyal over the years. — on a casual basis. The food was quick, tasty and cheerful. Unfortunately, I won’t be back again.
For me, the fried pork dumplings were enclosed in floury, bland shells. On the inside, each dumpling consisted of a small, firm pink ball of pork. I found that the dumplings didn’t have any real flavour. I also found the Shanghai noodles to be overly greasy and came across a large piece of gristle. To top it off, one of the wait staff leaned on a plate of food while clearing something from the table. More flavour! At this point, I downed my chopsticks and cut my losses.
Feel free to make up your own mind, but this was my experience :-) Cheap is not always cheerful. Thankfully, Melbourne is full of many great dumpling options.

There are very few places where gambling on food poisoning is a feature.
Even fewer places where getting yelled at by a waiter is considered fun.
Practically no places will you find being seated next to a drunk hipster who claims it is his birthday so they will play the birthday song at ear splitting volume while everyone looks confused and tries to swallow the «tea» they picked up from the trolley because it’s late and they don’t know what else they could drink and oh god the food is tasty did you order this dish I don’t think we asked for it why does the waiter keep sticking those slips under the plastic table cloth was that your ex girlfriend who just walked past what I said its loud what it’s my birthday can you play the song again the guy over there keeps eating the filling from the dumplings and then putting the wrappers back

Let’s get this out of the way upfront: you don’t go to Camy for the service. You mostly serve yourself, with the exception of food actually arriving on your table, and getting a waitperson’s attention can be a challenge.
The dumplings here are pretty good, if a little inconsistent. Depending on how busy they are the fried dumplings can have a bit of a grainy texture, but they’re cheap and there’s plenty of them.
Camy is great if you’re in a hurry, but don’t plan on a leisurely lunch as you’ll be hurried out the door once you’re finished.

As my sister says about this place: «Cheap and fun and just like China.» Get into Camy (usually after waiting in a bit of a line) and be led to any available seats they have, even if you’re joining another person’s table. From there it’s anything goes, so long as you’re ordering and eating. If you’re done, you’re out the door. This place is huge, with two levels, but those seats are in high demand, so the staff will usher you out if you’re not spending money.
Order some plates of super-​cheap dumplings and something you’ve never tried from the menu (because you can afford — last time I got the faux duck, which was a little odd to me but I’m glad I tried it). Get up and grab some cups of water and tea. Crack some BYO wine. Enjoy the crazy, noisy atmosphere. If you do want to stay and can’t eat any more, leave a couple of dumplings in your bowl and say you aren’t finished yet. Works a treat.

If you search for ‘best dumplings’ in Melbourne, Camy Shanghai Dumpling will come up. Located next to Section 8, this restaurant has a huge following in Melbourne. I’m still trying to figure out why that is…
When we arrived at the restaurant, we had to wait for a table, which is normal. Due to the popularity of the place, it does get really busy. At the table, we ordered a few dumplings both steamed and fried along with noodle and rice dishes — they have the usual Chinese restaurant dishes. The service was a bit slow, a bit chaotic, but we ended up with all of our dishes! It’s like a game.
The dishes come out fast, but they just aren’t as good as let’s say, Shanghai Village. I really dislike the fried dumplings here, and that is one of the reasons I don’t go back often. But for $ 20, you are getting a filling meal.

This is probably the most famous dumplings restaurant in the whole of Melbourne. The dumplings are really good and tasty but I don’t think that it compares to the offering from Shanghai Village further up Little Bourke Street. Despite there being better offerings up the food Camy Shanghai Dumpling never fails to be busy. You can expect to wait a little bit for a table. However, they do get through the tables pretty quickly.
As for the service, it really is what you have come to expect from Chinatown. If it wasn’t for such tasty food, you would not stand the service and would complain. It is not friendly whatsoever and a little bit chaotic.
As I said, I’d go for Shanghai Village over Camy but don’t expect the service to be any friendlier.

Yeah, Gaylord’s restaurant isn’t that bad, despite the unfortunate name. Wait, what? That’s not the review you ordered? Didn’t you want a Section 8? I thought you said Section 8. Oh. Camy Shanghai Dumpling? Wait a few. Help yourself to some of the free tea.
Ahem.
There’s two things to remember about Camy Shanghai Dumpling. First of all, it won’t run smoothly. They’ll mess up orders. They’ll have you sharing tables with strangers, who’ll end up with some of the food you’re paying for (which is okay, because you’ll end up with some of theirs). This isn’t because the staff there are bad so much as it’s because they’re exceptionally busy.
It’s like you took everyone from a foodcourt and shoved them in a tiny two-​storey restaurant. It’s loud enough that you can’t hear the person next to you. It’s crowded enough that if you’re on the wrong end of a larger table, you’ll need to either be a contortionist or have a genetically modified bladder. Someone with an allergy to MSG would probably drop dead upon entering the building.
But yeah, like I said earlier. Two things.
The second thing is you probably won’t care. The food’s ridiculously cheap while still being really tasty. The service is quick. While the menu is mainly fried and steamed dumplings, there are seemingly infinite permutations within that area, along with some delicious side dishes.
But, just as importantly, it’s a process. Eating at Camy Shangai Dumpling isn’t just about cheap tasty food, it’s about being part of the systems which make give a city its character. It’s cheap plastic chopsticks and noise and chaos and eating a meal in twenty minutes and ordering seconds.
Ultimately, though, it’s just kinda fun.

Located in China Town, Camy Shanghai Dumpling and Noodle is one of the most popular (and cheapest… anyone see a link here?) Asian restaurants in Chinatown.
The meals are large, dumplings by the 20-​fold for only $ 5 or $ 6. Noodle and rice dishes are similarly sized and priced.
So you might be thinking… well what more could you ask?
The customer service at CSDN is pretty shocking. The waiters and waitresses barely understand English and you have to point at the menu and instead of describing the meal you’re better off quoting the number of the meal. With the lack of communication between the customer and the wait staff you would think theres polite smiles between the exchange but the customer service is quite cold.
The food is prepared and brought out quickly, but I honestly think there are better Dumpling houses and restaurants in the surrounds.