Dimples Dumpling House: Delectable Dim Sum in Muizenberg’s Artsy Hub

I love Muizenberg. Not only for its laidback surfer vibes; it’s also a treasure trove of cool, hidden gems. Along the busy beachfront you’ll find everything from calamari to falafels, but if you turn and head towards suburbia, you’re in for a pleasant surprise.

In popular Palmer Road, there are a few bars where the locals hang out, a butchery, a tattoo parlour, a design studio, and our favourite new discovery, Dimples Dumpling House. The first of its kind in Muizenberg, this unassuming little haven serves the most delicious dumplings, bao and ramen, and lives by its tagline: a smile in every bite.

The diminutive restaurant is cosy, with one table large enough to seat six or seven people and two window-facing bar counters with the best views of Muizies’ passing trade: skateboarders whizzing past, flower sellers plying their trade, yogis on their way to practice and other interesting entertainment as you dip your dumplings.

Delightful dumplings

The dumplings are either boiled (eight or 12 pieces) or pan-fried (six or 10 pieces) with a variety of fresh chicken, beef, pork, vegetarian and vegan fillings. We couldn’t decide, so our friendly waiter curated the most delightful dumpling selection for us, including two moreish bao filled with the tastiest sticky BBQ shredded pork. A guaranteed smile in every bite!

The menu also offers an assortment of dim sum specials – Gluten-Free Daikon (steamed dumpling filled with fresh turnip strips, tofu, shiitake mushrooms and chilli), Gluten-Free Pak Choi (steamed dumpling filled with pak choi, pickled Chinese mustard greens, tofu, shiitake mushrooms and chilli) and Shu Mai (sticky rick, edamame beans, shiitake mushrooms, water chestnuts and tofu).

The drinks menu is equally dinky: a choice between red or white house wine and nonalcoholic refreshments.

Good to know

• Dimples’ does fresh handmade ramen on weekends.
• Dimples opened a second branch in Kenilworth, open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 9pm.

Opening times Tuesday – Saturday, 11am – 9pm
Sunday, 2pm – 8pm
Contact details 063 802 9597
Address 29 Palmer Road, Muizenberg, Cape Town

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