On the vibrant Saint-Laurent Boulevard in Montreal, there are places you walk past without stopping… until one day curiosity gets the better of you. That’s exactly what happened to me with Petit Poisson Dumpling.

Behind the window, the scene itself is an invitation, nimble hands folding and filling small homemade dumplings, typical of Chinese cuisine, known as Xiao Long Bao. A smaller sibling of the bistro of the same name located on Sainte-Catherine Street, this dumpling-focused spot embraces simplicity by offering only dumplings.

Tucked away in a discreet semi-basement, the restaurant feels like many lively Asian eateries, compact, and often full. A short wait is not uncommon, but it’s well worth it without ever feeling excessive. Dumplings are served either pan-fried (beautifully golden and crispy) or steamed in the style of Xiao Long Bao. Chicken, beef, shrimp… there’s something for everyone, all at a very affordable price point, usually under $20.

My experience at Petit Poisson Dumpling

I started with a fresh and generously portioned Japanese seaweed salad, which paired perfectly with my Xiao Long Bao throughout the meal.

Then came the pan-fried pork and chive dumplings. Served with a slightly spicy black vinegar sauce, they strike a perfect balance. The wrapper, thin yet sturdy, holds a juicy and flavorful filling. The contrast between the crispy bottom and the soft top works beautifully.

Service is quite fast, and the portions are generous; you can expect more than a dozen dumplings per order.

I’ll definitely be back to try the Xiao Long Bao.