Presenting Chantel and Joe, founders of Chubby Dumpling. Joe came to England from Hong Kong when he was 17. Soon after, he opened a Chinese restaurant to introduce English people to the food he grew up with. Chantel and her brother (Mr Bao) and sister grew up in the restaurant, eating there every day after school.
Chantel and her siblings used to race to see who could eat the dumplings the quickest - she won every time, which is where she got the nickname 'Chubby Dumpling'. 31 years later, Joe retired and was convinced to start a street food van with Chantel. Chubby Dumpling was born. They’ve set out to share their passion for dumplings, which are some of the best in the UK.
Their bestseller is the chicken and shiitake mushrooms dumplings. The shiitake mushrooms are soaked overnight and chopped into pieces the next day and combined with chestnut mushrooms, ginger and chicken. They are then wrapped up in homemade pastry into an intricate gyoza shape. They are steamed for 10 minutes, then pan fried and then they're ready to go.
Check out Chubby Dumpling at Kerb markets during the week and Brockley market on the weekend. Go on MOB.
