dumplings started at cashfield's arcade, then shifted to the guthrey centre, on to shades' arcade and finally riccarton rd over the last 25 years. it was a feature of the shades arcade pre-quakes, a lively corner surrounded by a whole lot of not much.
it's claim to fame is still the $2 fried rice, served with a 'special' sauce. alongside that you can order single amounts of breadsticks, chicken pieces etc. perfect for those poor days.
in a city with little left at its centre, the relocated dumplings has developed something of a nostalgic cult following, one that supports a facebook page etc. for these folk even the smallest criticism draws a slew of opprobrium. if your focus is on the food rather than wallowing in the back story, it's pretty ordinary. the dumplings especially are no great chop. if cheap rice is your buzz, you'll be well happy. otherwise, as my daughter said in that easy dismissive way of teens, "meh, it's okay."