Who Makes the Best Dumplings in Vancouver?

The Golden Dumpling Cook-off and Derby returns for its third gloriously gluttonous year.

Whether the Japanese gyoza, the Polish pierogi, or the Jewish knish, dumplings—the catch-all term for dough-wrapped edibles—are a thing of wonderment: diverse; compact; usually inexpensive; and, in the correct hands, as delicious as a foodstuff can be.Sunday (Aug. 9), the whimsically named Golden Dumpling Cook-off and Derby returns for its third year to pit some of the city’s best restaurants against each other. Last year, chef Angus An’s Maenam was declared champion; this year he and his team will compete against 16 challengers, including AnnaLena, Cibo Trattoria, Pidgin, Tableau Bar Bistro, and Wildebeest. While only one eatery will be declared the victor, every attendee walks (or wobbles) away a winner—your admission ticket, in the form of a Dumpling Passport, allows you to sample from each participating restaurant’s station. (Fullest of all will be the competitors in two eating contests, for which eight men and eight women frenziedly try to consume the most dumplings in two minutes. Sign up at the fest’s website if you feel brave—the winner will claim a $100 gift card from event founder Bao Bei Chinese Brasserie.)Also a winner: the Chinese Elders Community Kitchen, which helps seniors connect with one another each week through the preparation and sharing of a meal. All ticket proceeds will go to them.(Note: The fest has been relocated from Red Truck Beer Company to Food Cart Fest. See full details below.) Golden Dumpling Cook-off and DerbySunday, Aug. 9, 1-5pmAt Food Cart Fest (215 W. 1st Ave., between the Cambie Street Bridge and Olympic Village)Passports $55 from EventbriteInfo: Goldendumpling.ca