Little Steamer

Little Steamer brings authentic Chinese flavors to the heart of Canberra, offering a compact yet vibrant dining experience on London Circuit. Known for its handcrafted dumplings and signature Peking duck, the restaurant has become a go-to spot for those craving genuine, well-prepared Chinese cuisine. Whether you're stopping by for a quick lunch or a leisurely dinner with friends, the team focuses on fresh, house-made dishes that balance tradition with the lively pace of the city.

Located in G06/39 London Cct, this welcoming eatery reflects the multicultural energy of the Australian Capital Territory. Every plate is prepared on-site by skilled chefs who respect time-honored techniques while paying close attention to presentation and flavor. From silky steamed buns to wok-tossed noodles, the menu is structured around shared plates, making it easy to sample a wide range of tastes in one sitting. The atmosphere is casual and friendly, suiting both solo diners and larger groups celebrating special occasions.

Culinary Highlights & Menu

Little Steamer's menu is built around a core selection of northern Chinese specialties that have earned a loyal following. The Beijing Roast Duck is the star of the show—served with delicate pancakes, hoisin sauce, and crisp cucumber and spring onion ribbons. Many regulars consider it one of the best versions in Canberra. The kitchen also excels at dumplings, which are filled and folded by hand each day. Popular fillings include pork and chive, prawn and bamboo shoot, and a vegetarian mix that features egg, vermicelli, and fresh vegetables.

Beyond dumplings and duck, the menu includes a full line-up of stir-fries, braised dishes, and noodle bowls. The eggplant with garlic sauce is a frequent customer favorite, as is the tea-smoked duck when available. Portion sizes suit the “20–40 $” price bracket noted by patrons, meaning generous servings at accessible price points. The cooks also prepare fried rice and dry-fried green beans with Sichuan pepper, giving guests a rounded introduction to the textural and aromatic range of Chinese cooking.

Dining Services & Atmosphere

• Dine-in experience: The compact interior is clean, brightly lit, and arranged for comfortable meals with family or colleagues. Tables fill quickly during peak lunch and dinner hours, so arriving early is recommended.
• Takeaway: For guests who prefer to eat at home or in the office, the full menu is available for takeaway. Orders are packaged with care to keep crispy items crisp and hot items hot.
• Delivery: Little Steamer partners with delivery services to bring favorites like dumplings and duck pancakes straight to your door. Customers can order online through the restaurant’s website or via popular food apps.
• Online ordering: The website facilitates direct ordering, allowing customers to browse the menu, customize dishes, and schedule pick-up or delivery with ease.

The buzz inside the restaurant is matched by an efficient, no-fuss service style. Staff are attentive during busy rushes and happy to explain menu items to first-time visitors. While service can occasionally be stretched during peak periods, the team strives to deliver every dish as soon as it leaves the wok. The atmosphere is bright and energetic, filled with the clatter of plates and the aroma of roasting duck.

Why Guests Keep Coming Back

Repeat visitors often highlight the consistency of Little Steamer’s food. The Peking duck receives particular acclaim for its crispy skin and tender meat, while the dumplings are praised for their delicate wrappers and generous fillings. Even when the kitchen is under pressure, the quality of the core dishes remains reliable. Many reviewers point out that the restaurant feels like a genuine discovery—a small, unassuming venue that delivers flavors on par with much larger establishments.

The value for money is another draw card. With portion sizes that encourage sharing and prices that make it feasible to order several dishes, guests feel they get a complete meal without overspending. The ability to mix and match plates—starting with cold appetizers, moving through steamed and fried dumplings, and finishing with a noodle or rice dish—means no two visits are exactly the same. Long-term fans also appreciate that the business has maintained its commitment to cooking from scratch, even as its popularity has grown.

Hours, Location & Practical Information

Conveniently positioned on London Circuit, Little Steamer is a short walk from the central business district and major Canberra landmarks. The address is G06/39 London Cct, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia, and the restaurant is reachable by phone at +61 2 6193 8577. Public parking is available nearby, and public transport options place it within easy reach of residents across the territory.

Current hours reflect a split-schedule format that caters to both lunch and dinner crowds. The kitchen opens from 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM, then reopens for dinner from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM. These hours are consistent with the “Open · Closes at 22:00” notation found in search results. Because seating is limited and demand stays high throughout the week, calling ahead during busy weekends or public holidays is a wise move. The restaurant closes between lunch and dinner service, so arriving outside the listed times is not recommended.

What to Expect on Your Visit

When you step into Little Steamer, expect a bustling, no-nonsense dining room where the focus is squarely on the food. The seating arrangement is casual, with small tables that fill quickly, and the walls give little away about the surprises coming from the open kitchen. Servers move quickly and communicate clearly, ensuring orders are placed without delay. Newcomers are encouraged to ask about daily specials or off-menu dishes, as the kitchen sometimes prepares items based on seasonal availability.

For a first-time visitor, a recommended course of action is to start with a steamer basket of mixed dumplings, add half or whole Peking duck (depending on party size), and round out the meal with a vegetable stir-fry and fried rice. Chilli oil, soy sauce, and black vinegar are typically available at the table, allowing each guest to adjust flavors to their liking. The restaurant’s BYO policy and available soft drinks complement the food without overshadowing it. Guests consistently leave satisfied, with many already planning their next order before they’ve exited the door.