Wing Lee Heritage Birthplace (1942)
The 1942 Birthplace
- Birthplace of the Dim Sim (1942)
- William Chen Wing Young
- Historic Heritage Landmark
- The First Commercial Dim Sim
About
The historic cradle of the dim sim. Where chef William Chen Wing Young adapted the Cantonese siu mai into the hearty Melbourne dimmie in 1942, later founding Wing Lee Pty Ltd on Franklin Street.
Heritage & History
In 1942, chef William Chen Wing Young owned the Wing Lee restaurant in Melbourne Chinatown. Observing that European-Australian patrons found traditional Cantonese yum cha dumplings too delicate, Young modified the recipe — multiplying its size, thickening the dough wrapper, and creating a sturdy parcel that could be wrapped in paper and eaten with fingers. In 1945, he opened Wing Lee Pty Ltd at 243-245 Franklin Street, inventing automated rolling machinery and distributing dimmies across Victoria by delivery van.
Craft & Recipe Notes
The original 1942 formula: coarsely chopped pork, water chestnuts, shredded cabbage, seasoned with soy, ginger, and sesame, wrapped in hearty handmade pastry.