Squishy, smooshy, and scrunchy, the appetite for dumpling bags is only increasing. Whether it’s gyozas, pierogies, momos, wontons, potstickers, or empanadas, dumplings are present in almost every culture, lending them a comforting, nostalgic feeling. Designed to be eaten with one’s hands, there’s an inherent tactility—and might we say, grabability—to dumplings. It’s no wonder they’ve inspired an equally tactile and comforting grab-and-go handbag style.
Dumpling bags are characterised by their half-moon (not to be confused with croissant or crescent bags) silhouettes with rounded, capacious bottom halves that curve upwards to form a ruched closure that resembles either the neat accordion pleats or haphazard fork-induced gathers on the delectable morsels from which they derive their name.
Although select dumpling bag styles come with a shoulder or crossbody strap, the majority of them are designed to be carried like a clutch. While they’re arguably more finicky than their handled counterparts, there’s a certain soothing quality that accompanies the feeling of having soft leather or fabric tucked under one’s arm. Decidedly chicer than toting around an emotional support water bottle, an elegant dumpling bag (sounds oxymoronic, but it’s not) acts as an antidote to the “what do I do with my hands” conundrum that all too often arises at soirees and networking events, while still leaving said hands free for handshakes or holding drinks.
Able to traverse the middle region of the formality scale with ease, dumpling bags fulfil the accessories quotient of day-to-night dressing; practical and understated enough to take to work (when you’re not toting a laptop to the office), while being elevated enough to work in settings with a cocktail dress code.
The best dumpling bags in 2025
As for what makes a good dumpling bag? There are no hard and fast rules, but a drawstring closure feels the most authentic and the bag shouldn’t be too small as it starts to lose the all-important scrunch effect. Most of the best dumpling bags are relatively similar in aesthetic, with a few minute idiosyncrasies lending them unique charm — pick your favourite and allow her to become your faithful companion to the boardroom and beyond.
Herewith, our favourite smooshy, tactile dumpling bags that look good enough to eat.
1. Loewe Flamenco Purse
The most popular proponent of the dumpling bag style, the Loewe Flamenco nails the smooshy edible vibes with its nappa leather construction and gathered drawstring closure. The newest addition to the Flamenco line, the Flamenco Purse, takes the dumpling comparisons even further, thanks to the absence of material above the drawstrings, with the upper folding neatly into itself and giving it the appearance of an expertly crafted gyoza. The detachable donut chain can be used as a shoulder strap, but we recommend leaving it hanging down…a garnish for your dumpling, if you will.
Price: $5650AUD
Material: nappa lambskin leather
2. Songmont Gather
Inspired by the sacks carried by those traversing the Silk Road, the Songmont Gather bag combines a drawstring closure with top handle carry (there’s also an additional shoulder strap included). The accompanying plaque charm adds a vintage-inspired touch to this charming dumpling bag style.
Price: $827AUD
Material: nappa leather
3. Bottega Veneta Dustbag
Trust Bottega Veneta to name a style after a complimentary utilitarian item and still have it be a covetable style. Crafted from the maison’s signature intrecciato leather, the Bottega Veneta Dustbag puts a woven spin on the otherwise standard dumpling bag style.
Price: $4030AUD
Material: calfskin leather
4. Olend Dumpling Bag
Dumpling meets east-west shoulder bag in the Olend Dumpling Bag. The ruched detailing gives it an undeniably gyoza-esque aesthetic, however what appear to be drawstrings actually form part of the adjustable knotted handle, with the bag employing a zip closure.
Price: $182AUD
Material: vegan leather (polyurethane)
5. Veronica Beard Stash
With a classic drawstring closure and concealed shoulder strap, the Veronica Beard Stash is an archetypal dumpling bag. The style comes in both standard and suede leather, with this crystal embellished style the perfect cocktail party companion.
Price: from $895AUD
Material: suede or leather
6. Yuzefi Gyoza
An essentialist take on the dumpling bag style, the Yuzefi Gyoza references the silhouette of the Japanese potsticker in this sleek, work-ready handbag. Eschewing the drawstring in favour of a magnetic button closure, it subtly nods to the dumpling with pass-through belt detailing on the lateral sides that give it just a hint of ‘scrunch’.
Price: $977AUD
Material: pebbled leather
7. Strathberry Charlotte
One for the crossbody lovers, the Strathberry Charlotte is a smaller style with a flat, structured oval-shaped base and a drawstring closure.
Price: $670AUD
Material: nappa leather
8. A.P.C. Ninon Shoulder Bag
With a satisfying amount of scrunchiness and its hardware embellished faux drawstrings (it has a magnetic closure), the A.P.C. Ninon Shoulder Bag is a plush take on the dumpling bag trend.
Price: €310/$575AUD
Material: recycled leather-like material (polyurethane and polyester)
9. Prada Dada
Perhaps named after the non-conformist art movement, the Prada Dada is an aptly unconventional take on the dumpling bag, blending its form with that of the eminently popular belted bag. Here, the drawstring closure is swapped out for a narrow pass-through belt detail that serves to create soft folds and gathers, recalling a dim sum shape.
Price: $4250AUD
Material: lambskin leather
10. Themoirè Dafne
Cruelty-free brand Themoirè has several handbag styles that fit the dumpling bag brief, but we’re particularly drawn to the clean lines of the Dafne. Extended pleats recall meticulously folded gyozas (the kind we can never seem to replicate at home), while the beads on the carry chain are made by artisans from Gulu, Uganda.
Price: from €273
Material: recycled PET
11. Cuyana Dia Bag
Equally at home on the shoulder as it is nesting under your arm, the Cuyana Dia Bag features a slight upwards curvature and drawstring closure secured with hardware at the front that subtly distinguish it from other dumpling bag styles.
Price: $498USD (approx. $763AUD)
Material: lambskin leather
Enjoyed this story on the dumpling bag trend? Check out our other handbag guides and trend stories here.
Words by Arabella Johnson
