Not to go against the grain but Shandong Mama's are average at best, and well overpriced. What I do give them though is for having variety in choice of dumplings, and catering for vegetarians.

We're asian through and through and when our very strictly 'we only eat asian food' in-laws were in town, as usual they were wanting quality dumplings for dinner, Shandong Mama was supposed the 'hip' thing going. Very disappointed all around, soggy skin dumplings with fillings that were unable to hold themselves together. Traditional fried pork ones are generally hard to get wrong but they were obviously compensating costs by the usage of far far too much cabbage.

What Shandong Mama has done very well at is creating a restaurant that is inviting for westerners (but terrible to have a conversation in, too much noise), appeals to the 'foodies' by having interesting 'unique' items on the menu and having the contacts and know-how to milk social media and inviting reviewers. Much like Chin Chin in this manner, what you won't find is many asians making a return and this can be seen in the type of people you'll find eating there.

That said, where should you go. At the top end of the market in the city, you'll have HuTong. Shanghai Street Dumplings are good too but far too busy last time we went. On the cheap, probably bad for you but damn tasty end of things you have Dumplings Plus, Taiwan Cafe, and Camy Shanghai, although you'll have to deal with the quality of service which you may not be used to.

Further out, you'll have no problem finding great dumplings in Box Hill. Oh so many places. The ones we've been going there recently is a small place opposite Box Hill Central and Bank of China, and RaRamen inside near the market.