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Trilogie by Anita Feng: Best Dumplings in Montreal

Best dumplings in Montreal

Dumpling, a small piece of dough with filling, is present in pretty much every cuisine around the world. Whether it’s called ravioli, kibbeh or pierogi, it all goes down to two main things: dough and filling. It comes in a very wide variety of forms, cooking methods and fillings. At Trilogie, you’ll discover the Chinese version of dumplings called jiaozi (水餃) which is steamed — and its pan-fried counterpart, the guotie (鍋貼). In my honest opinion, these are hands down the best Chinese dumplings in Montreal.

Please note Trilogie is now closed but you can still taste chef Anita Feng’s cuisine at her new project: J’ai Feng

Jeff On The Road - Montreal - Food - Trilogie - Branding
Jeff On The Road – Montreal – Food – Trilogie – Branding – All photos are under Copyright © 2017 Jeff Frenette Photography / dezjeff. To use the photos, please contact me at dezjeff@me.com.

Since it opened a few years ago, I’ve been several times over lunch with friends and I decided to finally put this article together with photos taken throughout the years.

Jeff On The Road - Montreal - Food - Trilogie - Interior
Jeff On The Road – Montreal – Food – Trilogie – Interior – All photos are under Copyright © 2017 Jeff Frenette Photography / dezjeff. To use the photos, please contact me at dezjeff@me.com.

How to make the best dumplings?

I first met the lovely Anita — the creative mind and owner of Trilogie — on Instagram and through common friends. Needless to say, when I’ve heard she was opening a restaurant, I made sure to go as soon as possible even though I wasn’t living in Montreal at that time.

Jeff On The Road - Montreal - Food - Trilogie - Anita
Jeff On The Road – Montreal – Food – Trilogie – Anita – All photos are under Copyright © 2017 Jeff Frenette Photography / dezjeff. To use the photos, please contact me at dezjeff@me.com.

So how do they make the best dumplings in Montreal? As I always mention, the look and feel of the place is very important and Trilogie really succeeded at building an amazing branding that is very unique. The fact that Trilogie is a family affair also makes it for amazing dumplings — and food in general. Anita invited family members all the way from China to develop the menu. All the flavours are subtle and on point. Everything seems calculated but effortless and that’s what make this place so awesome.

Jeff On The Road - Montreal - Food - Trilogie - Interior
Jeff On The Road – Montreal – Food – Trilogie – Interior – All photos are under Copyright © 2017 Jeff Frenette Photography / dezjeff. To use the photos, please contact me at dezjeff@me.com.
Jeff On The Road - Montreal - Food - Trilogie - Kitchen
Jeff On The Road – Montreal – Food – Trilogie – Kitchen – All photos are under Copyright © 2017 Jeff Frenette Photography / dezjeff. To use the photos, please contact me at dezjeff@me.com.
Jeff On The Road - Montreal - Food - Trilogie - Interior Decoration
Jeff On The Road – Montreal – Food – Trilogie – Interior Decoration – All photos are under Copyright © 2017 Jeff Frenette Photography / dezjeff. To use the photos, please contact me at dezjeff@me.com.

The menu at Trilogie

The menu is divided in four different categories in which you’ll find the most delightful stuff ever.

Jeff On The Road - Montreal - Food - Trilogie - Menu
Jeff On The Road – Montreal – Food – Trilogie – Menu – All photos are under Copyright © 2017 Jeff Frenette Photography / dezjeff. To use the photos, please contact me at dezjeff@me.com.

Appetizers at Trilogie

I can’t make my mind on what is my favourite appetizer in this restaurant. I just love the crushed cucumbers salad as well as the Chinese mushrooms salad — both are very delicate and tasteful. On my latest visit, I had the chance to taste the eggplant appetizer which was so scrumptious.

Jeff On The Road - Montreal - Food - Trilogie - Crushed Cucumbers Salad
Jeff On The Road – Montreal – Food – Trilogie – Crushed Cucumbers Salad – All photos are under Copyright © 2017 Jeff Frenette Photography / dezjeff. To use the photos, please contact me at dezjeff@me.com.
Jeff On The Road - Montreal - Food - Trilogie - Chopsticks
Jeff On The Road – Montreal – Food – Trilogie – Chopsticks – All photos are under Copyright © 2017 Jeff Frenette Photography / dezjeff. To use the photos, please contact me at dezjeff@me.com.
Jeff On The Road - Montreal - Food - Trilogie - Eggplants
Jeff On The Road – Montreal – Food – Trilogie – Eggplants – All photos are under Copyright © 2017 Jeff Frenette Photography / dezjeff. To use the photos, please contact me at dezjeff@me.com.

Dumplings at Trilogie

Of course, most people go to Trilogie for their amazing dumplings. It comes in a very generous portion of 12 pieces and you always have 3-4 dumplings to choose from. You also have to choose if you want them steamed or pan-fried. Personally, I like to order two plates and get one of each cooking style.

Jeff On The Road - Montreal - Food - Trilogie - Flat Lay
Jeff On The Road – Montreal – Food – Trilogie – Flat Lay – All photos are under Copyright © 2017 Jeff Frenette Photography / dezjeff. To use the photos, please contact me at dezjeff@me.com.
Jeff On The Road - Montreal - Food - Trilogie - Pan-fried dumplings
Jeff On The Road – Montreal – Food – Trilogie – Pan-fried dumplings – All photos are under Copyright © 2017 Jeff Frenette Photography / dezjeff. To use the photos, please contact me at dezjeff@me.com.
Jeff On The Road - Montreal - Food - Trilogie - Interior Decoration
Jeff On The Road – Montreal – Food – Trilogie – Interior Decoration – All photos are under Copyright © 2017 Jeff Frenette Photography / dezjeff. To use the photos, please contact me at dezjeff@me.com.

Desserts and beverages at Trilogie

In Asian countries, it’s really common to drink a hot beverage while eating. In fact, it’s apparently so much better for your health to drink warm or hot water throughout the day than cold water. Perhaps it’s the reason why most of the beverages offered at Trilogie are hot tea. While I never had it, thé aux fleurs de chrysanthèmes seems to be a huge favourite because every time I go, people have it on their table.

As for desserts, it’s always changing but it’s always very good. I like a light, not too sweet dessert, like they have here.

Jeff On The Road - Montreal - Food - Trilogie - Dessert
Jeff On The Road – Montreal – Food – Trilogie – Dessert – All photos are under Copyright © 2017 Jeff Frenette Photography / dezjeff. To use the photos, please contact me at dezjeff@me.com.
Jeff On The Road - Montreal - Food - Trilogie - Tea
Jeff On The Road – Montreal – Food – Trilogie – All photos are under Copyright © 2017 Jeff Frenette Photography / dezjeff. To use the photos, please contact me at dezjeff@me.com.

How to get there?

The restaurant is located minutes away from STM Crémazie Station in Villeray. If you prefer the bus, the 55 line stops almost right in front.

Jeff On The Road - Montreal - Food - Trilogie
Jeff On The Road – Montreal – Food – Trilogie – All photos are under Copyright © 2017 Jeff Frenette Photography / dezjeff. To use the photos, please contact me at dezjeff@me.com.
Jeff On The Road - Montreal - Food - Trilogie
Jeff On The Road – Montreal – Food – Trilogie – All photos are under Copyright © 2017 Jeff Frenette Photography / dezjeff. To use the photos, please contact me at dezjeff@me.com.
Jeff On The Road - Montreal - Food - Trilogie
Jeff On The Road – Montreal – Food – Trilogie – All photos are under Copyright © 2017 Jeff Frenette Photography / dezjeff. To use the photos, please contact me at dezjeff@me.com.
Jeff On The Road - Montreal - Food - Trilogie
Jeff On The Road – Montreal – Food – Trilogie – All photos are under Copyright © 2017 Jeff Frenette Photography / dezjeff. To use the photos, please contact me at dezjeff@me.com.

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