Dumplings, dumplings, dumplings, oh how we love these little doughy things wrapped around some kind of delicious filling. Some take the dumpling and elevate the concept, some take the traditional version and find a way to make it extra yummy. Following are some of the best New York City has to offer in my humble opinion, one for every day of the week!
Monday: Cafe China
Mondays are rough, so it would only be fair to treat yourself by starting off the week with the best. Cafe China is located in Midtown Manhattan and dons a Michelin Star! One of my all time favorite dumplings are their Pork Dumplings in Chili Sauce, it has an unexpected kick to it. In perfect balance, the Crystal Shrimp Dumplings are light and delicious. It’s a must in my book…
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Tuesday: Rice And Gold
Once the shock of Monday wears off, it’s time for some soup dumplings! Rice and Gold in Chinatown have an excellent little basket filled with these delicacies. The Pho Soup Dumpling with holy basil, shaved onion and pickled chili is sure to make your (Tues) day.
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Wednesday: Nom Wah Tu
Did you say hump day? Or Dumpling day? Same difference. Grab some excellent dumplings at this little joint on the Lower East Side. The Pork Soup Dumplings and the Shrimp & Snow Pea Leaf Dumplings are sure to please.
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Thursday: Drunken Dumpling
Maybe by Thursday you only want one dumpling. One giant dumpling! This restaurant in the East Village serves this XL XLB dumpling, which stands for extra large Xiao Long Bao Soup Dumpling. It’s huge and amazing, use a straw to suck out some of the soup before opening it, this one is fun as well as good. Beware: They only make 25 a day, so be there or be square!
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Friday: Mimi Cheng’s
The end of the week calls for something out of the box. Mimi Cheng does dumplings right, some traditional, but she is best known to come up with some unusual twists, or even dessert dumplings. On my recent visit I indulged in a combo of Mimi Cheng’s Organic Chicken and zucchini dumplings, and the Reinvented Classic Dumpling, consisting of pasture raised pork, baby bok choi and cabbage. I also ordered the daily special, which, on that day, were Brunch Dumplings. The ingredients were: free range scrambled eggs, Maple breakfast sausage, cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, sprinkled with Everything Bagel Seasoning. Simply amazing.
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Saturday: Lam Zhou Handmade Noodles and Dumplings
Ok, you might need something inexpensive after a Friday night out, but you still deserve top notch dumplings. Lam Zhou in Chinatown offers just that. Traditional and very much in Chinatown decor, their dumpling soup with hand pulled noodles, and the fried pork dumplings will cost you 11 dollars. Best 11 bucks you’ll ever spend, they’re scrumptious.
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Sunday: Dumpling Man
Dumpling Man is downtown, and besides having some of the most out of the box dumplings, you can also have a seat and watch the ladies hand make these asian treasures. On my visit I tried a sampler of pork, chicken, shrimp and veggie dumplings, as well a banana dumplings, which are totally different from anything I ever tried. What a fun joint.
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Hopefully these will make your week!
