Mmm, dumplings. Whether you like gao (crescent-shaped) or bao (purse-shaped), there is no shortage of tempting options here in the Northeast. While that’s a good thing, sometimes so many options can be overwhelming — but we have you covered.
But first: which dumplings are which?
Know Your Dumpling
- Jiaozi: Most common type of Chinese dumpling. Crescent-shaped with opaque wrapper.
- Siu mai: open-topped, round dumpling.
- Xiao long bao: your common soup dumpling. “Little steamer-basket buns” in Mandarin Chinese.
- Bao zi: general term for dumplings made with a wheat dough that resemble a bun.
- Wontons: filling is placed in center of a square sheet of dough then sealed; similar to Italian ravioli.
How To Properly Eat Soup Dumplings
Where to Find the Best Dumplings by State
Connecticut
West Hartford
If you’re a fan of crunchy and spicy, you’ll be happy to know that there’s a dumpling just for you at Song. Offering their twice-cooked pork bao, you get to enjoy a satisfying crispy texture as well as a yummy filling. Even better, Song offers dumplings in what’s called Chengdu style, a complex spicy flavor originating from the city in China of the same name.
Massachusetts
Cambridge
With chefs from Beijing, it’s no wonder that some of the best dumplings in Boston are here at Dumpling House. Their most popular are steamed soup dumplings with pork, but their flavor offerings also include pork shrimp, crabmeat, leek, beef and celery, chicken and more.
Boston
If you want dim sum that’s inspired yet traditional, Joyful Garden has the perfect combination. Enjoy variations of steamed, baked, fried and deep-fried dim sum with filling options that are nearly endless. There are the classic flavor combos, like shrimp, beef and chicken, along with intriguing flavor profiles like lobster, spareribs, shark’s fin, taro, eggplant, turnip cake and more.
New Jersey
Fort Lee
Whatever kind of dumpling you’re craving, they have it at Dumpling Den. Want soup dumplings? They’ve got four kinds, plus a dumpling soup sampler if you can’t decide. Want just dumplings without the soup? They’ve got nine types to choose from and a sampler, as well. And if you’re into bao buns, you guessed it. They’ve got those, too (7 kinds. But who’s counting?).
Edison
Taking a note from its very name, Authentic Shang Hai Dumpling takes tried and true flavors directly from China and infuses their own flair. Enjoy an extensive dim sum menu featuring golden lava buns, egg yolk shumai, eight treasure rice pudding and more.
New York
Flushing, Manhattan and Westbury
This Michelin-recommended franchise began as a small shop in Flushing in 2006 and now is considered one of the best places for dumplings in NYC. In twenty years, they’ve prioritized the feeling of home cooked meals and infused a contemporary touch in both their recipes and restaurant décor. Everything is made to order using centuries-old techniques and fresh ingredients. Come for the chef-recommended pan-fried pork and crabmeat buns, stay for the Lucky Six soup dumplings.
White Plains
Every menu item at Aberdeen is made from scratch daily, and it shows. Specializing in Cantonese cuisine and authentic dim sum, the menu has many types of dumplings rarely offered at other places. There’s shui mai, your traditional Chinese open-topped dumpling, but also cheung fun (steamed rice noodle rolls) and sui gok (deep-fried and oval shaped). This highly-rated spot shouldn’t be missed.
Rhode Island
South Kingstown
Award-winning Jayd Bun, ranked #2 in the country for Chinese cuisine, is a place you won’t find a single menu item that isn’t authentic Chinese. “No fried rice, no chicken wings or crab rangoons,” their website proudly states. Choose from pork, chicken or veggie buns, and don’t forget to pre-order by email a couple days in advance. Yes, it’s that popular.
Providence
The best Korean dumpling, or mandu, can be found here at Mokban where flavor comes first. Enjoy your dumplings fried or steamed with your choice of filling or opt for the popular soy ginger or sweet chili dumplings. Can’t decide? The dumpling soup offers an assortment of dumplings happily suspended in a hearty beef broth with scallions, egg and sesame oil.
What’s your favorite dumpling spot? Make your voice heard in the comments.
Based in Rhode Island, Sarah has been a copywriter and content producer with AAA Northeast since 2021. When she’s not scouring the best spots for all things food and drink or whipping up her own versions of tasty meals, you can often find her in the garden, planning her next trip or sipping on (another) hot coffee.
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