One of the foods that always reminds me of home is dumplings. They remind me of special Chinese holidays and loud family gatherings. Growing up, one of the first dishes I learned how to make were dumplings. However as I’m getting busier with classes, internships, and graduation, I’m finding it harder to actually take the time to make them myself. That’s where these dumpling places come in.
Qing Xiang Yuan Dumplings
Photo courtesy of @ewicmoi on Instagram
One of the best things about Qing Xiang Yuan is the overwhelming variety of dumplings fillings. There’s pork, beef, chicken, lamb, seafood, vegetarian, and more. And don’t forget the different cooking methods. You can get them steamed, boiled, or even uncooked if you want to take them home with you. So if you’re in the mood for traditional Chinese dumplings, this is the place to go.
What to get: Steamed pork and shrimp dumplings and lamb skewers
Northern City
Photo courtesy of @mugen76 on Instagram
One of the newest additions to Bridgeport, Northern City is the place to go if you’re looking for Northern cuisine as opposed to Cantonese or Szechuan cuisine. I’m a bit biased when it comes to my dumplings and I stick with the pork and seafood ones, but I have to say their veggie options are killer.
What to get: Boiled Seafood Dumplings, Veggie Potstickers
Lao Sze Chuan
Photo courtesy of @laoszechuanmagmile on Instagram
If you live in Chicago, you know about Lao Sze Chuan. They have locations all over the Chicagoland area, and they have some of the best authentic Chinese food options. But did you know they also have amazing dumplings? I’m a huge fan of soup dumplings, but if that’s not available at the location you pick, then definitely go for their Chengdu dumplings. Actually, just get them anyway. They’re fantastic.
What to get: Chengdu dumplings, Soup dumplings (xiao long bao)
MingHin Cuisine
Photo courtesy of @vansventures on Instagram
It’s hard to find a good dim sum place outside of Chinatown, so finding MingHin Cuisine in the Loop was absolutely amazing. Dim sum small plates are perfect for tasting different dishes and for dumpling lovers like me who just love everything and are super indecisive about what filling they want.
What to get: MingHin’s Shrimp Dumpling
Imperial Lamian
Photo courtesy of @fromuyenwithlove on Instagram
If there’s one thing that will get me to try out a restaurant it’s rainbow food. Not only are their colors original, but so are the fillings. I mean where else can you find truffle soup dumplings? But if you’re sick of the rainbow food trend, you can get the un-colored Shanghai soup dumplings.
What to get: Soup Dumplings
Home Style Taste Chinese
Photo courtesy of @julesmcjules on Instagram
Just like Northern City, Home Style Taste Chinese specializes in Northern Chinese cuisine. And if you really want a taste of that region, I highly recommend their Sour Cabbage Pork or lamb dumplings. But don’t be put off by the translation. “Sour cabbage” actually tastes kind of like sauerkraut.
What to get: Cabbage and Pork Dumplings