Welcome to DUMPLINGMANIA!
*Vince McMahon Voice*
Flushing is my hometown. It may be a dump with all the people shooting snot rockets, hurling up a good loogie to spit onto the streets (or sometimes on your foot), and that god awful smell (what the hell is that?). But the wide range and various takes on the dumpling is incredible and sometimes difficult to choose which consume. In this post, I will give detail and info about my favorite dumpling spots in Flushing. I will not post all of them at once, so check back to see which dumpling place gets my recognition of great dumpling eateries in Flushing. You may also leave a comment recommending your favorite dumpling and where to get it in the comments section below. Maybe you'll lead me to another hidden gem!
Sichuan Cuisine
136-20 38 Ave #9
Flushing, NY 11354
Sichuan Cusine Inc. #9
Hidden away in the basement level food court of New World Mall, behind the escalators, is the Fried Dumplings of Sichuan Cuisine. Before discovering these delicious dumplings, my money would always go to the chicken teriyaki place right by the escalators. I wouldn't venture to try the wide range of options of the food court. Anytime I would feel adventurous, I'd make one loop around the food court and beeline back to my chicken over lo mein with double meat. It was only when I had dinner with friends that I was introduced to the Sichuan Cuisine dumplings.
One evening, I had dinner at the food court with Lillian, Andy Zheng, and Tony. We grabbed seats and took turns ordering food from wherever we wanted as someone would be left behind to save our precious seats. I believe I got my usual teriyaki chicken with Tony. Andy and Lillian, however, ordered the lobster fried rice. Apparently, he wasn't done ordering as he went to another place and brought over the dumplings. Like a good friend, he let me try one. I was instantly hooked. "Where is this from?" I asked immediately. He pointed over the Sichuan Cuisine and said it was number 33 on the menu. Ever since then, I expanded my food options from 1 to 2.
One evening, I had dinner at the food court with Lillian, Andy Zheng, and Tony. We grabbed seats and took turns ordering food from wherever we wanted as someone would be left behind to save our precious seats. I believe I got my usual teriyaki chicken with Tony. Andy and Lillian, however, ordered the lobster fried rice. Apparently, he wasn't done ordering as he went to another place and brought over the dumplings. Like a good friend, he let me try one. I was instantly hooked. "Where is this from?" I asked immediately. He pointed over the Sichuan Cuisine and said it was number 33 on the menu. Ever since then, I expanded my food options from 1 to 2.
Right by a meat on a stick place and Kung Fu Tea, this spot is great. It was so great I would eventually take my good friend Jessica N. to try the dumplings as a return favor for introducing me to the street taco cart. She loved them! These dumplings were so good, J-Navs would introduce them to her brother, and he would also fall in love with them.
The generous tasty pork filling and crispiness of the dumpling skin makes it very savory. The sweat soy sauce that comes along with an order is the cherry on top. $5.00 will get you 6 pieces. Although it is a bit pricy, this isn't like the other cheaper priced dumplings that you can usually get 5 for ~$1.
Fried Dumplings #33
After several times of ordering the fried dumplings, I would explore the other options on their menu. I would see many others order a different type of dumpling from the same place. These dumplings were not fried. Instead, they were boiled and drenched in hot oil sauce.
With such a great fried option, I had to try these spicy hot oiled dumplings. In my opinion, the fried dumplings are still better, but the hot oil sauce dumplings is a great alternative. These dumplings are $5.50 for 10 pieces.
With such a great fried option, I had to try these spicy hot oiled dumplings. In my opinion, the fried dumplings are still better, but the hot oil sauce dumplings is a great alternative. These dumplings are $5.50 for 10 pieces.
The other food on the menu do look appetizing, but as of now, I am content with having a #31 and #33 as a meal. They are very yummy. If you have not tried either one yet, I highly recommend that you do. I suggest taking it to stay. Eating them when they are freshly made is the best. You don't want them to get soggy.
Dumplings in Hot Oil #31
 The Dynamic Dumpling Duo! |  Sichuan Cuisine |
The Hole in the Wall Dumpling Spot
Same Block as Red Bowl
Across the Street from Starbucks
Chinese Chinese Chinese Chinese....
As literal as you can get with the phrase "a hole in the wall," this dumpling spot is the one I am most familiar with. It is probably the 2nd best place I practice my broken Wenzhou, 1st being at home with my mother. I was told before this place came into existence, it started off as a street cart/vendor that became so popular, they had to expand. This is the result of their expansion. I've always gone to this place for my dumpling fix, never willing to try others. It used to be $1 for 4, but has since increased to only $1.25 for 4. There's a lot of other items on their menu, but the dumplings are their money maker.
This is another dumpling spot I love. It's one Wenzhou's take on dumplings. It didn't want to dub it as all of Wenzhou's take since there is another place I love that's run by Wenzhounese people that is very different. This spot is between the parking lot behind Red Bowl and next to Monster KTV. No English name spotted. None needed. People who know about it know where to go.
This is another dumpling spot I love. It's one Wenzhou's take on dumplings. It didn't want to dub it as all of Wenzhou's take since there is another place I love that's run by Wenzhounese people that is very different. This spot is between the parking lot behind Red Bowl and next to Monster KTV. No English name spotted. None needed. People who know about it know where to go.
I remember going to a holiday party hosted by J-Navs. With her culturally diverse palate, I knew it could count on her to help finish my contribution to her pot luck if others were hesitant to try them. Although they can be quite smelly, they were a hit. With some Sriracha and soy sauce combo as a dipping sauce, these dumplings are perfect appetizers in small numbers or a decent meal with multiple orders.
The dumpling skin is much thicker here. With a thick skin and the fillings packed with pork and leek, these dumplings are wok fried to perfection. The bottom is a bit crispy. But, eat with caution! There are times where these juicy dumplings may squirt hot oil when you bite into them. Sometimes I like to mix up the order with their fried small buns. These buns are very tasty, filling and are cooked the same way as the dumplings. Since it is a hole in the wall, there is very limited seating to eat. Best to take them home as soon as possible to enjoy its deliciousness.
I recall one summer where NYC had the black out, my mom couldn't cook anything. The whole family went out to this spot to order a whole batch of dumplings and small buns. They were one of very few businesses that had a generator to keep their business going. It's a great place and definitely one to hit up if you're ever in the area!
I recall one summer where NYC had the black out, my mom couldn't cook anything. The whole family went out to this spot to order a whole batch of dumplings and small buns. They were one of very few businesses that had a generator to keep their business going. It's a great place and definitely one to hit up if you're ever in the area!
 Fried Dumplings |  Fried Small Buns |
Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao
38-12 Prince Street
Flushing, NY 11354
The King of Soup Dumplings on Prince Street!
Flushing soup dumpling lover are divided between the two top soup dumpling businesses in town, Joe's Shanghai or Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao. I was first introduced to this kind of dumpling when I had lunch at Joe's Shanghai with a group of junior high school friend. When these dumplings came out, I wasn't sure of how it was eaten and wasn't warned about the hot contents inside. I burned my mouth and throat…but it was worth it.
At the time, as far as I knew, Joe's Shanghai was the only game in town...until another dinner night with the same group of friends at the King of Soup Dumplings on Prince St. Besides the soup dumplings, the other options at Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao are definitely worth a try. Ever since then, for me, Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao is the place to go to satisfy your soup dumpling cravings.
Although my brother, Felix, favors Joe's Shanghai, his opinions do not matter in this situation. If you do have the opportunity to trek out to Flushing for some delicious soup dumplings, I definitely recommend Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao. Here are the things you must order!
- Soup Dumplings/Steamed Buns (pork or crab and pork)
- Shanghai Pan Fried U-don
- Scallion Pancake with Beef
- Braised Bean Curd
- Turnip Puff
Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao
The Menu of Yummy
As you enter the restaurant, behind the register, you'll see a few soup dumpling chefs making the dumplings fresh. The reason I love this spot much better over Joe's Shanghai is because the soup dumplings taste better. I think the fact that the dumplings are made to order helps the taste. Although Joe's may offer one more dumpling per order, the taste cannot be substituted. Quality over quantity! There was one time a friend and I went to Joe's and ordered their mirrored counter parts of my favorite dishes at Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao. The experience was not the same. Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao is the place to be.
These dumplings are a must for all dumpling lovers. They are very different from the traditional dumpling as they are filled with soup on the inside. Be very careful on how you eat and handle them. You do not want to break the bottom and have its soupy deliciousness leak out! I have a method of eating them. I like to carefully place a dumpling on my soup spoon. The top is bitten and I carefully drink the soup. I scoop a bit of the vinegar that comes along with the order onto the filling and eat the rest of the dumpling.
These dumplings are a must for all dumpling lovers. They are very different from the traditional dumpling as they are filled with soup on the inside. Be very careful on how you eat and handle them. You do not want to break the bottom and have its soupy deliciousness leak out! I have a method of eating them. I like to carefully place a dumpling on my soup spoon. The top is bitten and I carefully drink the soup. I scoop a bit of the vinegar that comes along with the order onto the filling and eat the rest of the dumpling.
Steamed Crab Meat and Pork Bun
Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao is on Prince St. in Flushing. On that block, there are many other great restaurants worth trying, such as 66 known for its pork chop over rice dish and Sunway with its wide menu selection.
Fried Dumpling Jie Jie Sheng
40-24 Union St.
Flushing, N.Y. 11355
Livia's
Out of the way from most of the other dumpling spots, on Union Street is a small dumpling restaurant called Fried Dumpling Jie Jie Sheng. This is the second dumpling spot I like that's run by Wenzhounese peeps. I would have never tried this place if it wasn't for one of my students during my second year of teaching.
My pre-k class took a walking trip to the police station. The week prior to the trip, we took another walking trip to the fire station on Union Street. "My daddy restaurant is this way!" one child screamed. A lot of students will tell you things they are familiar with during trips. Many aren't able to give answers to followup questions, but this child is very bright. Since we didn't go passed the dumpling place, she never brought it up.
During the day of the police station, we would walk further down. "That my daddy restaurant!" I looked across the street to see Jie Jie Sheng. I asked if her daddy made dumplings and she responded, "YES! They are very yummy!" I made note of this place since I wanted to support businesses of my students' family.
My pre-k class took a walking trip to the police station. The week prior to the trip, we took another walking trip to the fire station on Union Street. "My daddy restaurant is this way!" one child screamed. A lot of students will tell you things they are familiar with during trips. Many aren't able to give answers to followup questions, but this child is very bright. Since we didn't go passed the dumpling place, she never brought it up.
During the day of the police station, we would walk further down. "That my daddy restaurant!" I looked across the street to see Jie Jie Sheng. I asked if her daddy made dumplings and she responded, "YES! They are very yummy!" I made note of this place since I wanted to support businesses of my students' family.
One day after school, I decided to try this spot. The workers were people I recognized since they were all family members. I had a wonderful conversation with the parents who owned the restaurant since they also spoke the only dialect of Chinese I knew. I tried many different items on the menu. They have a good variety of food you'd normally find at a dumpling spot. I ordered some dumplings, small buns, spring rolls, and tea eggs. They would offer some free sweet tofu pudding aka Doufu Hua.
Their dumplings are very yummy. Like any dumplings, they combination of Sriracha and soy sauce makes the taste even better. The major difference between these Wenzhou dumplings and the other place is the way it's cooked. The skin seems to be thinner here. The dumplings are not fried with a lot of oil, therefore they aren't greasy at all. Their tea eggs are definitely worth getting. To be honest, there hasn't been a small bun and spring roll from these type of places I did not like.
When I went back to school to share the goods with my friend, Lillian, she was very high on the Doufu Hua. When Lillian says something is delicious, take her word for it...it's delicious. She claimed it's the best Doufu Hua she's ever had.
Their dumplings are very yummy. Like any dumplings, they combination of Sriracha and soy sauce makes the taste even better. The major difference between these Wenzhou dumplings and the other place is the way it's cooked. The skin seems to be thinner here. The dumplings are not fried with a lot of oil, therefore they aren't greasy at all. Their tea eggs are definitely worth getting. To be honest, there hasn't been a small bun and spring roll from these type of places I did not like.
When I went back to school to share the goods with my friend, Lillian, she was very high on the Doufu Hua. When Lillian says something is delicious, take her word for it...it's delicious. She claimed it's the best Doufu Hua she's ever had.
Fried Dumplings and Sweet Doufu Hua
Since discovering this place, it's always an option for lunch. Union Street isn't as crowded and has two great shops that opened, Teaus for your bubble tea needs and T-Swirlcrepe for some delicious crepes. For the ladies who likes to look at firemen, it's on the same block as FDNY Engine 273 & Ladder 129.
There are days where pre-k would have non-attendance days for professional development. This year, these professional develop sessions have been held at the Macedonia church further down on Union Street across the street from the police department. My paraprofessional, Helen, look forward to these days since we would patron Fried Dumpling Jie Jie Sheng, for lunch. This is a great spot for some fried dumplings that aren't so greasy. Check it out!
There are days where pre-k would have non-attendance days for professional development. This year, these professional develop sessions have been held at the Macedonia church further down on Union Street across the street from the police department. My paraprofessional, Helen, look forward to these days since we would patron Fried Dumpling Jie Jie Sheng, for lunch. This is a great spot for some fried dumplings that aren't so greasy. Check it out!
Tianjin Dumpling House
Golden Mall
41-28 Main St.
Flushing, N.Y. 11355
Dumplings of the North
Smack in the middle of the busiest area of Main St., and tucked away in an underpass known as the Golden Mall is Tianjin Dumpling House. This so called mall is right by the Q58 bus stop. As you enter, you'll think you've entered a new world. Golden Mall is more of a food court than a mall. There are so many options of traditional Chinese food that Chinese people eat. I've always considered the standard Chinese take out food as food the Chinese make for non-Chinese people. Golden Mall is filled with Chinese food for Chinese people. There are many options that I stay away from but my mother would probably enjoy.
The Entrance to Platform 9 and 3/4...errr...the Goden-Mall
This was actually my first time going to Tianjin Dumpling House. I've heard many great things about these dumplings that I had to go out and try them. They've gotten so big that they've expanded and opened a fancy restaurant at Arcadia Mall and called it Dumpling Galaxy, which I've been to before and will keep my opinions about them out of it. It's a big move going from House to Galaxy. They may have left a few good things behind...but I digress.
When you enter the mall, you may be a bit overwhelmed by the amount of people in such a small place, as well as the amount of food options. If you're looking for Tianjin, you cannot miss it...if you do miss it...look for this.
When you enter the mall, you may be a bit overwhelmed by the amount of people in such a small place, as well as the amount of food options. If you're looking for Tianjin, you cannot miss it...if you do miss it...look for this.
The biggest difference that separates these dumplings from the rest is the variety. Most dumplings have pork filling mixed with some vegetable, leaving vegetarians dumplingless. Tianjin has the options of creating your own dumpling! You choose three ingredients and I assume they make it fresh and cook it.
If you're not sure of what to choose, they have dumplings prepared and ready for cooking (which are boiled). I decided to try the pork and pickled vegetables. They've increased their prices recently. Everything went up $1. My order was $5.00 for 12 dumplings. If you take your order to go, be sure they've included their sauce in a small container. They add a lot of kick to the dumplings. If you're eating in, they have a lot of condiments to choose from.
These are the Dumplings of the North! Along with dumplings, they also have other food options to choose from if you know what you're looking for. Again, their choices are great. It did take some time for them to complete my order. I believe a lot of their dumplings are made to order. I got my order to go and went home to enjoy a new place for dumplings.
These dumplings are quite delicious. I will definitely come back to try some of the other fillings. For this order, I stuck with the traditional pork filling but with pickled vegetables. The soy sauce added great flavor to the dumpling skin.The pickled vegetables made the dumplings taste very different from the others. They are very yummy and worth trying if you're ever in the area. Be sure to look around the other foods available at the Golden-Mall. The place next to Tianjin has been visited by both Anthony Bourdain of No Reservations and Parts Unknown as well as Andrew Zimmern of Bizarre Foods.
These dumplings are quite delicious. I will definitely come back to try some of the other fillings. For this order, I stuck with the traditional pork filling but with pickled vegetables. The soy sauce added great flavor to the dumpling skin.The pickled vegetables made the dumplings taste very different from the others. They are very yummy and worth trying if you're ever in the area. Be sure to look around the other foods available at the Golden-Mall. The place next to Tianjin has been visited by both Anthony Bourdain of No Reservations and Parts Unknown as well as Andrew Zimmern of Bizarre Foods.
Yummy! :P
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