Know Your Dumplings

I'm a sucker for dumplings, what can I say. If there was something I could indulge into every day (aside from bread, fries and ice-cream) that would be dumplings. And it’s a funny story, cause when I first got introduce to these beauties I was not super keen on them. It was during my first ever travel abroad, to Hong Kong. My friends out there took me out for Dim Sum and the westerner/ continental side of me could not cope with the variety and look of these little things. Little did I know these would become my obsession later on…

As a good dumplings lover, I’ve been travelling all over the city to find the absolute best dumplings in town, and here is what I found:

SOHO

Conveniently located off Carnaby St, Ugly Dumpling (1 Newburgh St) is the new kid on the block. It provides all your street food essentials with a twist, including pork belly, aromatic duck, satay chicken and prawn & chive but aaalso what they call “new favorites” which basically is a feast of flavors in a 5-piece dumpling platter. Lamb, harissa & yogurt, cauliflower & potato and halloume & courgette were surprisingly some of my favorites.

Not only they had a great selection on offer but also dessert dumplings! Matcha-filled dumplings bonanza or blueberry jam fried dumplings with clotted cream. I mean, shall I say more?  

CHINATOWN

Dumplings Legend (15-16 Gerrard St) is probably my old time favorite. Whenever I fancy a quick fix or just wanna hang out for a while in the area, this is always a good choice. Despite having tons of people working there sometimes service lacks attention, however quality-price is unbeatable. Also, they are open for business till 2AM pretty much every day. That’s an absolute winner in my dictionary.

Beijing Dumpling (23 Lisle St) is probably the best in Chinatown when it comes to dumplings. Also, who does not love seeing how these are made in front of you?

MARYLEBONE

Royal China (40-42 Baker St) is perfect for Sunday Brunch (that is, Dim Sum), which not only offers dumplings but a wide range of great chinese/ hong-kong cuisine. Unfortunately, they do not take reservations and this place is quite renown by locals (and not so locals), therefore you may need to cue for a bit. The menu selection is vast, so vast you don’t know where to start, but pretty much all dishes are a winner.

HACKNEY

My Neighbours The Dumplings in Homerton/Clapton (165 Lower Clapton Rd) and also Victori Park is definitely one of my recent locals. It holds a sake bar in their basement and the food was simply exceptional. Again, a bit of an Asian mix here, which included gyozas and dumplings and even dumplings with a European twist. Their menu also includes dessert dumplings, which is becoming on of my new favorite things. Argh, so much for that ‘no-sugar’ diet…

SHOREDITCH

Dumpling Shack is a MUST on Saturdays at Spitafields Market. Open everyday for lunch (and at times also in the evening), this little spot possibly delivers one of my favorite dumplings in town. The menu is extremely limited, but what they do they do GREAT. Fried soup dumpling at its best and extremely delicious hand made noodles at the shack next door. What else could you ask for?