15 Best Dumpling Restaurants To Eat in Los Angeles
Looking for the best dumpling restaurants to eat at in Los Angeles? Look no further! This list will take you to some of the best Chinese and Taiwanese dumpling spots in SoCal. Whether you’re looking for pork, shrimp, or vegetable dumplings, these places have got you covered. And at only a few bucks per plate, they’re an affordable option as well!
At LAStartups HQ, we are super pumped about dumplings. They’re like little parcels of flavor, and we just can’t get enough. So we’ve put together a list of our 15 favorite places to get dumplings in Los Angeles.
Yup, our team has dined at all of these dumpling places (multiple times), and we can confirm that they’re all delicious. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start exploring!
Best Places To Get Dumplings in LA
Up for a dumpling adventure? These are the best places to get Chinese and Taiwanese dumplings in Los Angeles!
15 Best Chinese Dumplings in Los Angeles
Here’s our list of the 20 best places to get Chinese dumplings in Los Angeles!
1. Bling Bling Dumpling
With locations in both the San Gabriel Valley and Koreatown, Bling Bling Dumpling is a great option no matter where you are in LA. They offer an array of dumplings, including pork, shrimp, vegetable, and even dessert options!
Yelp – Address: 5660 Selmaraine Dr Culver City, CA 90230
2. Crystal Dumplings
If you’re in the mood for soup dumplings, look no further than Crystal Dumplings. Located in San Gabriel, this restaurant offers some of the best soup dumplings in town. And at only $7.95 for 10, they’re a great deal too!
Yelp – Address: 9240 Garden Grove Blvd Ste 12 Garden Grove, CA 92844
3. Dim Sum House
This Taiwanese restaurant in Pasadena is known for its delicious dumplings. They offer a wide variety of options, including pork, shrimp, vegetable, and even lamb dumplings!
Yelp – Address: 1822 Westwood Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90025
4. Ixlb Dimsum Eats
Located in Chinatown, Ixlb Dimsum Eats is a great place to go for traditional Chinese dumplings. They offer both steamed and fried dumplings, as well as a wide variety of other dim sum dishes.
Yelp – Address: 5900 Sunset Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90028
4 Northern Cafe
Northern Cafe is a chain of Chinese restaurants with locations in the San Gabriel Valley, Orange County, and Beverly Grove. They offer a wide variety of dumplings, including pork, shrimp, vegetable, and even dessert options!
Yelp – Address: 1637 S Azusa Ave Hacienda Heights, CA 91745
5. Pine and Crane
Pine and Crane is a Taiwanese restaurant located in Silver Lake. They offer a variety of dumpling options, including pork, shrimp, vegetables, and even lamb dumplings!
Yelp – Address: 1521 Griffith Park Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
6. Zui Xian Yuan
The new Zui Xiang Yuan restaurant is in the old Flavor Garden location and, like other recent restaurants to move into that space, has kept the same menu and specialties – including those delicious leeks and scrambled egg pockets.
Yelp – Address: 1269 Valley Blvd, Alhambra, CA 91801
7. Din Tai Fung
Din Tai Fung is by far one of the most popular dumpling spots in Los Angeles. They have locations in Glendale, Arcadia, and Downtown LA, and are known for their delicious soup dumplings.
Yelp – Address: 10250 Santa Monica Blvd Unit 2400 Los Angeles, CA 90067
8. Mian
Mian is always happy to make their Sichuan-style noodles as spicy as you like, but don’t forget to ask for a serving of chao shou with a hearty dose of ma la ( best described as a numbing spice); the familiar grassy Sichuan chili oil will take these already delicious wontons to new heights.
Yelp – Address: 301 W Valley Blvd #114, San Gabriel, CA 91776
9. You Kitchen
If you’re ever looking for handmade wontons, pork-and-fennel dumplings, and shengjianbao in the city, be sure to check out You Kitchen. They’ve only been open since late 2018 but they’re quickly making a name for themselves with their electronic ordering system and delicious “big mouth pockets.” These doughy treats are filled with minced pork, green onion, and cilantro—sure to win over anyone’s heart.
Yelp – Address: 1402 E Valley Blvd, Alhambra, CA 91801
10. Beijing Pie House
The Xian Bing pie is a fried dumpling, similar to the debate on whether a hot dog is classified as a sandwich. However, what’s not up for debate is that Beijing Pie House offers some of the most unique and delicious fried dumplings in the area. Their menu features an array of different fillings like pumpkin with pork; shrimp; basil, eggplant, and pork varieties – so there’s definitely something for everyone!
Yelp – Address: 846 E Garvey Ave #3a, Monterey Park, CA 91755
11. Tian You Feng Dumpling House
This is the place to go if you’re looking for shengjianbao, those wonderful soup-filled buns that are fried on the bottom and steamed on top. Tian You Feng also offers an array of other dumplings, including pork, shrimp, vegetable, and even lamb dumplings!
Yelp – Address: 1428 S Azusa Ave West Covina, CA 91791
12. XLB Dumpling Bar
XLB Dumpling Bar is a chain of dumpling restaurants with locations in Brea (437 S Associated Rd Brea, CA 92821) and Walnut. They offer a wide variety of dumplings, including pork, shrimp, vegetable, and even dessert options!
Yelp – Address: 18732 Amar Rd Walnut, CA 91789
13. Bafang Dumpling
Bafang Dumpling House is a chain of dumpling restaurants around Los Angeles. It’s like Starbucks, but for dumplings. They have locations in Koreatown, Pasadena, and Rowland Heights. They offer a wide variety of dumplings, including pork, shrimp, vegetable, and even dessert options! If you’re in a rush and crave dumplings, this is the place for you.
Yelp – Address: 1552 S Azusa Ave Ste B City Of Industry, CA 91748
14. Mama Lu’s Dumpling House
Mama Lu’s Dumpling House is a chain of dumpling restaurants with locations all over Southern California. Taiwanese-style dumplings with a Chinese twist, home of the best pork dumplings in Los Angeles. Other menu favorites include: the beef wrap, spicy wontons, green onion fried pancake, dried scallop fried rice, and house stir-fried udon. You can also purchase its frozen dumplings to take home and cook yourself!
Yelp – Address: 17515 Colima Rd Ste B City of Industry, CA 91748
15. Thumbling
This dumpling house is a must-try if you’re ever in the mood for soup dumplings. Thumbling specializes in varieties of dumplings: Xiao Long Bao, pan-fried dumplings, steamed dumplings, wonton, etc. All the cooking ingredients including vegetables and meat are freshly selected every day. What’s more, this place creates different special sauces to enrich the flavor of each type of dumpling!
Yelp – Address: 228 S Citrus St West Covina, CA 91791
Chinese Dumpling Guide
This is a simple Q&A guide to help you better understand Chinese dumplings.
What Are Chinese Dumplings?
Traditionally eaten on Lunar New Year’s Day as a lucky food, dumplings’ doughy pouches resemble bags of money. Eating dumplings on the holiday allegedly portends good fortune in the coming year. However, because they are outstanding parcels of flavor, any time of the year is ideal to venture to SoCal neighborhoods in the hunt for dumplings.
Not only are the little pockets delicious, but they’ve also got the added bonus of being an affordable dining option. So without further ado, here are 30 great places to get Chinese and Taiwanese dumplings (along with buns) in Los Angeles, listed geographically from north to south.
Are Chinese Dumplings Good For You?
Yes, Chinese dumplings are good for you! They are a great source of protein and fiber, and they are low in calories. Plus, they’re a great way to get your vegetables in!
Do Chinese Dumplings Have MSG?
No, Chinese dumplings do not have MSG. However, some restaurants may add MSG to their dumplings, so be sure to ask before you order.
What is the Best Way to Cook Chinese Dumplings?
The best way to cook Chinese dumplings is to steam them. This will help to keep them moist and prevent them from drying out. You can also fry or boil them, but be sure not to overcook them!
Where Can I Buy Chinese Dumplings?
You can buy Chinese dumplings at any Asian grocery store. You can also find them at some regular grocery stores, but the selection may be limited.
Are Chinese Dumplings Vegan?
Yes, there are vegan Chinese dumplings available! Most Chinese dumplings are made with pork or shrimp, but there are also vegetable-based dumplings available. Be sure to check with the restaurant before you order, as not all restaurants offer vegan dumplings.
What is the Difference Between Chinese Dumplings and Japanese Dumplings?
The main difference between Chinese dumplings and Japanese dumplings is the filling. Chinese dumplings are typically filled with pork or shrimp, while Japanese dumplings are usually filled with vegetables. Chinese dumplings are also typically steamed, while Japanese dumplings can be boiled, fried, or baked.
What is the Difference Between Chinese Dumplings and Korean Dumplings?
The main difference between Chinese dumplings and Korean dumplings is the filling. Chinese dumplings are typically filled with pork or shrimp, while Korean dumplings are usually filled with vegetables. Chinese dumplings are also typically steamed, while Korean dumplings can be boiled, fried, or baked.
What is the Difference Between Chinese Dumplings and Taiwanese Dumplings?
The main difference between Chinese dumplings and Taiwanese dumplings is the filling. Chinese dumplings are typically filled with pork or shrimp, while Taiwanese dumplings are usually filled with vegetables. Chinese dumplings are also typically steamed, while Taiwanese dumplings can be boiled, fried, or baked.
Eat up!
So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start exploring some of these delicious dumpling destinations. Your taste buds will thank you!
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