Sushi Lounge (Morristown, NJ)

So I was down in Morristown celebrating a friend's birthday and eating sushi for like the 5th time in 2 weeks, I should probably cut down. Walking into an asian restaurant, I obviously go straight for the dumplings. I immediately put in for an order of gyoza, and out they came.

First, thing I notice is that these puppies are gigantic, and honestly I'm not a fan of big dumplings. Cut them in half, give me 8 smaller ones, is that so hard. I bit into them and they were okay. Much more heavily influenced by the veggies inside than the actual pork. Sauce was pretty good, however.

Maybe after the several sakai bombs I had, they would rank a little higher on my radar. Then again, whenever you go into a sushi restaurant it's more about the raw fish. Definitely concentrate on that aspect first, 10 times out of 10. If I wake up in the night with stomach pains because of raw fish, I don't care how great the dumplings were.

Sushi Lounge dumplings are okay. They gotta cut back on there size and then we can talk. Sauce is good. Dough was great, filling ehh. With that being said...

Ahhhhhhh ahhhhhh....sakai bomb,

3 out 5

Eric

Sushi Ya (Sparta, NJ)

Sushi Ya isn't my go to sushi spot. That doesn't mean if I'm craving a little late night raw fish, I'm not not going to consider it. When I don't feel like driving to Mt. Arlington, it does the job. That being said I always go gyoza at sushi joints. Need a little land based animal appetizer to warm you up, to  remind you that fish ain't the only star of the show, especially if that pork is wrap in tasty crispy dough.

Gyoza is always a great option because its always crispy and light, Sushi Ya is no exception. They have a great filling, nice and crisp, and a good sauce. All around a quality dumpling, but even a grade A dumpling at a sushi place is still overshadowed. It's like finding the best hamburger in the world at a steakhouse, people will still only care about their porterhouse.

That being said,

3.7 out of 5

Not memorable, but a crucial component of any Sushi Ya meal, and if you're trying for a quick sush meal, its a requirement.

Eric

Hunan Wok 2.0 (Sparta, NJ)

While Tyuck is galavanting around in Asia, I'm here in the Garden of Eden fro dumplings; yes you guessed it New Jersey. Asia might seem like the most logical place to get dumplings, but any real connoisseur knows the the great New York Metropolitan area is the primer dumpling hotspot.

Sparta seems to have a Chinese place every 10 feet. These morsels of heaven come from Hunan Wok. Now Hunan Wok is across, so its about time I try them out hot. Other then not having rated these dumplings properly before (see previous Hunan Wok post), I am also coming down with a cold so I obviously needed some dumplings to help boost my immune system. Vitamin C wishes it was on the same level as a fried dumpling.

I went in with my expectations not too high, I was just looking for a quick dumpling and one I haven't properly rated. These blew my socks off for not expecting much. The dumpling center was tasty, the dough ratio was great, but those alone would have only made these good dumplings. What took this dumplings from good to potentially my new replacement for Lucky House (Never Forget), was the sauce. It was so much more than just your standard soy sauce with chives thrown in it. It elevated the dumplings to another level. Its like when you open a brand new pair of socks on wear a pair right out of the bag. That feeling of fresh socks makes you feel like you could climb everest, if you weren't currently scrolling through the TV looking for something to catch your attention for the next 20 minutes. This sauce was a pair of new socks. Sure maybe after a while of eating it its allure wears off, sure it could possibly be I haven't had a dumpling in a bit, or I'm coming down with a bit of a cold, but deep down I know this sauce was a fresh pair of white crew socks fresh out of the package and with that I give these dumplings-

4.1 out of 5

Eric

Now where did I put my socks.

Mapo Dumpling (Seoul, South Korea)

Mapo Dumpling, or Mapo Mandu is located in a little neighborhood by Hongdae, minutes from the Hapjyeong stop off the circle line. If you are ever in the area it is a must try, partially because of the dumplings and partially because there are two of the exact same restaurant only twenty feet away from each other, and it's hilarious.

We stopped here after a long day of hunting dumplings, and we were not disappointed. As you can see from the picture, these dumplings came in many assortments. I attempted to order my dumplings pan fried, but if you are an American traveling in Korea, you will quickly realize that just about nobody speaks English, and so it was impossible.

The assortment was, in ascending order: pork, veggie, chicken, kimchi, and mystery. The dumplings came out steaming, and arranged beautifully on a metal platter. The pork and chicken were by far my favorite. They were savory, juicy, and packed with meat and fresh herbs. On their own, these dumplings would have received four and a half stars. The issue for me was the kimchi, and the mystery dumpling at the end. The kimchi was far too spicy for my liking, which in Korea is actually only about a two on the spice scale. And the mystery dumpling, well, I literally have no idea what that was.

Point being, these dumplings rate a 3.75 out of 5 stars. And if you are ever in this area, stop by to check out Mapo Dumpling.

Until next time.

Tyuck

Din Tai Fung (Seoul, South Korea)

Aaaaaaand it's official, we've made it halfway across the world, from a little home town in Rhode Island all the way to Seoul, South Korea. This first post comes from Din Tai Fung in the Times Square Mall in the YeongDueng area. The mall is a huge space, six floors with rising escalators, huge glass windows, and a great central view to the middle complex. This mall goes on forever, and at the top floor by the movie theatre, which touts the largest movie screen in the world, Din Tao Fung sits, waiting for you. Their claim to fame is the bao bun, but as always we dared to defy logic. We got the dumplings.

In Korea, dumplings are known as Mandu or Mandoo. Korean mandu are typically cooked steamed or in a wonton soup, so it's unlikely I'll be sampling many pan fried dumplings here, which we all know are my favorite. Alas, a dumpling is a dumpling, right? I went for the eight piece combo, which came with four pork/veggie dumplings, and four shrimp/pork dumplings. They came on a wooden steam platter, which is the customary serving medium for steamed dumplings here. The steam platter is to Korean mandu as the plastic to-go carton is to Chinese take out.

The dumplings arrived behind our complementary servings of kimchi and tea and, oh good god they smelled good. They were perfectly cooked and perfectly arranged. The steam arose into the air like white doves. The one drawback to this restaurant was their lack of sauces. We were not provided any soy, so these dumplings had to stand on their own.

On first bite they were tender and juicy. The mixed pork/shrimp and pork/veggie combo was aggressive, but it paid off. Both were savory and sweet. Although it was a good meal, the dough was a bit light and the flavor was lacking. Overall, the dumplings themselves were not terribly memorable. What was the real clincher was the provided kimchee, pickled plum, and tea that were given for free beforehand. When all was said and done, we had a great meal for only about ten thousand won, which comes to about eight dollars and fifty cents.

So if you ever find yourself in this part of Seoul, go to the mall and check out the scene. 3 out of 5 stars for Din Tao Fung.

Until next time

Tyuck!

Blue Moon Cafe (Maui, HI)

Blue Moon Cafe is set back on a small street away from the main tourist strip of Kihei. It's menu touts mostly American food with hints of asian fusion, though you know by looking at its owners - a nice older brother and sister - that they can cook up some mean authentic dishes. While Maui is glamorous in all of it's devices, it's a bit of a stretch to get dumplings here. You'll be running through back alleys looking for them, and on this particular dumpling run I had to special order them. There were no dumplings on the menu, but I knew if I worked it right I could get my fix. After a few inquisitions it was clear the owner of rhe establishment could make a mean wonton soup. I came out of the conversation thinking I would get the wonton soup without the soup - i.e. dumplings, but I was wrong.

It came out as a soup anyway, but my, my, it was delicious. Normally I like to keep consistency to my order with pan fried pork dumplings because as any true dumpling adventurer knows this is the best food in the world. But over the next few days you'll see my orders change, as Korean mandu often feature a wide variety of choices. Here, the wonton soup came out steaming. It was delicious, and I put it upon myself to take out the dumplings individually and try them.

The dumplings were steam cooked, so they lacked the usual crisp that I so love. Coupled with the broth of the soup, however, the dumplings were great. They were savory and sweet for pork dumplings. Not too much herbs mixed in, which is what I generally strive for, but they still had an earthy taste and hints of love obviously went into the cooking.

As the dumplings came in a soup, there was no soy sauce to dip which was sorely missed, however, they were still juicy enough that one didn't require a sauce for them. Overall, I appreciated the gesture. They were terrifically nice people at Blue Moon Cafe and the meal came out quick, however, these aren't quite the dumplings I'm looking for. Alas, they did not impress me terribly. But, if you are a dumpling lover they are worth eating, and I suggest you swing by on your beautiful Maui vacation in your nice rental car. Or, if you're me, you'll swing by with all of your possessions in your 2005 dodge neon that smells like mold and miller lite.

These dumplings get a 3 out of 5 stars. Don't forget to follow me on instagram @tyucktyuck

Holler! Next, we go to Seoul, South Korea, on the greatest transcontinental dumpling adventure the world has ever known.

Ace Eat Serve (Denver, CO)

Ace Eat Serve is not for the wet towel personality. If you don't like dumplings, fun, and balls flying around your face, then this is not the venue for you. There are balls everywhere. White ones, orange ones. The click clack of ping pong paddles reverberates around the large space. If you're into good food and good times, Ace Eat Serve is the place for you.

When my girlfriend and I arrived, we were technically in limbo. We had just come in from Vail, and we had no place to go yet for the next several hours and as we were on our way to live in Hawaii for the next three months, we had enough baggage to make Aaliyah's last flight look light. The staff was awesome, they let us set up and chill, charge our phones, and get down with some of the best dumplings in Colorado.

We ordered three different kinds. The pork and the chicken deep fried in greasy goodness, and the veggie pan fried to perfection . Now I'm a meat eater myself, so the veggie didn't do much for me. But, oh, the chicken and the pork, my god. The dough was thinner than the typical dumpling and since they had deep fried it hard, it was crunchy. Yet it was still moist and delicious. The pork and chicken were both savory, both chopped and minced with garlic and herbs, and hints of ginger. They were like serving five strsight on a noobie. Delicious and something to brag about. But the real treat was their sauces. The soy was a delicious and spicy mixture with herbs aplenty. It had an earthy aftertaste and a medium amount bode well on the dumplings.

Overall, my experience at Ace Eat Serve has been almost unbeaten. The dumplings are worth raving about. Yet, I am still in search of the perfect masterpiece. These puppies deserve nearly a five star rating. You can follow their instagram @ace_eat_serve and check them our if you're ever in Denver.

4.5 out of 5 stars for this Denver hotspot. Til next time my dumpling lovers

Tyuck!

Super No. 1 (Kapa'a, HI)

Ahh, Hawaii. So majestic. Known most for its pristine beaches, beautiful sunsets, and clear waters. But where there is people, there is food. Kauai is the northernmost island of the main Hawaiian island chain, and only 60,000 permanent residents reside here. You can get the fresh ono, ahi, kalua pig, or taro. Or you can seek out the dumplings.

To find them, you'll go to the old town of Kapa'a, to a little plaza across from the shell station, where Super No. 1 keeps food steaming in tin foil baking dishes. They have an assortment of rices, sweet and sour chicken, and veggies. Now let's get down to the reason we're all here today, the dumplings.

First of all, dumplings are not on the menu. You have to ask for them, and they'll either steam or pan fry and of course, if you're a true dumpling connoisseur you'll order pan fried. In Hawaii you should expect to pay about two to three times mainland prices for just about everything. A gallon of milk will run you eight dollars. A loaf of bread will be six. Expect to pay 9 dollars a pound for organic chicken. Getting hosed is the name of the game here. But it comes with all of the aloha you could ever want. At Super No. 1, a plate of eight dumplings cost 4.65, which is a total steal. Gas out here once cost 4.65 a gallon when the rest of the country was buying it for three. So when they told me I could get eight dumplings for 4.65 I would have been a mad man to say no.

The dumplings arrived in a plastic container, which I've grown accustomed to in the dumpling world, but am against in general due to the nonrecyclable waste it produces. So where they had me at 4.65, they lost me at plastic container and plastic forks. The dumplings came out hot and just a little brown. At first glance, they were impressive. They had a good body, full arrangement, and the soy sauce looked packed with herbs and spices. However, the first bite proved that all was too good to be true. The fried garlic in the pork was way overpowering - I might even say the garlic was burnt- and the dough was just a little too thin for my liking. The soy sauce was tasty, but the dumpling had to soak in it to assuage the overpowering garlic. Although the dumplings were a total steal at their price, I give them a safe rating right in the middle.

2.5 out of 5 stars for Super No 1. on Kauai.

Until next time my dumpling loving peeps.

Oh, and follow me on instagram @tyucktyuck where I will begin posting dope dumpling photos along with my other bidness.

Tyuck!

Eastern Garden (Sussex, NJ)

When you're at work and the day is dragging on there are very few things that can salvage it, one of those things is obviously dumplings. So I decided to try the dumplings from Eastern Garden. I have to say I was a little disappointed in the fact there where only 6, I have grown very accustomed to the usual 8 dumplings.

Now time to get at it. These dumpling were pretty good, aside from the fact they weren't hot because i spent longer then normal looking for the place as the only directions I was given, was that the place is next to a pizzeria. Turns out there are several other Chinese places in a 5 mile radius also next to a pizzeria.

These dumplings were good. All the usual things I say about dumplings holds true. Filling check, Dough check, but the sauce. The sauce was a bit different all sweeter than the traditional dark soy sauces of other places. To say the least this sauce ramped up the score on these dumplings. If it weren't for the fact they only give you 6, and it's way out of the way in the middle of nowhere NJ. So far Northern NJ is looking like a Mecca for dumplings, just saying.

4 out of 5

Eric

Izakaya Tairyo (Honolulu, HI)

Izakaya Tairyo has a deceiving exterior. From the outside, the restaurant might appear as a fish market, a bar, a grocery store, a black market auction house, or all of the above at once. Inside, it's got a local feel. All of the servers and staff wear black flip flops. They serve sake from an overflowing ceramic container and it catches in a wooden basin that you drink at the end. The food is of high quality, now let's get on to tbe reason we are all here, the dumplings. 

The dumplings were precision made. They arrived on a sizzling skillet with a small decanter of soy sauce. The presentation and service was excellent, and I can't say much more about it. The soy sauce was a fragrant dish with many extra herbs and greens added in that gave it an earthy but delicious flavor. It was somethijg Organic Jesus would certainly approve of. The dumplings were cooked just how I like them, quick and crispy on the outside to a nice golden brown. The dough was savory and the pork was mild but slightly spicy. They had not lost their juicy texture and I enjoyed thoroughly every bite. Though I can say that I was mostly all of the way through a tallboy of Ichiban Kirin, I can say with good reason that the dumplings deserve a solid 4.25 stars. Not quite perfection, but I can tell that as I near Asia in my travels, I am getting closer and closer to the perfect dumpling with every bite I take. That's all for now folks. Until next time

4.25 out of 5 stars.

Tyuck

China Wok (Towson, MD)

What China Wok again. I know what you're all thinking, "Um, Eric we already read about China Wok's dumplings." Wrong, that was a completely unrelated China Wok, 3 minutes down the same road. This is a completely different place. How outrageous of all the potential Chinese restaurant names to choose from, there happens to be a dozen China Wok's in the greater Baltimore area.

Don't worry though, these dumplings were on point. The sauce was much better than the other China Wok. The dumpling game was solid as well. Throw in getting them delivered because who has time to drive to the Chinese place, especially after my last adventure  to find a China Wok, and you're looking at an easily above average dumpling from the friends over there. There's going to be some serious debating as to which China Wok, of the two I have tried, reigns supreme. I mean this China Wok coming in hot with the dumplings in a styrofoam container, which also fits the sauce container perfectly for easy carrying, is revolutionizing the game. You're move China Wok #2.

That being said you can't go wrong with either. You want to drive to Baltimore go for China Wok. You want a good dumpling go to China Wok. You want easy online ordering and delivery you go to China Wok. See what I did there. Yeah, thats how confusing it is. I have addresses, phone numbers and menus to more China Woks than I can remember. Let me do everyone a favor. I officially declare this " China Wok" "China Woks," thats right I just made it plural. I'll have them print out a huge S and post it on their sign ASAP. You're welcome.

Now for the grade, as I said this is a solid dumpling. Sauce was much better, than one Wok and the dumplings are probably equal in overall taste. However, I accidentally dropped a dumpling on the gross carpet outside the apartment, so even the 5 second rule had no power. This little slip up left a sour taste in my mouth as I mourned the loss of that tasty little morsel, hurting their overall score.

4.1 out of 5

Eric

I don't know what it is but I need to stop ordering from China Wok(s), bad things seem to happen when I do.

Lotus Garden (James Island, SC)

There are few comforts in life more rewarding than ordering Chinese food straight from your favorite couch. Soon, technology will allow us to beam the food right to our table, but for now delivery will be a close second. My girlfriend and I had a craving for some fried dough and MSG, so we called Lotus Garden right down the road. Despite being close in proximity, the delivery time was upwards of twenty minutes. That we looked past because we were hungry. We had the sweet and sour chicken, the brown rice with veggies, and suchlike.

Now on to the real reason we're all here: the sweet, sweet delicate deliciousness of the dumpling. The first bite was savory, not too sweet, not too salty. The dough to pork ratio was appropriate - still hot, still fresh. We devoured them quickly and without remorse, the stains of soy sauce blotting the table like a Rorschach pattern. Alas, they were gone, and our appetites were hardly satiated -- that is the effect of MSG on the pallet. Despite our ferocious devouring of the dumplings, their rating is now overwhelming. They were good, but not great. Delicious, but not impeccable.

Four stars out of five for Lotus Garden of James Island. Remember, we must reserve five star ratings for the true connoisseurs.

4 out of 5

Tyuck!

Asia Lee (Franklin, NJ)

When a new Chinese place opens, it's my duty to deliver a new dumpling review for it. Asia Lee is somewhat new. It meets all my criteria for a go to Chinese place, used to be an old tire shop, Check, limited number of tables, Check, visibly empty a good majority of time, Check. With all that going for it, I was very excited to give these a whirl.

I usually go with pan fried dumplings, the far superior alternative to steamed dumplings, however, this time around it was steamed dumplings and fried them up myself. I have to say this dumpling fell well short of its potential. You would think a dumpling made in an old garage would be a delectable gem, these were far from it.  Give me some flavor Asia lee. These dumplings were some of the most bland, I have had in a long time. They were very reminiscent of those dumplings at Chinese buffets. Sauce was eh, Dough was eh, and filling was basically devoid of all flavor. Not the stellar dumpling, you would expect from a small, dive like Chinese place.

There are far superior dumplings in the area, but if you found yourself stranded in Franklin on Rt. 23, and dumplings are the only thing that can and will help you in a predicament like that, than by all means stop on in to the former ice cream shop turned sushi/Sichuan/Japanese/thai/Chinese fusion they got going on and grab some.

1.75 out of 5

Good Job, Good Effort.

Eric

China Wok (Baltimore, MD)

Let me preface this by saying there are at least 12 China Wok's in and around Baltimore, and you will go to the wrong one. Trust me its just part of the process. Their phone numbers and addresses are a mystery to figure out. It's alright though because they are all small joints with one table so you know they are going to be prime spots.

Super Bowl Sunday means only one thing when it comes to the dinner menu, Chinese. Nothing says America like a good old fashioned dumpling, and this night's delights were provided by the China Wok on York Road. No, not the one by the circle, the one down a ways by the Little Caesars. After, successfully finding the China Wok, I brought these bad boys home. I will have to say these were probably the best dumplings I have had so far in Maryland. The sauce, nailed it. Filling, nailed it. Dough, nailed it. I was a bit skeptical at first glance seeing how big some of them were. Nothing worse than a disproportionate amount of dough to filling, how wrong I was. China Wok #2 (That's what I'm calling it to keep my dumpling map in order), makes a quality dumpling. I should have known judging by the fading overhead menu, the vertical blinds with every 12th one missing, and the lone corner table with two chairs, one of them piled with a gigantic box of sauce packets.

China Wok

4.65 out of 5

The fact that the Patriots won, is the only thing going against these dumplings. They got a raw deal being influenced by the Pats winning. There's only one thing that could ever possibly ruin a dumpling score, Bill Belichick winning the Lombardi trophy, that's it. What do you know that very thing happened. Thanks a lot Bill for ruining what are so far the best dumpling in North Baltimore.

Well done China Wok

Eric

Are they a franchise, there are way to many of them in such a small space for it not to be, right? Then again, if they are a franchise, they might want to invest a little in a menu that features the right phone numbers, I don't appreciate a scavenger hunt, when i have the itch for dumplings.

Kao Sandwich Shop (Brooklyn, NY)

Brooklyn's Smorgasburg is a weekly food flea market held at the East River State Park in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Every Saturday hundreds of vendors flock to the seven-acre waterfront park in search of that perfect deep-fried oreo, mozzarella-basil pizza, ramen burger, or in our case, the perfect dumpling. It is a constantly evolving search -- our efforts becoming more and more addicting, our standards higher and higher. We are like the cat chasing the laser pointer. We may never find the perfect dumpling. But if we look a little harder and keep our ears to the ground, claws extended, that perfect dumpling may fall into our paws.

The dumplings came from a tent rented by Kao Sandwich Shop. The dumplings came out swiftly and steaming. These dumplings were clearly the work of fine craftsmanship and attention to detail. Each dumpling was wholesome, artfully put together and cooked to perfection. The light sprinkling of cilantro was the perfect touch. They were delicious. And yet, the problem upon serving was their heavy hand in the soy sauce. They might have found more success in keeping the soy light as well, but alas the dumplings found towards the bottom of the bowl were drowning in sodium. If not for that, these may have been a perfect five

4 out of 5 stars

Until next time

Tyuck!

Wegmans (Cockeysville, MD)

Normally when I see dumplings in a supermarket, I always pass, but that was before I was a professional dumpling critic. These puppies were found in that long salad bar of hot foods, that is found at pretty much any food store now a days. 

First bite, was not to impressed by the dumplings. Easily, one of the lower ranking dumplings I have had But after a second bite, I realized I was being to critical. Just because these guys are found in a supermarket, and not in a second rate Chinese joint with one table, and a massive box of soy sauce packets, doesn't make them any less of a dumpling. 

3 out of 5

These dumplings might have scored higher if they were right out of the frying pan. The potential was there in the slightly cold mass of dough, there was a hint of what good be greatness. The sauce wasn't to bad either. Definitely not the worst dumpling I have had, especially for being in that buffet line. 

Not to bad Wegmans, not to bad. 

Eric