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