Fu Da (Burlington, VT)

It's amazing that I've lived in Burlington for 4 years while in college and never once been to FuDa, or even remember ordering dumplings. When visiting buds then, it's only fitting that Tyuck and I team up and both give you the first tandem dumpling review. From the instant we walked in I knew I was in a prime dumpling location. The tables, all located to one side of the room, the unused buffet station, the random plants, and the cardboard boxes full of sauce packets, I knew I was in for something good. I ordered some dumplings and the out came those beauts. I was immediately taken aback at how many we got, and was not expecting the 8 even though thats a pretty standard number.

Now to the dumplings themselves. Crisp was on point. These are how all dumplings should be, straight out of the wok on to a styrofoam plate, and in front of my face in no time.  Dough to Meat ratio was good, sauce nailed that too. My only gripe was that I haven't been there 6 years earlier. These were some serious dumplings. The vibe was exactly what got me into the dumpling game in the first place.

4.2 out of 5

Eric

Pandan Room (Hackettstown, NJ)

Pandan Room is my go to Thai restaurant, and I always go curry FYI. But today in addition to my curry, I had to get some dumplings. Obviously, these are pork. I wish they were fried, but these we re bonus dumplings so cant complain. The sauce was much more thai inspired than the usual Chinese restaurant sauce and had a bit more sweetness.

Aside from the outside not having that amazing crisp from a hot smoking wok, the dough was pretty spot on. Not to much. The filling was tasty as well, again a little more spice, because thats how Thai does it. I think I have never been to Thailand, but I have eaten my fair share of dumplings.

Being bonus dumplings and not expecting to even have them when I went to go get Thai, they were pretty good.

3.5 out of 5

Middle of the road dumpling. Throw on a few more on that boat plate for me and we'll chat again Pandan Room.

Eric