Sushi Lounge (Hoboken, NJ)

My brother was on a huge seemless kick, might actually still be on it actually. After an exhausting day of brunching and leisurely drinking on the pier, sushi felt like the perfect ending for it. Everyone knows that before sushi, I need to order gyoza, need. These gyoza where not the best, and I know everyone would be like "yea, don't order dumplings from a sushi spot, keep with fish," but that wouldn't be me. 

The sauce was good. the gyoza though lacked the pizazz of other ones. Usually gyoza is very, very thin, very crispy, these where a little to thick for my liking. Just call them a dumpling.  The filling was blah. Luckily though, even blah dumplings are better than no dumplings, because if Iz-piece were writing this, it would have been way worse for them. She was not feeling this 'lings, but then again that's why I get paid the big bucks. Although, wouldn't sleep on her review of dumplings, she has had phumplings, while I haven't.

3 out of 5 

Eric 

1.1 out of 5 from Izzy 

PS. one of these days I'll add phumplings to the big board, that'll be when we make it. 

Daily Chinese (Weehawken, NJ)

There are still Chinese places around that I have to try, for that go to takeout. Up on deck is Daily Chinese.  Honestly, not to thrilled that I had to order chicken dumplings, c'mon get your act together Daily. Chicken...really...what is this? Now with that out of the way these dumplings we really not horrible. After I got over the initial disappointment of their lack of love for the other white meat, these dumplings had some redeeming qualities. The dough and fry was pretty commendable. The insides besides being chicken, and not pork place it second in the chicken dumpling category, which I'm not sure if that's an honor or what, since that category is only three places long. The sauce game was brought as well. 

They are definitely not my go to order, but what kind of blogger would I be if I didn't try them for the world. 

3.1 out of 5 

Eric 

because of the chicken, because of the chicken. 

The Bao (New York, NY)

Next up is the Bao. Anywhere that is known for their dumplings is a top priority to taste and get on the blog. Obviously had to go with the classic pork pan fried dumplings, and threw in some soup dumplings because I do what it takes. Although I have no problem dinning in alone, I've been hitting the take out game hard. 

Any place where they are hyping up their dumplings instantly comes with that much more scrutiny. First we'll start off with the soup dumplings. Admittedly, soup dumplings just don't give me that special feeling that a classic fried does. They are still extremely delicious if executed properly, but its not the same. These soup dumplings were not bad. the dough wasn't overly thick which some spots do to keep the dumpling from breaking. The insides where a little bit spicy but enjoyable, and I respect the inclusion of a spoon, don't make me have to walk all the way home and to enjoy my 'lings. I'd rather eat 'em on the side walk with my peeps.  The bao delivered with these xiao long bao, good job.

Now the main attraction, the fried dumplings. These were a solid dumpling.dough the proper amount of thickness, which always a point of contention in these posts. The crisp was proper, still a little chewy for that slow pull bite. The insides where tasty, spiced right, and combine that with the sauce, we're looking a pretty impressive dumpling.

Good Job Good Effort the Bao.

soup dumpling 3.9 out of 5 

fried dumpling 4.4 out of 5 

Eric 

Off the Wall (Hoboken, NJ)

I'm still searching for a go to dumpling spot in the Hobizzle, for a hot minute. Tonight's audition tape is 'Off the Wall," on Washington St. Walking into this place, I already had high hopes, the dishes on the menu pictured on the wall behind the counter, the lone fat goldfish swimming in a bowl, the door making a horrendous squeaking noise, it was heaven. Obviously, had to scoop up some fried pork 'lings, for the trial test. 

The order only coming with 6 is a slight knock on these guys, These 'lings look pretty close to the classic ones I've been searching for, golden fried dough, not too thick not too thin. The dough to filling ratio was on par with some of the better dumplings. The filling was not to shabby either. The fact I had to walk home from the train station 15 blocks only added to the overall taste. 

As of now, Off the Wall has the number one spot in the Hoboken dumpling power rankings

4.7 out of 5 

Eric 

This is an action packed week fur the blog so look out for more posts, including an international post from when Tuck thought it would be a good idea to put all his trust in a giant rubber band and jump into a quarry. 

Niu Noodle House (New York, NY)

Sometimes you just have to kick back and and have a low key day, and how else does any low key day end other than with dumplings. After a classic NYC day, we came back and ordered up some soup dumplings from Niu Noodle House. Obviously eating dumplings in bed is the pinnacle of a dumpling bloggers career, as I continue my conquest over everything dumpling in Manhattan. 

These dumplings were pretty good. I was pretty exhausted when I was eating these so with that little bit of knowledge, I'll give you the scoop. These dumplings came perfectly intact which is sometimes a major issue in the soup dumpling delivery game. the broth was flavored well, but I felt like it needed a little bit more pork thrown in there or something for some added bit. The dough was not too thick, which can be a total downfall of a soup dumpling. 

These dumplings were a perfect little end to a very solid NY day, plus anytime you don't have to put on pants to eat dumplings is basically heaven. 

4 out of 5

Eric 

Beantown Pho and Grille (Boston, MA)

A great man once told me that when life gives you dumplings, you better bring the soy sauce. That man is my coconspirator and fellow blogger Eric Mac, the one true tri-state king of the dumplings.

But if you find yourself around here in good old Boston, home of revolutionary liturgy and the Boston tea party, look no further than Beantown Pho and Grille. Right on Newbury Street, this small mom and pop shop won't disappoint. With Vietnamese roots, their specialty Pho dishes are also not to be missed out on.

This beautiful dish came out after a quick ten minute wait on their nice outdoor patio area, and they were savory and sweet. All the things you could ask for in a dumpling, by way of meat and dough and most importantly, love. Don't pass this place up on your way through.

4 out of 5 stars for the dumigs at Beantown Pho and Grille.

Until next time fellow travelers

Tyuck!