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. 

Nom Wah Tea Parlor (Chinatown, NYC)

Another Thursday, and I'm back in NYC. This time I had a nice insider scoop into Nom Wah Tea Parlor deep in the heart of Chinatown. If you're looking for the genuine, I want to feel like I just got lost in Beijing feeling then Doyer St is where it's at. Nom Wah is a perfect low key laid back vibe on the inside, and a ton of dumpling options. Starting off with the classic pan fried dumplings, and the house special fried dumplings, I knew we were in for a treat. They were both crispy and definitely a sign of things to come. 

Now venturing off the dumpling train, we had to order an order of egg rolls, and these things were monsters. They blow every single frozen egg roll you get when you order  special combo at a classic Chinese restaurant. These things were crispy and definitely lighter than those other ones. Mixed reviews though, but I highly recommend them (Some people weren't a fan). 

Now to the main event, I  went big. I got them all, as if anyone should be surprised. We went with the fried dim sum platter, which had all sorts of fried dumplings on it, and it was amazing. Also got an order of soup dumplings, and shrimp and snow pea leaf dumplings. I know, I know these two orders were steamed but trust me worth it. The fried dim sum platter was amazing, and I would recommend everyone try it at least once, but the two steamed dumpling orders easily stole the show. 

In a tough second place, are the shrimp and snow pea leaf dumplings. These things were packed with shrimp. The flavor was light, but the bite of the shrimp, and how packed they were definitely added some heft to a steamed dumpling offering. Get them.

Finally, the showstopper, the soup dumplings. These things are amazing. the broth and the filling were full of flavor. Don't worry, its not as messy as you think. If you're contemplating getting into the dumpling game these should be high up on the list. If you are even just in the mood to step out of the NYC bustle and want some good food, than definitely stop in to Nom Wah. 

They have the crown so far in NY, but it can easily be taken. 

On to the next,

Pork fried 4.1 out of 5

House fried 4.1 out of 5

Fried dim sum platter 4.4 out of 5

Egg rolls 4.2 out of 5

Shrimp and Snow pea leaf 4.8 out of 5

Soup dumplings 4.9 out of 5*

* I'd give it a 5 out of 5 but I was waiting on water for a while, hey gotta be perfect to get that illusive 5 out of 5.

Eric 

We have shirts

WE HAVE A SHIRT.

Dedicated to the dumpling life, then you definitely need this shirt. How else could you ever eat a dumpling again, without wearing one on your chest.*

Black tee coming soon.

https://teespring.com/new-dumpling-life

*very limited edition, only for the die hards

Wok & Roll (New Bedford, MA)

People only go to New Beige for a few things. Work, The New Bedford Whaling Museum, or transient use of the highway as a means to leave New Beige. Through an utter miracle of circumstance, I found myself at the Wok and Roll by Sid Wainer and Son, a growing distribution company in the area, and I thought I had found myself a little dumpling gem.

For those of you who know us, E and I value only the most delicious dumplings. Those made with love, heart, passion. We value the dumpling maker that looks at each and every dumpling and says, "You, my sweet dumpling, are a piece of art." And what ensues is a delicious roller coaster of taste bud orgasms, explosions of the senses due to dumpling ecstasy.

Let's focus, now, on the microcosm that is Wok and Roll. There is not much to say for the interior décor. Plastic tables, chairs, etc. Sitting in the Wok and Roll is not an experience. And, dare I say it, neither are the dumplings. I was impressed with their delivery - if you are looking for a quick fried dumpling, this is the place to go. Stop in and pick up somw noodles and some sweet pork. However, due to its haste, the dumplings were not as crispy brown as I appreciate. The dough to pork ratio was appropriate, and the soy sauce was delicious and savory, with many accoutrements to add taste. I will say, in addition, that the Wok and Roll is one of the more appealing destinations in New Beige.

If you're ever in the area, stop on by and pick up some quick dumplings here with a rating of 3 out of 5 stars. Don't get the crab rangoon. You will regret it.

Until next time.

Tyuck!

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.