Dumpling Fever

Some have an “extra stomach” for dessert; no matter how stuffed they may be, there is always room. I completely understand that state of mind –except, for dumplings! My mother and friends will attest to my insatiable appetite for dumplings (remember when we ate four servings, prits and shri?), so you can imagine my joy when I discovered “The Dumpling House” during my first stint in New York.

The Dumpling House is a little hole-in-the wall Chinese joint that is the stuff of New York’s urban-legends. It’s (super) cheap, good, and practically impossible to find in the depths of Chinatown. The menu is limited –a variety of soups and dumplings with a few sesame sandwiches (beef and tuna) thrown in, and the staff speak practically no English. However, they sure know their dumplings, and there is always a line the length of the Yangtze to prove it. For $2 you’ll get some great steamed or fried dumplings. The hot sauce and kimchi also gets a special mention. Everything on the menu is worth a go, especially since you could buy it all for under $10. Personal favorites are the steamed pork dumplings with chives, and the dumpling soup. Don’t give up if you don’t find it on your first try, the Dumpling House (118 Eldridge Street) is definitely worth the trek!