Hey Dumplin — Restaurant in Bellingham

First time eating here, and these dumplings are delicious! We really enjoyed the different combinations of dumplings and sauces and zakuski's(sides). We tried the 1/2 lb servings of:

1. Classic Pelmeni with Tuscan Parm and Sun-Dried Tomato sauce, and the Cabbage Carrot Slaw
2. Chicken Pelmeni with Creamy Basil Pesto sauce, and the Basic Carrot Salad
3. Chicken Pelmeni with Triple Chili Butter sauce, and their OG Marinated Cabbage Salad

All three of us shared these, and we all thought these dishes were fantastic. The dumplings were hot with juicy meat fillings and each were tossed with generous amounts of their rich, flavorful sauces. The Cabbage Slaw and Salad were fresh and crisp. The Carrot Salad was new and unique for our taste buds, with slivered carrots topped with chopped nuts (Pistachios? Almonds? No idea, but very yummy!)

Only 2 cons: First, the one and only employee was hard to understand when we asked questions about the menu; she'd both rush and mumble her answers, and we had to ask her to repeat herself several times. Please, just speak up clearly. Second, the cost is a bit high for the amount of food you get. Sure, the 1/2 pound LOOKS like it absolutely fills the the plate, but the plate is only like 7-8 inches across so it's a bit deceiving. Plus the zakuski's (sides) are an additional $5.00 each (and considering one whole cabbage is about $2.43 and you're getting maybe a 3/4 cup serving, thats expensive)! So a half pound of dumplings and a side is already $19.00. And I couldn't justify paying $25 + a $5 side for a pound of dumplings; that's over $30 with tax, per person, for not a lot of food from a fast casual dining establishment.

Having said that, I'll definitely be back when I have some disposable income because their food is excellent. The decor is a tad sparse and impersonal, giving no real indication of the type of restaurant you're eating in, but it's comfortable enough. Location is good with plenty of parking, though the entrance isn't as well marked as one would like.

If you like dumplings, this place is definitely worth checking out, but be aware the price point seems a bit elevated, but still...

Absolutely love this place!! The pelmeni are super flavorful and the different unique sauces (we got the massively garlic sauce and the truffle sauce) are the perfect modern and fun complement to the beloved traditional Slavic flavors I grew up with. I’m definitely going back to try some of the other sauces, and I love that you can customize your pelmeni with toppings like caramelized onions and bacon. The zakuski options are delicious as well - we got the marinated mushrooms and pickled veggies! And the tzar tea crème brûlée was actually the best crème brûlée I’ve ever had, with such a great vanilla and earl gray tea flavor to it!! There were also beverages imported from Russia to choose from — I got a soda made of a berry native to Russia that went so lovely with the meal! The atmosphere was a mix of nostalgic Eastern Europe with cozy modern touches, and everyone working on opening day was so kind and welcoming! I can’t recommend Hey Dumplin enough!! Will absolutely be back soon...

Shoot, this place has been open all of maybe two weeks, and I just went for a third time. Divine! The dumplings are mighty fresh; the dough is a delightful texture; the sauces all taste incredible. Not to mention, the food is all very pretty. I appreciate the variety of sauces, and that there are vegetarian and gluten-free options. The cabbage salad is a lovely contrast of tang and crunch, and the beets topped with dill were also a delightfully fresh pairing. The owner and staff are warm and pleasant, and I want to express my gratitude toward them for graciously accommodating a large group for a birthday dinner on a busy evening, in spite of limited seating. Additionally, I think the prices are rather reasonable, given the care and effort required to prepare such tasty food. Thank you for sharing your beautiful craft with Bellingham! Wishing this establishment...