Dumpling House — Restaurant in Muncie

Well despite the nay sayers I had to try Dumpling House & I must say it was great!

Having a asian restaurant that serves more than "Americanized Chinese food" was a pleasant surprise. The atmosphere is clean and contemporary. A small space but works great, even though it could use some modern Asian touches like wall art and lighting.

Service was prompt and courteous, and if their not busy the food will arrive fast & hot. I will say the drink menu is limited unless you are ok with soda in a can or bottled water. But they do have 3 selection of hot tea which is nice and it's not Lipton's like most buffet Chinese restaurants.

The majority of the food is served Asian family style so you get your main dishes and sides on large plates and a bowl of rice for each person ( no side plates ). Look up Vietnamese family dining etiquette. + They serve HOTPOT if your out with friends and want to try something that not many places offer. Just make sure you give them a day ahead warning that your coming for the all you can eat hotpot so they can have all the ingredients ready the next day for your groups arrival.

Portions are great you will only get an individual meal if you order a combination meal. Otherwise all other food options are ala carte, a small portion is enough to serve 2 people and large will serve 4. Keep that in mind when ordering unless you want leftovers and a doggy bag.

Everything I had was fresh and tasted great. Their refreshing cucumber salad was good enough that I wouldn't hesitate to order a large portion to take to a family dinner. And the fried tofu was a little over done for my personal preference but I like mine a little undercooked anyway so not really a complaint just personal preference. I judge most Chinese restaurants on their Hot & Sour soup. I will say theirs isn't as good as my homemade but it's really good you get the hot and the sour in the taste profile, unlike most that are bland.

I with out a doubt will make Dumpling House one of my favorites...

Bill was 19.41 Wednesday evening 653p Walked into restaurant, was not greeted...walked over to table in corner by window..#10 Two people were eating, and in the far back looked like two people were talking to girl who was waiting tables... she yells/screams that she will wait on us at table #9...

I didn't want table #9..it was directly across from the other table that was eating... I realized #10 sat 6 and #9 sat 4... the time was 6:53p. I was taking a calated risk that in the next hour and a half...that a 6 person party wasn't coming in..and we wouldn't be long...the food comes out very quick..and we would be gone in about 30 min...so turnover is reasonably fast... Anyway...I turned to table 9 and sat there. Against my better judgement..

Waitress.. so many face piercings couldn't count them.. and she never would look me in the face which was weird but I would see her looking at me otherwise.. sat food and items at edge of the table. Did not put any items in front of us all atvthe end of the table.. did not ask if a glass of ice was wanted with the can of coke.. besides belting out she would see us at table 9 from the back..the interactions were awkward because I didn't really want to be there at that point..

The food was good. Always is good I ordered small servings... can be shared between 2 people...

So. If you can ignore the staff and just know the food is going to be good..or just get it to go.. I'd say.. close the restaraunt...get a smaller space...offer only takeout...or a self serve dining area.. get rid of the staff... and 💥 boom so many issues solved.. I'll be ordering carryout from here on out or cooking at home unless I'm just up for...

This place is a hidden gem.

After I got diagnosed with a gluten intolerance last year, I'd resigned myself to never having Chinese food again -- but then I moved to Muncie and stumbled across Dumpling House.

I was initially intrigued by their menu, which seemed to have a lot of authentic dishes on it in addition to the familiar takeout staples -- and so much of it was labelled gluten free!!

Not only does that hold true, but the food is also fantastic -- so we immediately became regulars. It's flavorful, and I love that there's enough variation that my wife, who loves spice, and me, who doesn't, can both get something and it's exactly to our individual tastes (Dumpling House converted me into liking chili oil! Theirs is so good!!). My wife and I actually have a goal to try every dish on the menu -- we've gotten pretty far along, and so far haven't had anything that wasn't absolutely delicious.

I will note that this place is busy busy busy, so service can be slow if you go during peak hours, but I have never felt neglected. The staff is friendly and welcoming and makes sure we have plenty of water and are enjoying our meal. Personally, that's all I need. This is a place to relax and enjoy a meal with your family in peace, not be hovered over.

That said, the food always comes out quickly, and it is always piping hot, and it is always delicious (I am personally a big fan of the garlic ratio). It's also a really good value for the price. My wife and I often split dishes and have plenty to take home for lunch the next day.

If you're not adventurous, I'd say stick to the familiar takeout dishes. But if you are, definitely explore the menu. It's...