Yumpling — Restaurant in New York

Walking past & saw this place and the high reviews on the signage and figured I’d give it a try. I was disappointed to find out a dumpling restaurant didn’t have veggie dumplings. And when asking when they’d return that it would be awhile due to supply chain issues. I didn’t ask but I assumed they made their dumplings in house and if it’s stuck in a boat like she mentioned… are they frozen? I don’t know and have mixed feelings about that (not that frozen food can’t be delicious). But anyway, wasn’t interested in the pork ones on my visit. Decided I’d try some other stuff on the menu and it didn’t taste bad but I wasn’t impressed with my dish. My partner enjoyed theirs but also didn’t feel like for the price the flavors were stellar. But that being said, it didn’t taste flavorless and careless; they’re using some quality ingredients but seasoning on the subtle side which I def needed more. I’d really give this place food wise 4 stars BUT here’s where great customer service really lifts up a restaurant. My cashier was pleasant , friendly, and knowledgeable. Our interaction was so pleasant that’s why I even continued to order and she got me to make a sale regardless of not having what I wanted to try and I remember that all being so pleasant. In a city of often indifference, having great customer service really stands out and makes me want to go back, write good recommendations and endorse the restaurant. I’m definitely going to give them another shot food wise and try a sauce they make or just bring what I need in my bag with me (like I was saying it’s tasty, but subtle to me, and I like it a bit bolder!) the slow braised beef was certainly that, and was so tender. Rice was good. The cucumbers needed work to me a lot cause it felt really just like raw unseasoned cucumbers to me. Cold Noodle dish my partner liked but wanted more sesame oil and flavor but wasn’t like “I can’t/don’t want to eat this”. All in all I think it’s worth checking out and you’ll be the final judge. You won’t regret spending your money here, you just might want some sauce or salt on the side. Check...

I've been singing my praise about Yumpling with everyone after my visit. It's a casual Taiwanese grab-and-go spot with spacious and clean dine-in area. All the food I tried are straight up 10/10.

Unlike other fancy fusionized spots, they take your taste buds to Taiwan with the authentic recipe and friendly service. They played Jay Zhou's music in store which brought the nostalgic millennial vibes lol

＊ Pork & Chive Dumplings Literally love at first bite. They named the restaurant "Yumpling" for a good reason--legit these signature dumplings are YUM. A regular serving (8pcs) can fill you up easily as each is generously stuffed with meat and chive. The bottom had the perfect golden hue and crispiness. My tongue tingled with the salt of the soy sauce and the pungency of mala chili oil.

＊ Fried Pork Chop Bian Dang w/ Garlicky Cucumbers This bento was brimmed with hearty portion of pork chop. The crispy skin was very delectable, coated by toasted sesame, pepper and five-spice powder. What surprised me the most was the braised pork and pickled mustard greens spreading over rice. It gave a wealth of savory and sour flavors that made my taste bud sing.

＊ Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken Very well seasoned with fried basil. I was skeptical about dipping popcorn chicken in sauce, but basil aioli here seriously took it up a level.

＊ Beef Noodle Soup This soup got its richness from meltingly tender braised beef shanks, while the noodles were cooked to perfection and absorbed the essence of the soy sauce based broth.

＊ Fried Chicken Sandwich Once again, this American fusionized burger exceeded my expectation. The size of the chicken cutlet was HUGE! It was nestled between the buttery brioche bun and fresh basil leaves. A thick layer of my fav basil aioli was spread on the inside of the bun.

＊ Taiwan Beer, Apple Cider Enjoying Taiwanese food with Taiwan Beer is the best feeling ever. I'm a sucker for Taiwan fruit beer and glad to see they sell many flavors (grape, lychee, mango) here. Pineapple is actually my favourite but it was currently...

Pork & Chive Yumplings - 8/10 These dumplings were so good and they were STUFFED with filling. The chili oil was extremely fragrant and is made in house! It would have been a 9/10 if the price was slightly cheaper. But I think I’m biased because I make dumplings at home a lot, price is often a factor I take into consideration for dumplings. They are good though, and I probably will be back to get them again.

Fried Chicken Sandwich - 8/10 I loved this fried chicken sandwich. The chicken was crispy and juicy, nestled between two soft martin potato rolls, always a win. But the shining star had to be the sauce. It was finger licking good!

Fried Pork Chop Bain Ding (Rice Bowl) - 7/10 The fried pork chop tasted great. It had a wonderfully crispy coating and the pork was juicy. There’s also some lu rou (braised meat) that was so soft and tasty. I wish there was more lu rou because it helped balance out the rice and pork chop.

Basil Eggplant Bian Ding (Rice Bowl) - 8/10 The egg plants were cooked perfectly and the spicy sauce paired wonderfully as well. With rice bowls I always need there to be a sauce because otherwise I find the dish a little dry. This eggplant had the perfect amount of sauce. I recommend the garlic cucumber as a side with this dish because it offers a nice refreshing break from the flavorful eggplant.

Winter Melon Tea - 8/10 My boyfriend LOVED this tea. He drank it so fast. I have never been a huge fan of wintermelon so he drank all of this tea but he highly recommends it. I would say the taste is similar...