Must Be Dumpling — Restaurant in Pacifica

A wonderful little dumpling shop just opened up in the Linda Mar Shopping Center. I suspect that they will do well, with both local and beachgoers frequenting the restaurant.

This was our first time eating there, having stopped by in the days before they opened and trying to time our schedule with theirs for a lunch.

The ambiance is nice. Clean, simple, efficient. The service is excellent. Friendly, fast, even after all the tables were full.

The pork & mushroom dumplings were tasty. The XLB were pretty good and each held a teaspoon or two of soup. The Zha Jiang noodles were good, with the soft noodles a notable highpoint of the dish. The iced milk tea wasn't very strong and I will most likely skip it next time.

Other notes: The skin here is fresh and tends to be on the thicker side, with a distinct chew to it. If that suits the mouthfeel you're looking for then you'll be happy. If you tend towards thin to medium skins, you may find this thick for your preferences. Although I tend towards thinner skins, I found this style to be fine and it was quite enjoyable.

All in all, a welcome addition to our choices here in Pacifica and a restaurant worth returning to...

Today was our first order— 26 February, 2025. I could not be more surprised nor pleased. The location is incredibly nice and well put together on the inside. We ordered take-out, and I cannot wait to go and sit down in the place and experience proper service. A truly pleasant stand out in a shopping center, which has 19 places to get something to eat.

Plot twist— I ordered again later that evening. Delivery. Delicious.

P.S. A full three days later, I heated up the eggplant in a skillet with some vegan ground meat/shiitake mushroom protein, and it was incredible.

Part IV: The Noodle

Just picked up our fourth order from this location, and I am happy to say that it was a full house! Every single table was occupied. We ordered to go and had to let you know.

干煸四季豆 Braised Green Beans

担担面 Dan-Dan Noodle (dry)

炸酱面 Zha-Jiang...

On a chilly, foggy, sunny day went to Must Be Dumpling to eat hot steamy dumplings. One of the best dumpling restaurants I have visited! The service was fast, friendly and efficient. In appetizers we tried the Black Wood and Silver Ear Mushrooms in House Dressing. It was light, full of flavor and extremely fresh. The house dressing was sour, slightly spicy with a tinge of sweetness. We had the Pan Fried Veggie Pot Stickers and Homemade Shanghai Xiao Long Bao. The Veggie Pot Stickers were delicious with delicate outer coating. Tip: Dip the Veggie Pop Stickers in the Black Wood and Silver Ear Mushrooms' House Dressing! It tastes wonderful! Homemade Shanghai Xiao Long Bao were hot, soupy, fresh and simply divine. Highly recommend...