Dumpling Cafe, located next to Penang (BMH’s review of Penang), is famous for its dumplings, especially its xiao long bao or soupy dumplings and is a contender for the best soupy dumplings in Boston in our book. The restaurant relaunched a few years ago and has been very busy since.
In fact, Dumpling Cafe is owned by the same management as one of our other favorites, Taiwan Cafe (BMH review’s of Taiwan Cafe first dinner and revisited).
Dumpling Cafe is clean and pleasant inside. There are several long communal tables and large tables suited for groups.
The menu is filled with authentic Taiwanese and greater Chinese noodle dishes, fish, oyster pancakes and fried stinky tofu. Another time. To start, we ordered two orders of Spring Roll ($2.50 for two rolls). The rolls were nicely fried, and filled with a nice balance of cabbage, carrots and vegetables.
Dumping Cafe’s scallion pancake was one of the best eaten in Boston ($4.25). Full of green onion scent and flavor, lightly crisp on the exterior and tender on the inside. The thickness was just right and we had to order a second order shortly thereafter.
The Fried Pork and Leek Dumplings ($5.96 steamed and an additional $0.25 for fried) and a tender pork nugget inside with a light onion flavor. The dumplings had a nice crust as well, but we think GDH has better ones.
The fried chicken dumplings ($5.95+$0.25) was also lovely. Great skin, full of flavor and each bite made you want more.
Some of the best soupy dumplings or mini juicy buns with pork ($5.95) are here at Dumpling Cafe. The bamboo steamer carried six generous sized juicy buns.
Nestled in the soup spoon, we punctured the dumpling with a small bite and the intense flavor of pork broth filled the remaining space in the well of the spoon. The soft dumpling wrapper was a nice balance to the pork meat waiting inside.
Our other all time favorite of the evening was the pan fried wonton for $4.25 each. These were just unreal and as a result we ordered a second helping. A must try. Usually we have steamed wontons or in a soup, but these had a nice texture because the wonton skins are much thinner and as a result crispier. The memorable meat and onion flavor were mouthwatering.
The Taiwan Style Wonton Soup ($2.50) was very warming and filling. The same lovely center was enhanced by the broth and bitter greens. The soup would be perfect in the winter and a small serving is very inexpensive.
The denouement was not fortune cookies, but complimentary sections of slices oranges. That’s the way we like to end the meal, with a refreshing cut of acidity and sweetness. These oranges were some of the sweetest and juiciest oranges eaten. A nice ending to our meal.
Next time, we plan on enjoying more soupy dumplings, scallion pancakes, fried wontons, as well as sampling the hot pots and noodles. Dumpling Cafe is a fantastic place for authentic Taiwanese cuisine. The restaurant deserves its popularity because of its flavorful cuisine and solid execution.
