The dumpling is a beautiful thing. A chewy or crunchy starchy exterior filled with sweet or savory goodness. A perfectly packaged food.
Where did the dumpling originate? In my thorough research (read: quick Google search), it seems like there’s no concrete origin story. Like most food, there’s a regional tradition that spreads throughout the world with war and trade. The consensus was a Central Asian origin if anyone wanted to bring that up at the next dinner party.
While dumplings are primarily associated with being an Asian food, they can be seen throughout the world. Samosas, ravioli, and pierogis are all types of dumplings.
Below are some of my favorite dumplings and where to find them in and around Fairfield County. Enjoy!
Szechuan Dumplings – Lao Sze Chuan {Milford}
These traditional steamed pork dumplings are made extraordinary by the accompanying sauce. The red oil sauce is sweet, spicy, and garlicky. It balances the richness of the pork dumpling, and for $7, it’s a bargain. Lao Sze Chuan also has soup dumplings and traditional pork dumplings if you want to try other types, but the Szechuan dumplings are the true stars of their dumpling menu.
Red Oil Dumplings – Mecha Noodle Bar {Fairfield, Norwalk, Stamford}
Crispy on the outside stuffed with pork and shrimp, these dumplings are a meal in of themselves. They’re topped with a chili oil sauce that is spicy without being overwhelming, and the crispy shallots and cilantro give these dumplings an unforgettable taste. Listed for $10 and worth every penny. They also have a roasted mushroom dumpling on the menu ($8) for a milder flavor.
Shao Mai – Ren Dumpling & Noodle House {Wilton}
I tried the dumplings here at the suggestion of some of my fellow contributors. I was not disappointed. In fact, I am only upset that this place is not closer to my house. We tried the shao mai ($7.95), the soup dumplings ($10.95), and the traditional steamed pork dumplings ($7.95). All of these dumplings were unbelievably delicious, but the clear winner was the shao mai. 10/10, thank you fellow contributors!
“Number 6” – White Bear {Flushing, NY}
If you are looking for amazing dumplings, White Bear in Flushing is absolutely worth the drive. Pictured above are the chili oil wontons, which are a steal at $7 and a huge portion of meaty, spicy goodness. No words I could write could possibly do this dumpling spot justice, so do me a favor: grab your GPS and check it out (and bring me back some).
