Best Spots for Dumplings in Austin, TX!

My all-time favorite food in the world is dumplings. I have a unique cultural background, being both Taiwanese and Chinese. My dad hails from Hong Kong, while my mom is from Taiwan. Growing up, dumplings held a special place in our hearts as the ultimate comfort food and a convenient weeknight meal. We used to purchase frozen dumplings from San Dong in Houston. Whenever we craved a quick and satisfying dinner, we would boil a bag of these delicious dumplings.

During my college years, when my budget was tight (a mere $10 per week), I relied heavily on frozen dumplings. I could buy a pack of 30 dumplings for just $7 and make them the cornerstone of my survival diet. A good dumpling, according to popular opinion, not only boasts a superbly textured skin but also features a flavorful and delectable meat filling. While I will include a vegetarian option on this list, my go-to choice will always be pork and leek dumplings—whether boiled or pan-fried, depending on whether I want to fill my house with the delightful aroma of sizzling dumplings (and potentially some smoke, too!).

In recent years, dumplings have gained immense popularity in Austin, especially with the rise of soup dumplings. Consequently, I will make sure to include these delectable treats on my list as well.

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Sije Special Noodle

Special Noodle has quickly become a favorite since its recent opening, boasting multiple locations in California and now in North Austin. I particularly adore their dumplings, including the delightful pan-fried soup dumplings, or Sheng Jian Bao, which are a rarity in Austin, though occasionally a touch too sweet for my taste. Their pan-fried snowflake dumplings are consistently perfect.

Another standout is their beef noodle soup, which may seem plain at first glance but surprises with its robust spice and flavor. Be prepared for a wait during peak hours due to their popularity. Don't miss out on their green onion pie—it's a must-try

Taste of Home Handmade Dumplings

The journey of Taste of Home began in a ghost kitchen at Prep ATX, where they initially served cooked and frozen dumplings. These little pockets of deliciousness, packaged with intricate detail, instantly captivated my taste buds and drew me in. Since then, Taste of Home has expanded and opened a new location in Austin's Chinatown, specializing in healthy, scratch-made dumplings. Their menu boasts an impressive variety of options, catering to vegetarian, pescatarian, and meat-loving individuals alike.

When it comes to cooking styles, they offer three enticing choices: pan-fried, boiled, and steamed. My go-to order at Taste of Home is the egg and chive steamed dumplings, which are beautifully translucent and delightfully bouncy. Additionally, I can't resist the temptation of the pork, shrimp, and chive pan-fried dumplings, which are skillfully prepared with wings—a difficult technique to master.

To add to the excitement, Taste of Home features a make-your-own sauce bar, allowing customers to personalize their dumpling experience even further.

Here is their website

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Dumpling World

Dumpling World, a newly opened dumpling-focused restaurant in the Triangle, offers a diverse selection of dumplings and noodles. Their menu includes pan-fried soup dumplings, thumbprint dumplings, and Xiao Long Bao. I highly recommend trying their 'Dan Dan Noodles' for a perfect blend of spice and peanut flavor

Steamies

Steamies holds a special place in my heart because of the fond memories I have of their humble beginnings. They reached out to me years ago when they were just starting their journey, launching their dumplings at the Mueller Farmers Market. At that time, the town was experiencing a shortage of dumplings, and Steamies came to the rescue by offering cooked dumplings at the Texas Farmers Market and convenient grab-and-go frozen bags. To add excitement, they even introduced a "Dumpling of the Month" concept.

What sets Steamies apart is their dedication to using high-quality ingredients. They have expanded their presence and can now be found in the Crescent Shopping Center, where they offer not only their delicious dumplings but also a selection of small bites and grab-and-go options. As a family-owned business, they have perfected the art of making great dumplings.

While Steamies does offer non-dumpling options like green onion pancakes and baozi, my personal recommendation would be their flavorful pork soup dumplings. The combination of tender pork and savory broth wrapped in a delicate dumpling wrapper is truly delightful. Whether you're a dumpling enthusiast or looking for other tasty treats, Steamies is definitely worth a visit.

Here is their website

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Julie's Noodles

Julie Noodle is an unassuming gem of a shop that specializes in fresh, hand-made noodles and dumplings. It has become my go-to spot for affordable and delicious Asian cuisine, and it holds a special place in the hearts of the Asian community. When it comes to dumplings, Julie Noodle offers a delightful variety. Their pork soup dumplings are a true treat, bursting with flavor and served piping hot. The boiled pork and chive dumplings are equally satisfying, showcasing the perfect balance of ingredients. And for those seeking something unique, they also offer crab soup dumplings that are sure to impress.

One of the highlights of visiting Julie Noodle is the anticipation of lifting the lid of the steamer basket and being greeted by generously sized and succulent dumplings. The soup dumplings, in particular, are a standout, providing both a flavorful broth and tender meat filling. What makes this place even more appealing is the affordability of their large and scrumptious soup dumplings.

If you're looking for an exceptional dining experience that won't break the bank, Julie Noodle is the perfect destination for satisfying your craving for delicious, affordable soup dumplings.

Here is their website

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Lins /Wu Chow/ Little Wu/ Ling Wu

Ling Qi Wu's soup dumplings are undoubtedly the most renowned dumplings in Austin, TX, having gained popularity across multiple locations in the city. These soup dumplings bear Ling Qi Wu's signature touch and have won the hearts of countless Austinites. It's fair to say that they are unrivaled when it comes to soup dumplings in the Austin area. However, it's worth mentioning that the higher price point may deter some local Asian residents who have other options available to them. But if you're willing to splurge for the sake of indulging in truly delightful soup dumplings, then Ling Qi Wu's establishment is the place for you.

Here is their website

1618 Asian Fusion

1618 Asian Fusion is a gem that offers a diverse range of cuisines, but they are talented when it comes to crafting delectable dumplings. While they excel in various dishes, their soup dumplings stand out as some of the best in town. The thin and delicate skin, combined with a flavorful filling, makes their soup dumplings a true delight to savor. While 1618 Asian Fusion isn't exclusively a dumpling-focused spot, you'd be remiss not to order 2-3 servings of their exceptional dumplings.

Here is their website

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