Our Story
Ugly Dumpling began with a simple idea: make authentic soup dumplings accessible to everyone. What started as a passion for traditional xiao long bao has grown into a multi-location restaurant concept that brings the flavors of Shanghai street food to neighborhoods across the East Coast.
The name "Ugly Dumpling" is a playful nod to the idea that perfection is overrated. Traditional soup dumplings are tricky to master, and even the most skilled dumpling makers produce the occasional imperfect one. But an "ugly" dumpling tastes just as good as a perfect one. We embrace authenticity over perfection, flavor over appearance, and community over pretension.
What Makes Our Dumplings Special
Our soup dumplings, or xiao long bao, are handcrafted daily at each location using traditional techniques that have been passed down through generations. The process is labor-intensive and requires skill: each dumpling is hand-pleated to seal in a rich, flavorful broth along with premium fillings.
What sets Ugly Dumpling apart is our colorful twist on the classic. While traditional soup dumplings come in a simple white wrapper, we offer a rainbow of colors made from natural ingredients:
- White - Classic flour wrapper
- Green - Spinach-infused dough
- Red/Pink - Beet-infused dough
- Yellow - Turmeric or egg yolk-infused dough
- Black - Squid ink-infused dough
These vibrant colors are not just for show. Each wrapper carries a subtle flavor that complements the filling inside. Our Ugly Dumpling Sampler allows guests to taste all the varieties in one order.
Beyond Soup Dumplings
While our soup dumplings are our claim to fame, we offer a full menu of authentic Asian dishes. Our appetizers include crispy Cream Cheese Rangoons, tender Braised Baby Back Ribs, and savory Soy Garlic Wings. The signatures menu features Steamed BBQ Pork Buns, Pan Fried Pork Buns, and our popular Spicy Wontons swimming in house-made chili oil.
For those craving a heartier meal, our noodle dishes range from refreshing Green Tea Noodles with Sesame Sauce to the warming Braised Beef Noodle Soup. We also offer classic entrees like Orange Chicken, Mongolian Beef, and Kung Pao Chicken that pair perfectly with our wok-fried rice options.
No meal at Ugly Dumpling is complete without a refreshing boba tea. Our drink menu features classic milk teas, fruity options, and Instagram-worthy Brown Sugar Boba with its signature tiger stripes. All drinks are made fresh to order with quality tea leaves and real ingredients.
Our Commitment to Quality
Quality is not negotiable at Ugly Dumpling. We source fresh ingredients daily and prepare everything in-house. Our dumplings are never frozen or pre-made; they are crafted to order by trained kitchen staff who take pride in every pleat.
We believe that great food should be accessible to everyone. That is why we keep our prices reasonable without compromising on quality. Whether you are a dumpling connoisseur or trying xiao long bao for the first time, we want every guest to leave satisfied.
Growing Across the East Coast
What started as a single location has grown into a family of 12 restaurants across multiple states. Our current locations span New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland, New York, Delaware, and Connecticut, with exciting new openings planned for Florida, Texas, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island.
Each new location is an opportunity to bring our handcrafted dumplings to a new community. We take care to maintain consistent quality across all locations while adapting to serve the unique needs of each neighborhood we join.
Visit Us Today
Whether you are looking for a quick lunch, a casual dinner with friends, or catering for your next event, Ugly Dumpling has you covered. Our welcoming atmosphere, efficient service, and delicious food make us a favorite for dumpling lovers of all ages.
We invite you to visit one of our locations and experience what makes Ugly Dumpling special. Try our famous soup dumpling sampler, sip on a refreshing boba tea, and discover why thousands of customers choose us as their go-to spot for authentic Asian cuisine.