Dumpling Empire

Such a hidden gem. You know the food is going to be good when they serve you with take out boxes and lids. Came here countless times last year. My default order are their lamb dumplings, pork and chive dumplings, pan fried soup dumplings, beef pancake, and their garlic string beans!!! Nearing the end of our meal, the table next to us was raving about how good the Grilled chicken fried rice was and ofc I couldn't help to order it too. Honestly it was just okay. Nothing too special imo. But their house made (?) hot sauce on the other hand.. is very unique. Right when you sit down, you'll see a bright orange container screaming at you. Highly recommend trying. It's very different from the typical hot sauce you get from restaurants. This one has a different kick. Very pleasant taste and spice. Make sure to pair it with their black vinegar too. Service is consistently pretty good. They're attentive and efficient. They speak mainly mando and also English. Seating is limited. Maybe around 8 tables that can seat 4 each. Lunch time is usually the busiest time. Overall, highly recommend!! 01.01.2024 | Monday @2:30pm

I've been here multiple times over the years and I can definitely say it's one of my favorite dumping shops. Located on a side street right off Grand Ave in South San Francisco, this little hole in the wall spot is definitely unassuming. The menu is actually pretty extensive, and there's probably something for everyone. Here are my go-tos and absolute favorites: • Cold Wide Bean Noodles - super garlicky and chewy mung bean noodles with cucumber slices. It's a nice refreshing dish. • Marinated pork elbow • Pig Ears • Pork Dumpling with Napa Cabbage • Lamb Dumplings • Mustard Green Noodle Soup They do also have frozen dumplings that you can take to go and make at home.

Our order: Pork and cabbage dumplings (lighter color dumplings) Pork and chive dumplings (darker color dumplings) Garlic string beans Salt and pepper chicken wings Good: Dumplings. This place has my favorite dumplings in the area. The skin has a nice chewy texture and pork filling very tasty. String beans, sautéed with preserved garlic and soy, were good but a little stringy. Subsequent visit was fine. 😀 Meh: Chicken wings. The flavor was good but a little on the dry side. But we did order again on a subsequent visit. Bad: Use of disposable plates and utensils. Serving plates are to-go containers and place setting are paper plates and disposable chopsticks. Hope they will bring back the real stuff soon. Also, set your expectations appropriately. There's only 1 person working front of house who manages to-go orders, tables, seating, cleanup, etc. So be patient during the dinner rush, she's moving fast!

Great thinly wrapped dumplings and soap dumplings for the authenticity. Good amount of flavor and tasted fresh without being salty. The homemade hot sauce has a good kick to it. The atmosphere is not great but that's how you know it's authentic. Highly recommended and one of the best dumpling restaurants in the bay that not many know about.