Ugly Dumpling US — The Complete Guide to Every Location, the Full Menu & What to Order
If you’ve been searching for Ugly Dumpling US — whether you’re looking for a location near you, want to see the full menu before you visit, or just heard about the restaurant and want to know what the hype is about — this is the complete guide.
Ugly Dumpling is one of the fastest-growing Asian restaurant chains in the United States. What started as a single location in Edison, New Jersey has expanded to nearly two dozen restaurants across the East Coast — with new locations opening in Texas, Florida, and beyond throughout 2026. The brand is built around one thing: handcrafted Shanghai-style soup dumplings (XLB) made fresh every single day, served alongside a full menu of dim sum, wontons, noodles, wok dishes, and boba tea.
Here is everything you need to know about Ugly Dumpling US — the locations, the food, and exactly what to order when you walk in the door.
What Is Ugly Dumpling?
Ugly Dumpling is a fast-casual Chinese restaurant chain founded in Edison, New Jersey. The name is intentional — every dumpling is handmade and slightly imperfect, which is exactly the point. Handmade always looks a little ‘ugly’ compared to factory-made. And handmade always tastes better.
The restaurant’s philosophy is rooted in Shanghai street food. The star of the menu is Xiao Long Bao (XLB) — soup dumplings filled with savory broth and meat, steamed fresh and served in bamboo baskets. Ugly Dumpling’s Bao Lab produces six different flavors of XLB daily, made by hand on-site. Customers can often watch the folding process through an open kitchen window.
Ugly Dumpling is owned by Vertex Group, the same hospitality group behind KPot Hot Pot & Korean BBQ, Hook & Reel Cajun Seafood & Bar, and Kinya Ramen & Sushi Bar. Founded just two years ago, Ugly Dumpling has grown to nearly 25 locations and is one of the most talked-about restaurant expansions in the Northeast United States.
The restaurant has earned a loyal following for three reasons: the food is genuinely great, the prices are fair, and the experience — watching dumplings being made, eating them the right way with ginger vinegar sauce — is something people want to repeat.
All Ugly Dumpling US Locations (2026)
Ugly Dumpling has grown rapidly across the East Coast and is now expanding into the South and Midwest. Here is the full list of current open locations and upcoming openings as of April 2026:
| Location | Address | State |
| Edison (Flagship) | 561 US-1, Edison, NJ 08817 | NJ |
| Linden | 661 W Edgar Rd, Linden, NJ 07036 | NJ |
| Holmdel | 2100 NJ-35, Holmdel, NJ 07733 | NJ |
| Morris Plains | 1711 Route 10, Morris Plains, NJ 07950 | NJ |
| Delran | 4000 US-130, Delran, NJ 08075 | NJ |
| Bay Plaza, Bronx | 270 Baychester Ave, Bronx, NY 10475 | NY |
| Smith Haven, Lake Grove | 328 Smith Haven Mall, Lake Grove, NY 11755 | NY |
| New Hyde Park | 1400 Union Tpke, New Hyde Park, NY 11040 | NY |
| Levittown | 3535 Hempstead Tpke, Levittown, NY 11756 | NY |
| Scarsdale | 999 Central Park Ave, Scarsdale, NY 10583 | NY |
| Frederick (Express) | 5267 Buckeystown Pike, Frederick, MD 21704 | MD |
| Bowie | 2019 St. Josephs Dr, Bowie, MD 20721 | MD |
| Nottingham | 8019 Honeygo Blvd, Nottingham, MD 21236 | MD |
| Fairfax | 11947U Fair Oaks Mall G213, Fairfax, VA 22033 | VA |
| Richmond | 1601 Willow Lawn Dr #840, Richmond, VA 23230 | VA |
| Springfield (Express) | 6691 Backlick Rd, Springfield, VA 22150 | VA |
| Hamden, CT | Hamden, CT (contact for full address) | CT |
| Newark, DE | Newark, DE (contact for full address) | DE |
| Seekonk, MA | 1105 Fall River Ave, Seekonk, MA 02771 | MA |
| Cranston, RI | 2000 Chapel View Blvd, Cranston, RI 02920 | RI |
| Austin, TX | 10000 Research Blvd, Austin, TX 78759 | TX |
| Allen, TX | 213 N Central Expy, Allen, TX 75013 | TX |
Opening Soon
- Tampa, FL — opening 2026
- Kissimmee, FL — opening 2026
- Gainesville, FL — opening 2026
- Westchester, NY — coming soon
- Massachusetts — additional locations coming
For the most up-to-date list and to find the nearest location, visit uglydumpling.us/locations.
Ugly Dumpling US
What Makes Ugly Dumpling Different from Other Chinese Restaurants?
There are thousands of Chinese restaurants across the United States. What makes Ugly Dumpling US stand out from the rest comes down to three things: the Bao Lab, the menu variety, and the experience.
The Bao Lab
Every Ugly Dumpling has an on-site Bao Lab where dumplings are made fresh daily by hand. This is not a kitchen hidden away in the back — most locations let you watch through an open window. Six flavors of XLB are folded every single day, which is more variety than most dedicated dumpling restaurants anywhere in the country.
The Menu Variety
Ugly Dumpling is not just a dumpling restaurant. The full menu covers soup dumplings, dim sum, steamed buns, fried dumplings, wontons (spicy and in soup), noodles (stir-fried and in broth), wok dishes, fried rice, boba tea, and desserts. It is a complete meal experience, not just a single dish.
The Experience
The restaurant is designed for sharing and discovery. The format works perfectly for groups, dates, and families. First-time visitors often come in for the XLB and leave having discovered the spicy wontons or the green tea noodles — dishes they didn’t expect to love.
As one TripAdvisor reviewer noted after visiting the Edison location: “There was nothing ugly about our experience.” That captures it well.
What to Order at Ugly Dumpling — First Visit Guide
If it’s your first time at any Ugly Dumpling US location, here is exactly what to order to get the best experience:
Start With: XLB Soup Dumplings
Order the Sampler (one of each flavor) if you can’t decide, or go straight for the Pork & Crab or Pork & Truffle if you want something special. Six pieces per order. Rest them on a spoon, nibble a small hole in the side, let the steam out, sip the broth, then dip in the ginger black vinegar sauce.
Add: Spicy Wontons
The Spicy Chicken Wontons or Spicy Pork & Shrimp Wontons tossed in house chili oil are one of the most reordered items on the menu. Eight per order. Do not skip these.
Share: Green Tea Noodles
The Green Tea Noodles with Spicy Sauce are a house signature. The green tea noodles add an earthy flavour that makes this unlike any noodle dish you’ve had elsewhere. Order with your protein of choice.
Drink: Brown Sugar Boba
The Brown Sugar Boba milk tea is the most popular drink. If you prefer something fruity, the Passion Fruit or Lychee iced teas are excellent. All drinks can be made with an alcohol add-on if you’re dining in.
Finish: Pan Fried Pork Buns
If you still have room, the Pan Fried Pork Buns — golden on the bottom, pillowy on top — are one of the best things on the menu. Four per order.
You can view the complete menu at uglydumpling.us/menu. Online ordering is also available for pickup and delivery.
Ugly Dumpling US Expansion — What’s Coming in 2026
Ugly Dumpling is growing faster than almost any Asian restaurant chain in the country right now. From a single Edison NJ flagship two years ago, the brand has reached nearly 25 locations across 10 states and is targeting major markets across the South and Midwest in 2026.
According to NJBIZ, Ugly Dumpling’s footprint now spans New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, Virginia, and Texas. Three additional New Jersey locations are also confirmed for 2026 in Delran, Morris Plains, and Springfield.
Florida is the next major expansion market, with locations planned for Tampa, Kissimmee, and Gainesville. Texas already has two open locations (Austin and Allen) with more expected. The brand is also pushing into Westchester NY, Long Island (Smith Haven Mall, Lake Grove), and additional Massachusetts markets.
The growth strategy is clear: anchor in the Northeast where the brand already has a loyal customer base, then expand into underserved markets in the South where there are very few high-quality XLB options. Every city Ugly Dumpling enters becomes one of the only places in that region to get genuine handmade soup dumplings.
Frequently Asked Questions — Ugly Dumpling US
Does Ugly Dumpling have vegan options?
Yes. The menu includes Vegan Dumplings, Vegan Wontons (spicy and in soup), and Vegetable Stir-Fried Noodles. The Cucumber Salad and Edamame are also fully plant-based starters.
Is Ugly Dumpling halal?
Ugly Dumpling does not currently advertise as a halal-certified restaurant. The menu includes pork across many dishes. If you have specific dietary requirements, call your nearest location directly before visiting.
Does Ugly Dumpling take reservations?
Most Ugly Dumpling locations are walk-in only. For large groups or private events, contact your nearest location directly. The Edison flagship has a private area available for events.
Can I order Ugly Dumpling online?
Yes. Online ordering for pickup and delivery is available at order.online/ugly-dumpling. Delivery is also available through third-party platforms depending on your location.
What are Ugly Dumpling’s hours?
Most locations are open Monday to Sunday, 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Friday and Saturday hours may extend to 10:30 PM. Hours can vary by location — check the Locations page or Google Business Profile for your nearest restaurant.
Does Ugly Dumpling have a happy hour?
Select locations offer happy hour specials. Check with your local Ugly Dumpling directly for current happy hour deals and times.
What is the flagship Ugly Dumpling location?
The original and highest-volume location is Edison, NJ at 561 US-1. It features the open kitchen Bao Lab where you can watch dumplings being folded by hand, and is the largest location in the chain.
Find Your Nearest Ugly Dumpling US Location
With nearly 25 locations already open across the East Coast — and new restaurants opening every month in 2026 — there is likely an Ugly Dumpling near you. Whether you’re in New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Virginia, Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, or Texas, the full menu of handcrafted XLB, spicy wontons, green tea noodles, and boba tea is waiting.
If you’re in a city where Ugly Dumpling hasn’t arrived yet — Tampa, Gainesville, Kissimmee, Westchester, or Long Island — it’s coming soon. Follow the restaurant on social media or check the locations page for the latest opening dates.
Find a location near you: uglydumpling.us/locations
View the full menu: uglydumpling.us/menu
Order online: Order Ugly Dumpling now