If you have been searching for Ugly Dumpling – whether you want to know what it is, where to find it, what to order, or why everyone seems to be talking about it – this is your complete guide. Ugly Dumpling is one of America’s fastest-growing modern Asian restaurant brands, built around handcrafted soup dumplings, dim sum, wontons, noodles, and bold Shanghai-inspired flavors. Here is everything you need to know before your first visit.
What Is Ugly Dumpling?
Ugly Dumpling is a modern Asian dining concept that centers its entire menu around handmade dumplings – especially Xiao Long Bao (XLB), also known as soup dumplings. The brand was built on a simple but powerful idea: real dumplings are made by hand, folded with care, and filled with flavor. They are not factory-stamped, factory-perfect shapes. They are real. They are handmade. And yes, sometimes they are a little ugly – which is exactly the point.
The name captures the heart of the brand: honest, handmade food that tastes incredible. Ugly Dumpling has grown from a single location to a multi-state restaurant group with locations across New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Delaware, Virginia, Maryland, and beyond.
The Story Behind the Name
The name “Ugly Dumpling” is more than clever branding. It is a philosophy. Handmade dumplings, folded one at a time by skilled hands, are never perfectly uniform. Every fold is slightly different. Every pleat is its own. That imperfection is a sign of authenticity – proof that the food was made by a person, not a machine.
In a world where food is increasingly mass-produced and polished for photos, Ugly Dumpling leans into the beauty of real craft. The name stands out, sticks in the memory, and tells you exactly what the brand is about before you even see the menu.
The Ugly Dumpling menu: What to Expect
The Ugly Dumpling menu is built around four core categories: soup dumplings, dim sum, wontons, and noodles. Beyond those pillars, you will also find wok dishes, bao buns, fried appetizers, salads, boba tea, and desserts. Here is a breakdown of what you will find.
Soup Dumplings (Xiao Long Bao / XLB)
Soup dumplings are the heart of the Ugly Dumpling experience. Each dumpling is filled with seasoned meat and rich broth, wrapped in a thin, delicate dough and steamed fresh to order. When you bite into a soup dumpling, the broth floods your mouth in a wave of savory, warming flavor. The key is to eat them fresh and follow the classic technique: pierce a small hole in the side, let the broth cool slightly, sip the broth first, then eat the dumpling.
Ugly Dumpling makes its XLB fresh daily in what the brand calls the Bao Lab. Flavors range from classic pork to wagyu beef, chicken, shrimp, and rotating seasonal specials. If it is your first visit, start here.
Dim Sum
Dim sum at Ugly Dumpling covers the classics and then some. Expect Steamed BBQ Pork Buns, Cream Cheese Rangoon, Shumai, Shrimp Dumplings, Pan-Fried Pork Buns, and more. Dim sum is designed for sharing – order several plates and pass everything around the table. It is one of the most social and enjoyable ways to eat.
Wontons
Wontons are another standout on the menu. The Spicy Chicken Wontons, tossed in a rich chili oil sauce, have become one of the most popular items across all Ugly Dumpling locations. They are delicate, flavorful, and just spicy enough to keep you reaching for one more.
Noodles and Wok Dishes
For a more filling option, the noodle section delivers. Stir-fried noodles, noodle soups, green tea noodles, and wok-tossed dishes round out the menu and make Ugly Dumpling a great option for people who want more than just small plates.
Drinks and Desserts
Boba tea, fruit tea, and milk tea are popular drink choices that complement the savory dishes beautifully. For dessert, the Fortune Cookie Cheesecake has become a signature item – a creative, delicious finish to the Ugly Dumpling experience.
Best Things to Order at Ugly Dumpling
Not sure where to start? Here is a recommended order for your first visit to Ugly Dumpling:
- Soup Dumplings (XLB): Always start here. Order a sampler if available.
- Spicy Chicken Wontons: A crowd favorite with bold, satisfying flavor.
- Cream Cheese Rangoon: Crispy, creamy, and impossible to stop eating.
- Steamed BBQ Pork Buns: Soft, sweet-and-savory, and a dim sum classic.
- Garlic String Beans: A fresh vegetable plate to balance the richer dishes.
- Boba Tea: Brown sugar boba or fruit tea pairs perfectly with the food.
- Fortune Cookie Cheesecake: The perfect, creative finish to the meal.
Ugly Dumpling Locations
Ugly Dumpling has multiple locations across the East Coast and continues to expand. Current and upcoming locations include New Jersey (including Morris Plains), New York, Connecticut (including Hamden), Delaware, Virginia, and Maryland. The brand is actively growing, so new locations are being added regularly.
To find the Ugly Dumpling closest to you, check the official Ugly Dumpling locations page. Each listing includes address, hours, and contact information. Always confirm before visiting, as hours and availability can vary by location.
Is Ugly Dumpling Good for Takeout and Delivery?
Yes – Ugly Dumpling works well for dine-in, takeout, and delivery. Most menu items travel well, including wontons, dim sum, noodles, and wok dishes. Soup dumplings are best eaten fresh and hot, directly in the restaurant, but many locations also offer them for takeout. For group orders, a mix of soup dumplings, wontons, dim sum, and noodles gives everyone variety and creates the best experience.
Why Ugly Dumpling Stands Out
There are plenty of Asian restaurants across America, but Ugly Dumpling has built something different. The brand leads with craft: soup dumplings made daily, dim sum built for sharing, and a menu designed to let every customer discover something new. The name is memorable, the food is consistently excellent, and the dining experience is built around connection, discovery, and bold flavor.
Whether you are a first-timer who just found Ugly Dumpling in a search, a regular who wants to explore more of the menu, or someone planning a group dinner and looking for a restaurant that works for everyone, Ugly Dumpling delivers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ugly Dumpling
What kind of restaurant is Ugly Dumpling?
Ugly Dumpling is a modern Asian restaurant specializing in handcrafted soup dumplings (Xiao Long Bao), dim sum, wontons, noodles, boba tea, and more. It is a full-service dining concept that works for dine-in, takeout, and delivery.
Where are Ugly Dumpling locations?
Ugly Dumpling has locations in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Delaware, Virginia, and Maryland, with more locations opening. Visit the official locations page for the most current information.
What is the best thing to order at Ugly Dumpling?
Soup dumplings (XLB) are the signature item and the best place to start. Spicy Chicken Wontons, Cream Cheese Rangoon, and Steamed BBQ Pork Buns are also top picks.
How do you eat soup dumplings?
Pierce the dumpling gently, let the broth cool slightly, sip the broth first, and then eat the dumpling. Be careful – fresh soup dumplings hold hot broth inside.
Does Ugly Dumpling offer delivery?
Yes. Many Ugly Dumpling locations offer delivery through third-party platforms. Check the locations page or your local delivery app to confirm availability in your area.
For more information, check out our guides to the Ugly Dumpling Menu, Ugly Dumpling Dim Sum, and Ugly Dumpling soup dumplings.
