What is Ugly Dumpling?
Ugly Dumpling is a fast-growing restaurant chain specializing in handmade Xiao Long Bao (XLB) soup dumplings, dim sum, and Shanghai-inspired Asian comfort food. Founded to bring authentic, freshly made soup dumplings to communities across the United States, Ugly Dumpling has grown to over 29 locations across New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Texas, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts — with more locations opening every year.
What Kind of Restaurant is Ugly Dumpling?
Ugly Dumpling is a fast-casual Asian restaurant with a focus on handcrafted dumplings. The restaurant is best known for its Xiao Long Bao (XLB) — soup dumplings made fresh daily in each restaurant’s Bao Lab. The menu also includes pan-fried pork buns, wontons, wok-tossed noodles, rice dishes, and boba tea. Every dish is inspired by the street food and dim sum culture of Shanghai, China.
What is Xiao Long Bao (XLB)?
Xiao Long Bao, commonly known as XLB or soup dumplings, are steamed Chinese dumplings filled with seasoned meat and a rich, savory broth. The broth is sealed inside the dumpling wrapper during the preparation process and is released in a burst of flavor when you bite into the dumpling. Ugly Dumpling hand-folds its XLB fresh daily and offers them in multiple flavors, making them the centerpiece of the menu.
Where Are Ugly Dumpling Locations?
Ugly Dumpling operates restaurants across the Northeast and mid-Atlantic United States, including locations in New Jersey (Edison, Linden, Holmdel, Morris Plains, Delran), New York (Bay Plaza in the Bronx), Connecticut (Hamden), Delaware (Newark), Maryland (Bowie, Frederick), Virginia (Fairfax, Springfield, Richmond), Texas, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. New locations are opening regularly. Visit the Locations page to find the Ugly Dumpling nearest to you.
What Makes Ugly Dumpling Different?
Ugly Dumpling is committed to quality and freshness. Each restaurant has its own Bao Lab where dumplings are folded by hand daily — never frozen, never factory-made. The brand combines the soul of Shanghai street food with a welcoming, modern dining experience. The name “Ugly Dumpling” is a nod to the beauty found in imperfect, handmade things: a dumpling that’s slightly misshapen is still delicious.
Our Mission
Ugly Dumpling’s mission is simple: to make genuinely good, handcrafted Asian comfort food accessible to everyone, in every neighborhood. We believe that great dumplings bring people together, and we’re building a community around the love of fresh, honest food made with care.
Online Ordering and Delivery
Most Ugly Dumpling locations offer online ordering for pickup and delivery. You can order directly through the Ugly Dumpling website or through delivery platforms like DoorDash. Gift cards are also available online.