If you’ve been searching for Ugly Dumpling—whether you’re looking for the menu, wondering what makes the restaurant unique, searching for a location near you, or deciding what to order—you’ve come to the right place.
Ugly Dumpling is a modern Asian restaurant brand known for handcrafted Xiao Long Bao (XLB), authentic dim sum, flavorful wontons, wok-fired favorites, bubble tea, and Shanghai-inspired cuisine. Built around the belief that great food starts with real craftsmanship, every location serves handmade dishes designed to be shared, discovered, and enjoyed together.
Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning to try something new, here’s everything you need to know about Ugly Dumpling.
What Is Ugly Dumpling?
Ugly Dumpling is a modern Asian restaurant specializing in handcrafted Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings), dim sum, wontons, noodles, bao buns, wok-fired entrées, and refreshing bubble tea.
The concept is built around a simple idea: the best dumplings are made by hand. Every soup dumpling is carefully folded to lock in rich broth and flavorful fillings, creating the signature bite that has made Xiao Long Bao one of the restaurant’s most popular dishes.
Inspired by the vibrant street food culture of Shanghai, the menu combines traditional Chinese cooking techniques with a fresh, contemporary approach to Asian dining. Today, Ugly Dumpling continues to expand across the United States, bringing handcrafted soup dumplings and bold flavors to communities nationwide.
Why Is It Called “Ugly Dumpling”?
The name surprises many first-time guests, but it’s one of the brand’s defining characteristics.
Unlike factory-made dumplings that all look identical, handmade dumplings have their own personality. Every fold, pleat, and shape is slightly different because each one is crafted by hand.
Those small imperfections aren’t flaws—they’re proof of authenticity.
Ugly Dumpling celebrates traditional craftsmanship, fresh ingredients, and the idea that food made by real people should look handmade. It’s a reminder that the most memorable meals aren’t mass-produced—they’re created with care.
Explore the Ugly Dumpling Menu
The Ugly Dumpling menu combines traditional Chinese favorites with modern Asian flavors, offering something for every appetite.
Whether you’re craving handcrafted soup dumplings, authentic dim sum, hearty noodle dishes, wok-fired entrées, bubble tea, or a sweet dessert, every dish is prepared with fresh ingredients and bold flavors.
Menu highlights include:
- Soup Dumplings (Xiao Long Bao)
- Dim Sum
- Wontons
- Bao Buns
- Noodles
- Wok-Fired Favorites
- Fried Rice
- Bubble Tea
- Desserts
Soup Dumplings (Xiao Long Bao)
Soup dumplings are the signature of the Ugly Dumpling experience.
Unlike traditional dumplings, Xiao Long Bao are filled with seasoned meat and rich, savory broth before being wrapped in a delicate dough and steamed to perfection. Every bite delivers warm broth followed by a flavorful filling.
Each soup dumpling is handcrafted fresh daily in our Bao Lab, where skilled dumpling makers prepare every batch by hand.
Current flavors include:
- Pork
- Chicken
- Pork & Crab
- Pork & Truffle
- Pork, Shrimp & Spinach
- Szechuan Pork
If it’s your first visit, the Ugly Dumpling Sampler is the perfect way to experience all six flavors.
How to Eat Soup Dumplings
For the best experience:
- Place the dumpling on your spoon.
- Gently bite a small opening in the wrapper.
- Let the steam escape for a few seconds.
- Sip the flavorful broth.
- Dip the dumpling in black vinegar and soy sauce before enjoying the rest.
Dim Sum
Dim sum is one of the best ways to experience the Ugly Dumpling menu.
Traditionally served as small, shareable plates, dim sum allows everyone at the table to sample a variety of flavors and textures.
Guest favorites include:
- Steamed BBQ Pork Buns
- Pan-Fried Pork Buns
- Pork & Shrimp Shumai
- Chicken Dumplings
- Crystal Shrimp Dumplings
- Vegan Dumplings
- Cream Cheese Rangoon
Ordering several dishes to share is the perfect introduction to dim sum.
Wontons
If you enjoy bold flavors, don’t skip the wontons.
Our Spicy Chicken Wontons and Spicy Pork & Shrimp Wontons are tossed in our signature house chili oil and have become guest favorites across Ugly Dumpling locations.
Prefer something comforting? Try one of our wonton soups for a warm, satisfying meal.
Noodles & Wok-Fired Favorites
Beyond dumplings, Ugly Dumpling offers a variety of hearty noodle dishes and wok-fired entrées.
Popular choices include:
- Green Tea Noodles
- Braised Beef Noodle Soup
- Stir-Fried Noodles
- Orange Chicken
- Mongolian Beef
- Beef & Broccoli
- Kung Pao Chicken
- Fried Rice
Prepared over high heat, these dishes develop the bold flavors and signature wok-fired character that make them favorites among returning guests.
Bubble Tea & Desserts
Complete your meal with one of our handcrafted beverages or desserts.
Our drink menu includes:
- Brown Sugar Boba
- Milk Tea
- Fruit Tea
- Fruity Yogurt Drinks
- Honey Lemonade
Customize your drink with classic boba, popping boba, or rainbow jelly.
For dessert, guest favorites include Fortune Cookie Cheesecake, Chocolate Chip Lava Cookie à la Mode, and New York Style Cheesecake.
What Should You Order on Your First Visit?
If it’s your first time at Ugly Dumpling, these guest favorites offer the perfect introduction:
- Ugly Dumpling Sampler
- Spicy Chicken Wontons
- Steamed BBQ Pork Buns
- Cream Cheese Rangoon
- Green Tea Noodles
- Soy Garlic Wings
- Garlic String Beans
- Brown Sugar Boba
- Fortune Cookie Cheesecake
Together, they showcase the handcrafted flavors and Shanghai-inspired dishes that have made Ugly Dumpling a favorite destination for soup dumplings and modern Asian cuisine.
Ugly Dumpling Locations
Ugly Dumpling continues to expand across the United States, with locations serving guests throughout the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and beyond.
Visit the official Ugly Dumpling Locations page to find your nearest restaurant, view current hours, and get directions before your visit. New restaurants continue to open as the brand grows.
Dine In, Takeout & Delivery
Whether you’re dining in, picking up dinner, or ordering delivery, Ugly Dumpling offers convenient options for every occasion.
Soup dumplings are best enjoyed fresh from the steamer, while wontons, noodles, fried rice, wok-fired entrées, and dim sum also travel well for takeout and delivery.
Ordering several dishes to share is the best way to experience the menu, especially when dining with family or friends.
Why Guests Love Ugly Dumpling
Ugly Dumpling combines traditional Chinese cooking techniques with a modern dining experience centered around sharing great food.
From handcrafted Xiao Long Bao folded fresh each day in the Bao Lab to flavorful dim sum, wok-fired entrées, refreshing bubble tea, and memorable desserts, every visit offers something new to discover.
Whether you’re stopping in for lunch, dinner, date night, or your very first soup dumpling, Ugly Dumpling delivers bold Shanghai-inspired flavors, handcrafted quality, and a welcoming atmosphere that keeps guests coming back.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ugly Dumpling
What kind of restaurant is Ugly Dumpling?
Ugly Dumpling is a modern Asian restaurant specializing in handcrafted Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings), dim sum, wontons, bao buns, noodles, wok-fired entrées, bubble tea, and desserts.
What is the best thing to order at Ugly Dumpling?
The signature Xiao Long Bao are the best place to start. Guests also love the Ugly Dumpling Sampler, Spicy Chicken Wontons, Steamed BBQ Pork Buns, Soy Garlic Wings, and Fortune Cookie Cheesecake.
Where are Ugly Dumpling locations?
Ugly Dumpling has restaurants across multiple states, with new locations continuing to open. Visit the official Locations page for the most up-to-date restaurant information.
How do you eat soup dumplings?
Place the soup dumpling on a spoon, gently bite a small opening in the wrapper, sip the broth, then enjoy the rest with black vinegar and soy sauce.
Does Ugly Dumpling offer vegetarian or vegan options?
Yes. The menu includes Vegan Dumplings, Spicy Vegan Wontons, Vegan Wonton Soup, Vegetable Stir-Fried Noodles, Garlic String Beans, Garlic Broccoli, Edamame, Scallion Pancakes, and Cucumber Salad.
Can I order Ugly Dumpling for takeout or delivery?
Yes. Most locations offer dine-in, takeout, pickup, and delivery. Visit the Locations page to find your nearest restaurant and available ordering options.
Want to learn more? Explore our guides to the Ugly Dumpling Menu, Dim Sum, and Soup Dumplings (Xiao Long Bao) to discover more about our signature dishes and what makes Ugly Dumpling unlike any other Asian dining experience.
