Just like the Natasha Bedingfield song, these culinary goodies could be described as “pockets full of sunshine.” For dumplings, that sunshine comes in the form of protein or vegetable fillings like pork, cabbage, lamb, or even soup-style liquid.
In China, where they originated, dumplings are believed to be symbols of wealth and prosperity, since each carefully-crafted shape resembled ancient forms of currency. Nowadays, dumplings have gone global and can be boiled, steamed, or fried.
Whether there’s time to sit and savor a plate’s worth or dumplings are consumed on the go, here are spots in Manhattan north of 14th Street that are well worth checking out.
Xi’an Famous Foods
Sure, Xi’an is known for its biang-biang noodles, which are hand pulled to order. But don’t sleep on the dumplings, especially of the spicy and sour lamb variety. Each order sits atop a signature dipping sauce that packs a punch. Plus, the impressive amount of filling means the dumplings could even serve as a light meal. Multiple Locations, xianfoods.com
Okdongsik
Translated as “a single-item restaurant,” Okdongsik started in Seoul, Korea, in 2017, and thankfully now calls Manhattan’s Koreatown home. The interior features a long bar, and the eatery’s menu only includes two foods: a clean and savory pork broth called dweji-gomtang and succulent mandoo, a type of Korean dumpling. An order comes with four and is filled with kimchi, pork and tofu. 13 E. 30th St., Midtown, okdongsik.net
KungFu Kitchen
Alongside hand-pulled noodles and ramen, this Chinese outpost makes an excellent, authentic soup dumpling. The dim sum selection is also extensive, with crystal shrimp dumplings and an array of classic buns and wontons to boot. 811 8th Ave., Hell’s Kitchen, and 610 8th Ave., Midtown, kfkitchennyc.com
Excellent Dumpling House
When a food item is in the name of the restaurant, it better be worthy of that status. At this Chelsea spot, which has been around since the 1980’s, there are quite a few delicious dumpling renditions. Try a variety from shumai to vegetable dumplings that come fried or steamed. The standout might be the Hot & Spicy Wontons, which are simmering in a hot oil and peanut sauce. 165 W. 23rd St., Chelsea, 369dumpling.com
Thai Villa
A neighborhood staple, Thai Villa specializes in food that is less known outside of Thailand, including entrees that, generations ago, were prepared exclusively for royals. These items are labelled as “privileged” on the menu, meant to be a splurge for a special meal. But one of the classic appetizers that never disappoints is the vegetable crepe dumplings called Pak Mor Puk , which comes filled with chives, jicama, black mushrooms, and bamboo shoots. 5 E. 19th St., Flatiron, thaivillanyc.com
Yummy Stick
It’s easy to walk past this tiny stand on 17th Street, which is frequented by school-kids on their lunch break. Most customers order one of the many sushi burrito options, but an often-overlooked addition is the shrimp shumai. Tack on a side, which comes with a special sauce and will have you craving more. 267 W. 17th St., Chelsea, no website
Din Tai Fung
If in Times Square, stop by this famed Taiwanese restaurant known for soup dumplings. The New York location, which opened in late 2024, is the grandest of them all. Beyond the signature Xiao Long Bao, there are hand-crafted dumplings for days, in flavors that range from cod to vegan to kimchi. 1633 Broadway, Midtown, dtf.com
2nd Avenue Deli
An iconic Jewish deli is maybe the last place you’d think of when it comes to dumplings. But meet kreplach, ground meat-filled Ashkenazi Jewish dough wonders. Cousins to pierogies, 2nd Avenue’s are served either boiled or fried with fried onions as garnish. 162 E. 33rd St. Kips Bay, and 1442 1st Ave., Upper East Side, 2ndavedeli.com
Vanessa’s Dumplings
This dumpling brand has been expanding around New York over the past decade and a half, and for good reason. Pan fired, boiled, and even frozen dumplings to bring home and cook at your leisure are available. Each delectable and ranging in varieties from spicy vegan beef to basil and chicken. Multiple Locations, vanessas.com
