One food that nearly every country, from NYC to Istanbul, seems to share comes in the shape of humble dumplings. Believed to originate from China way back in the Han Dynasty, dumplings were thought of as medicine and eaten to treat colds and frostbite. These days these pockets of flavor cure ailments like sudden hunger and come in an array of shapes, sizes, textures, fillings, and even colors.
Manhattan is home to momos, potstickers, pierogies, manti, and so many more varieties. Chances are, especially in the southern part of the island, which includes culinary powerhouses Chinatown and the East Village, no matter your craving, there’s a dumpling to satisfy it. Here are ones to snack on first in lower Manhattan.
Fried Dumpling
Sometimes the best menu is no menu, or at least an incredibly condensed one with less than a handful of items, meaning there’s absolutely no way to make the wrong call. That’s certainly the case at this tiny spot that’s easy to miss off a side street in Chinatown. The mandatory order is a heaping, steaming hot pile of pork dumplings fried to perfect juiciness. They come as a baker’s dozen for the steal of $5. Cash only. 106 Mosco St., Chinatown, No website
Nom Wah Tea Parlor
An unquestionable legend in the New York food world, Nom Wah has been bringing dim sum, and dumplings in particular, to patrons for more than a century. When it comes to the dumplings, which range from pork siu mai to pan-fried chicken and cabbage, the texture is key. At this point, Nom Wah dumplings can be shipped all over the country or consumed at one of the handful of locations. However, brimming with history, the Chinatown locale is worth an in-person visit. 13 Doyers St., Chinatown, nomwah.com
Shu Jiao Fu Zhou
With the perfect proportion of pork-to-chive, it’s easy to taste why the signature dumpling at Shu Jiao Fu Zhou remains a favorite. Rather than fried to produce a crispy underside, these homestyle pockets get steamed. Be sure to snag a table inside to eat your freshly-made order as soon as possible. Dollop on the eatery’s chili sauce, which sits at each table and makes for an ideal complement. 295 Grand St., Chinatown, no website
Lin & Daughters
More restaurant than hole-in-the-wall, Lin & Daughters takes dumplings up a notch. Each plate comes full of garnish and complex sauces, making for a delicious and beautiful lunch or dinner. Cumin beef and curry chicken are a few styles showcasing international flair. Want to feed a crowd? Go for the Dumpling Party Box of 30 pan-fried dumplings and take care of all your friends. 181 W. Fourth St., West Village, linanddaughters.com
Tasty Dumpling
Ready almost instantly and oozing with flavor, the fried pork and chive dumplings at this sought-after spot lives up to its name. Tourists and locals flock to Tasty, where it’s possible to scarf down dumplings at one of the few tables or to take it to go and then eat across the street at Columbus Park. Cash only. 42 Mulberry St., Chinatown, tastingdumplingny.com
Fomo Momo
Indian street food meets Chinese packaging at Fomo Momo. A tiny East Village joint brimming with color and spice, the momo are lively, original and pack a punch. Owners declare them the pride and joy of the menu and a warm hug. Some of the unique offerings include Sexy Szechuan, Tempting Tandoori, and Appetizing Achari. Order by 6 or 12 pieces, with proteins ranging between chicken, vegetables, or paneer cheese. 85 1st Ave., East Village, fomomousa.com
Long Island Dumplings
Situated just south of 14th Street on 6th Avenue in Manhattan (not in Long Island, although that name comes from the restaurant’s original location), this casual eatery boasts standard dumplings as well as vegan and gluten-free takes. The latter can get a bit funky, such as the Beets by Jay made with shrimp and beets encased in a vibrant red shell; and carrot dumplings with corn, jicama, and carrot. Order at the register or via a kiosk, and when you spend $20 or more it entitles you to a token to try win a stuffed dumpling toy for the road. 513 6th Ave., West Village, longislanddumplings.com
Veselka
The dumplings at this around-the-clock institution hail from the Ukrainian tradition, and go by the name perogi. Along with borscht, stuffed cabbage, and schnitzel, the pierogies here are a favorite menu item any time of the day, be that breakfast, lunch, dinner, or late night. The classic handcrafted boiled variety, topped with fried onions and sour cream, can be filled with potato, cheese, bacon-egg-and-cheese, or even short rib. 144 2nd Ave., East Village, veselka.com
Joe’s Shanghai
A mecca for soup dumplings, Joe’s is a go-to for the Shanghai delicacy of xiao long bao, which are filled with flavorful broth. Go for ultra-rich crab and pork or classic pork. Either type is served steaming hot out of a bamboo basket and should be slurped as soon as they cool enough not to burn your mouth. 46 Bowery, Lower East Side, joesshanghairestaurants.com
