National Dumpling Day: A Guide to Dumplings In & Around Fairfield County

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Dumplings.The dumpling is a beautiful thing. Its chewy or crunchy starchy exterior is filled with sweet or savory goodness, and it is a perfectly packaged food.

Where did the dumpling originate? In my thorough research (read: quick Google search), there’s no concrete origin story. Like most food, there’s a regional tradition that spreads throughout the world with war and trade. The consensus was a Central Asian origin if anyone wanted to bring that up at the next dinner party.

While dumplings are primarily associated with Asia, they can be found worldwide. Samosas, ravioli, and pierogis are all types of dumplings.

Below are some of my favorite dumplings and where to find them in and around Fairfield County. Enjoy!

Pork Soup Dumplings and Wonton in Broth – Dumpling House {Milford}

My absolute favorite “dumpling spot” is easily in Milford. The quintessential don’t judge a book by its cover restaurant in a strip mall, and everything they make is bursting with flavor. Some must-tries are the Pork Soup Dumplings and Wonton in Broth, but throw in an order of Scallop Pancakes, Cashew Chicken, and Eggplant in Garlic Sauce. Thank me later.

Sichuan Red Oil Dumplings – Ginkgo {Fairfield}

If you aren’t afraid of a little kick, the Sichuan Red Oil Dumplings are the perfect burst of savory and spicy. An honorable mention goes to their pork soup and pan-fried dumplings!

Szechuan Dumplings – Lao Sze Chuan {Milford}

The accompanying sauce makes these traditional steamed pork dumplings extraordinary. The red oil sauce is sweet, spicy, and garlicky, and it balances the richness of the pork dumpling. Lao Sze Chuan also has soup dumplings and traditional pork dumplings if you want to try other types, but the Szechuan dumplings are the true stars of their dumpling menu.

Red Oil Dumplings – Mecha Noodle Bar {Fairfield, Norwalk, Stamford, New Haven, West Hartford}

Crispy on the outside and stuffed with pork and shrimp, these dumplings are a meal in themselves. They’re topped with a spicy chili oil sauce that is not overwhelming, and the crispy shallots and cilantro give them an unforgettable taste. They also have a roasted mushroom dumpling on the menu for a milder flavor.

Shao Mai – Ren Dumpling & Noodle House {Wilton}

I tried the dumplings here at the suggestion of some of my fellow contributors, and I was not disappointed. I am only upset that this place is not closer to my house. We tried the shao mai, the soup dumplings, and the traditional steamed pork dumplings. These dumplings were unbelievably delicious, but the clear winner was the shao mai.

“Number 6” – White Bear {Flushing, NY}

White Bear in Flushing is worth the drive if you are looking for amazing dumplings. Pictured above are the chili oil wontons, a huge portion of meaty, spicy goodness. No words I could write could do this dumpling spot justice, so do me a favor: grab your GPS and check it out (and bring me back some).

What are some of your favorite dumpling spots? 

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gloriadomiz
Gloria lives in Fairfield with her husband, Frank, and their four children, Frank (2011), Sofia (2013), Nico (2019), John (2021), and their two rescue pups, Nala and Ellie. Originally from New York, she settled in Connecticut shortly after college and has been a Corporate Recruiter for many years. Helping people along on their career journey is one of the things she is most passionate about, and working for a company she loves but from home is the icing on the cake. When she's not hustling kids from one field to another or cheering them on loudly, she enjoys true crime documentaries, karaoke, spiked seltzers, and good company. She and her husband can be found tearing up a dance floor if there's one around or trying to make the other laugh until they cry.

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