I've been to Dumpling Bowl a couple of times, and some might say dumplings are generally uneventful, but the ones here are delicious and handmade, which I have so much respect for. Chef Betty can be found in the kitchen, making the dumplings from her secret family recipe. This restaurant and Bubblicity Tea Shop are one and the same, so you can order your dumplings and bubble tea at the same time, and even better, you can do it until about 10-11 at night. Genius.
After getting a couple of steamed dumplings the first time, we decided we preferred the fried ones just because of the texture and seared flavor. The steamed ones are great, of course, but I find them slightly chewier, as the wrapping is a bit thicker than some people might be used to, and frying them seems to help that mouthful-of-dumpling situation. I've tried a few different kinds, and quite honestly I can't remember exactly which ones since many of them are very similar, but they were all great. The ingredients are few and simple, if you order multiple kinds, you won't be able to tell the difference between them just by looking at them. Your server will let you know what's what, but you'll be able to tell the difference when you try them. They are a bit chewy, as I mentioned, but I think that's what I like about them - a hearty dumpling with some substance, well-made and steamed/fried just right. You can even order frozen dumplings to go, which you have to do! If you want to make them the way you had them at the restaurant, they are kind enough to provide instructions on their website. The prices seem a bit expensive at first but they're worth it, especially when there are at least two of you ordering different things and sharing. I've also tried all of the dipping sauces that come with the fried dumplings, though I don't think you'll need anything extra from what's already on the table.
Along with the soy sauce and small pot of hot chili flakes in oil, there is also a small glass bottle of vinegar on every table for dipping, but it isn't your average white vinegar. It's darker and sweeter, though not salty as though it was mixed with soy sauce. It's really tasty and I had to know what it was, so I snapped a photo of the bottle in the kitchen area and it said "Chinkiang Vinegar". Apparently there are different ingredients and recipes depending on the brand, but after trying this one, I had to buy the same one. I immediately walked over to Kowloon Market to get a bottle. The ingredients are water, glutinous rice, wheat bran, salt, and sugar for anyone who's curious.
I am definitely coming back here. There are other soups and appetizers here as well, if dumplings aren't your thing, or if you like to switch it up. One thing they're missing - soup dumplings! If they added these and expanded the menu just a little bit, I would absolutely give it five stars.