Came here for a late lunch and got: -Shanghai style steamed pork dumplings -Shanghai style pan fried pork buns -Pea sprouts with garlic The portions were a tad smaller and pricier than what you can get in other parts of SF, but I kind of expected that. Regardless, the food tasted on point. The steamed pork dumplings were juicy. The fried pork buns were crispy and the pea sprouts were tender with a strong garlic flavor. Service was also friendly and efficient. The covered patio/ back area that I was in had lots of natural lighting and plenty of other seating. Overall, I would still be back if I was in the area and craved some dumplings. read more

The catering from Dumpling Kitchen was excellent! Johnny was great help, communicative, food arrived in silver party trays as requested as well as sauces with paper plates, utensils, napkins and tongs! Dishes were labeled. Highly recommend them for future events! The whole office was so content and many people went back for seconds! The chest had our food which we gave back to Johnny after unloading. * Pan - Fried Pork Potstickers (24) $59 * Pan - Fried Vegetarian Potstickers (16) $39 * Shanghai Style Steamed Pork Dumplings (30) $54 * Steamed Vegetarian Gow (16) - as a meat lover, this was my favorite and was suggested by Johnny! $39 * Boiled Wonton in Chili Oil (30) $42 * Chicken Chow Mein $52 * Vegetarian Fried Rice $60 * Dry Braised String Beans $60 * Salted Egg Custard Baos (30) $52 read more

Dumpling Kitchen - Castro - Dim Sum Near Me - San Francisco, California

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The atmosphere here is really chill, it's often a nice respite from the craziness outside on Castro street. The servers aren't always super fluent in english but I've never had an issue where you can't easily communicate via gestures and points in those cases. They've always been nice to us at least, though on busier nights it can be difficult to get them to check on you once your food as been brought out but nothing really overtly bad with the service. The decor's super charming. The food we've generally found really solid, I'm actually of the opinion that the dim sum here isn't the restaraunt's strongest trait. It's not bad by any means but I actually find some of their other dishes a lot more consistent. Husband and I are especially fond of the Lion's Head Meatball. read more

For the Castro a fair option Enjoyed the wagyu fried rice though rich Not the best place for Shanghai dumplings--just not enough soup and meat was tough read more

Really enjoyed the food and the service! Everything was delicious. Definitely recommend checking this place out.

Went with a big group and the staff were so incredibly accommodating, helpful and kind. Some places get frustrated with big groups but Dumpling Kitchen was very friendly and patient throughout. The restaurant was busy, and our food still came quickly. I thought that the Shanghai-Style Steamed Pork Dumplings and Shanghai-Style Pan-Fried Pork Buns were a bit thick (skin wise) and weren't wrapped around the meat tightly enough. The flavors of the fillings of all the dumplings though, were delicious, including the Steamed Vegetarian Dumplings and Wontons in Chili Oil. The Pork with Preserved Vegetable Rice Cake was nice as the rice cakes were chewy and soft. The Beijing-Style Noodle in Black Bean Sauce was well-balanced, not too salty. The Five-Spice Beef Stew Noodle Soup had a really flavorful broth. The Mapo Tofu was good, not spicy at all though. The Walnut Prawns were delish -- succulent shrimp paired perfectly with the crisp walnuts. The Dry-Braised String Beans and Cucumber Salad were okay, but I loved the Eggplant with Garlic Sauce. read more

Dumpling Kitchen - Castro - Dim Sum Near Me - San Francisco, California

I do love this place! The Price is Right the ambience & bathrooms are clean, the service is on point not to mention friendly and knowledgeable. I've never had a bad meal here and the portions are reasonable. My favorite dish is the wontons in chili oil.. read more

The Shanghai steamed dumplings are my favorite type of dumplings and Dumpling Kitchen has them by the dozen. The juicy broth of the Shanghai steamed dumpling was amazing. The Steamed Shrimp Har Gow was also delicious. This is a must try place if you are a dumpling fiend like me. When I get a dumpling itching , I go to Dumpling Kitchen. read more

Dumpling Kitchen - Castro - Dim Sum Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Not a good experience for gluten free diners. Because this restaurant advertises gluten free dumplings, and was posted on the find me gluten free site, I thought they have some good options but unfortunately was wrong. Their new menu has just two gluten free dishes, two types of rice steamed dumplings. And they are good! But unfortunately there is no gluten free soy sauce for dipping, either. I asked if the seaweed salad was gluten free also because a lot of the time it is. The waitress after checking said she wasn't sure because there is MSG. And I know MSG itself is gluten free, but not sure if there was some confusion. I'm thankful she was overly cautious, but disappointed I couldn't eat it. I understand how complicated gluten free stuff is, but I would advise the restaurant to have a guide for their employees for reference for gluten free questions. And offer gluten free soy sauce, that is, if continuing to advertise as gluten free. I hate to give a low rating but I would have expected more for a business that promotes it as an option. And of course always hope this helps to improve things. As someone who is celiac I would love to eat here and support an awesome local business too, but I do have to be careful! read more

So disappointed. Expected great dim sum but actually the taste of multiple dim sum from pork to shrimp selections were average to below average. The breading and half moon casing is too thick. The filling isn't as flavorful as I know it should be. Did not experiment any OMG moments. I've tried so many dim sum places in SFO Chinatown and have only found one item in a couple of places that i would return for. Otherwise, they all need major improvements. I so miss Char Hung Sut in Honolulu which shut their doors after 50+ years due to the States idiotic Covid restrictions! Unforgivable. Best dim sum ever! They always sold out by noon. Small family run hole in the wall but irreplaceable. Haven't found anywhere to match yet! Still on the hunt. read more

My brother took me to this place while visiting San Francisco. We went right when it opened for the evening dinner rush and was seated right away. The place is very small, but cozy and clean. Their bathroom was super clean and easy to find. The staff was friendly and explained dishes to us that were in Chinese on the menu. We ordered the soup, dumplings, steamed dumplings, and the sizzling rice soup. We also ordered a scallion pancake. The food came out at different times, which is very typical in this type of restaurant. We got the scallion pancake and the soup right away. Both were delicious! The sizzling rice soup is made with a clear chicken broth and has some vegetables. The main ingredients are chicken, pork, shrimp, and the sizzling rice. When the rice arrived to the table it was popping... And when it is dropped into the soup, it sizzles hence the name. The dumplings were very tasty. And they were a good size. The pork dumplings are very hot when they come out so you need to be careful so you don't burn your tongue. The vegetable dumplings were pretty big and packed. The pork dumplings come six to a basket and the vegetable dumplings are four to a basket. The restaurant has other items on the menu, some of which are our favorites, like honey walnut shrimp. I am definitely going back the next time. I am in the area to try some of the other dishes. Enjoy! read more

We've long been fans of Dumpling Kitchen's Outer Sunset/Taraval location. Last time we were there, they shared their Castro location was struggling so that's where we headed on a Saturday night. The food was delicious, as good as their original location except they only serve (6) XLB instead of 10 in an order. Our server mumbled that they didn't have the larger steam basket but with a wink and a smile I told them I was pretty sure they could find some. They forgot the dipping sauce with fresh ginger; I should've asked. We grazed around the menu, ordered standard Cantonese fare: Walnut prawns, Mongolian beef, Fried Tofu and Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings. Every plate was delicious and we took some things to go including a too-large sake. With every seat taken inside the restaurant, we were seated on the patio with its rustic wood and heat lamps to keep off the chill. Within a few minutes even the patio was mostly filled. If you're on a date or dining alone while reading, this is a more agreeable spot to be rather than an overlit dining room. We had an attentive waiter, food came to our table quickly but I was surprised when they told us the kitchen was closing soon (the restaurant closes early, at 9:30pm). If you don't feel like driving across town, this central location is easy to get to and has more street parking (yes, even in the Castro). I think they still have the best XLBs in the City! read more

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Stumbling upon this gem of a restaurant couldn't have come at a more opportune time; my friend and I were on a post-dinner walk in the Castro, the cold wind biting at us and a strong appetite growing with each hill we climbed. Dumpling Kitchen's warmth, light, and happy ambiance lured us in and we were quickly seated and served. We ordered two items: the Shanghai-Style Steamed Pork Dumplings (A01) and Wontons in Chili Oil (A13). The pork dumplings (AKA xiao long bao) were delightful: an incredibly flavorful, broth-filled, hearty experience. I would get them again in a heartbeat. The wontons in chili oil were amazing as well, and a good level of spice, though we wished that the filling inside had as much flavor as the xiao long bao. But accompanying them with the ginger dipping sauce or the soy sauce was more than enough to fulfill our flavor quota. I've got to come back to try the rest of the menu!! read more

3.5 stars: their dumplings were pretty good but I wish the soup filled dumplings had a bit more soup in them. I liked the stir fried rice cakes but they were a bit under seasoned. Could have used some more soy sauce and other flavors, like garlic. The texture of the garlic eggplant was good but the sauce was way too sweet and not garlicky or spicy at all. We even asked for extra spicy haha. The restaurant is clean and conveniently located in the Castro. Waiters were also friendly and you can even see someone making the dumplings in the back! read more

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I was there with five friends on a Saturday evening. We had a reservation and was seated promptly. Our order was taken promptly. But when it came time to serve our food the service sucked! The first person got their food. A few minutes later the second person got their food. A few more minutes and we got our appetizers. Few more minutes and the third person got their food. A few more minutes then the fourth person got their food. I waited and waited till I finally had to get a waiter's attention to ask where my food was. She checked and said it would be a few more minutes before. I ordered combination chow mein. Not a complicated dish. I told the waitress that if they spend as much time on their seated customers as they did on the take out orders their service would be a lot better. No hurry to go back there! read more

Best dumplings in the Castro area! Fast service in a casual setting. My go to for nearby dumplings! read more

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We were in the neighborhood and were in the mood for Chinese food. Dumpling Kitchen is a cozy restaurant and has many vegetarian selections. We enjoyed the Vegetarian Chow Mein and also the Bok Choy with Garlic. The Jasmine tea hit the spot. The service was nice and attentive. We look forward to returning:) read more

Everything was so good! Ordered via DoorDash tonight. The Kung Pao chicken was very spicy, honestly slightly too spicy for me today, and I do like spice. So maybe ask for it less spicy or order something else. But the chicken was tender and veggies were perfect. The Shanghai-style pan-fried dumplings rule! Excited to go here in person and will be ordering delivery again. read more

Absolutely loved it. Fast service and great customer service. Next time I am back in San Francisco, I will make sure to go back

I absolutely love this place! The best dumplings in the Bay Area. Always good service - never a disappointment.

Creative fusion cuisine executed well. The atmosphere is modern and stylish. Reservation system could be improved - had to wait despite booking. Food quality makes up for minor service hiccups. Interesting wine selection read more

We had lunch here today and the food was fine. It was definitely expensive for what it was, but maybe thats just the Castro for you. The soup dumplings were good, but they came without a proper sized spoon to eat them with and no vinegar sauce. My chow mein was ok, but it was a little too sugary for my liking. read more

Love coming here for their pan fried pork buns. We also usually get the XLB as well, but we've found that the XLB sometimes stick and get broken. The taste and soup is still really good though and we would come back if we're in the area. Would recommend overall! read more

Dumpling Kitchen - Castro - A05. Shanghai-Style Pan-Fried Pork Buns - Dim Sum Near Me - San Francisco, California

Dumplings were good. Also had the miso soup that was delicious. Place is always packed so that should say something.

The food is wonderful! It came fast, good service! Highly recommend it. We sat down right away with reservations.

Saturday after around 2. Not that busy. Sat immediately. Ordered two most typical Shanghainese dumplings. Food not bad but not the very best. Friendly staff. Good space. Waitress kindly inform me last order around 2 and remind me dumplings hot. May come again to try other food read more

Dumpling Kitchen - Castro - Dim Sum Near Me - San Francisco, California

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A perfect place to go with a group of 4 people, so you can maximize the dishes you get to try. With a name like Dumpling Kitchen, of course the dumplings are excellent. But there are also some great meat dishes and noodle dishes, so don't be totally dumpling-centric. Shanghai-style Steamed Pork Dumplings (Xiao Long Bao): It's pretty much obligatory that I order these whenever a restaurant has them. That first bite and slurp of soup (i.e. fatty goodness) is so perfect. After all the juice is sucked out though, it's kinda like a regular pork dumpling. Still delicious. Shanghai-style Pan-fried Pork Buns: Seemed very popular here. Thick dough where one side is nicely browned crispy and the other side is steamed like a dumpling. Great texture contrast. Pretty big size and filling. The pork inside is nice too. Boiled Chicken & Corn Dumplings: Kinda bland. Needed a good amount of chili oil from the table to liven it up. Beijing-style Noodle in Black Bean Sauce: Lots of umami goodness in this rich meaty black bean sauce. Also, the noodles are nice and springy. Definitely a fan favorite at the table. Braised Lion's Head Meatballs: Huge balls! Nice mix of minced meat and fat. Lots of rich sauce, so be sure to spoon some extra on what you're eating. Braised Pork Belly with Preserved Vegetables: Perhaps my favorite non-dumpling dish. The pork belly was super tender so the fat was almost melting in your mouth while the meat was easy to shred. What really struck me was how well the fat in the pork belly soaked up the flavorful sauce and spices. Pea Sprouts with Garlic: Why is this veggie dish priced the same as the pork belly? Totally not worth it. It's jut some plain greens with a little garlic. Note that the rich meatballs and pork belly come with some bright greens anyway. read more

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Dumpling kitchen has some gluten free items on the menu! Not a ton, but it was nice to feel comfortable eating at a Chinese restaurant. And some of the dumplings were gluten free which is amazing in my mind. They brought us tamari as well. The dish itself wasn't that memorable but the service and ambiance were nice. I'll go back. read more

We came here for lunch on a Friday last summer. It was pretty busy all throughout, but we didn't have to wait. We sampled quite a few items, and had leftovers (3 people). The highlight for me, unsurprisingly, was the rice cakes/niangao. They were much longer than I'm used to, so I think they may have been handmade/fresh? They were quite tender -- not al dente, but good in their own way. I thought the pickled vegetables added a really nice savoriness to the dish. This dish was different from the niangao I've had at other restaurants, but it stood on its own and was very good. The soup dumplings were quite sturdy with thick skins. There wasn't much soup inside, but the flavor of the soup and the filling was really good. The pan-fried dumplings were quite interesting -- I've never had it this way where it's a thin skin on the top and then a really thick, doughy skin on the bottom with a slightly soupy filling inside. I probably wouldn't get this dish again since it had a lot of dough, but it was interesting to try. It's also *really* hot, so be careful. The eggplant in garlic sauce was better than I expected. The sauce was not overly sweet and had a thick soy consistency to it, which I enjoyed. The eggplant was cooked pretty well. The Sichuan spicy chicken was the weakest link in the dishes we tried. While the chicken pieces were quite big, they were also tough. I'm not sure what the issue was -- if it was the cut of chicken, or marination. It was lacking in both flavor and texture. Overall I enjoyed my time at this restaurant and thought the prices were pretty reasonable for the area and portion sizes. I could see myself coming back. read more

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Very good xiaolongbao. Server was great and attentive. Food came out quickly and the drinks were great.

This is a great spot. We had a little bit of a wait but the staff here are very nice and accommodating. Parking is a little hit if an issue but we found a spot. We started with the chicken wings. They were delicious and a little spicy--pretty much spicy Szechuan chicken. They were enough to share. The shrimp fried rice was delicious. It was served fresh and hot. I love the Thai tea here. The locals flock to this spot obviously because it is so damn good in Chinatown. read more

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I have fond memories of Dumpling Kitchen's original location on Taraval. It was my dining companion's first time having XLB and he tried to jab it with a metal spoon to pick it up. What monster does that to a XLB?! Oh yea, and he's Chinese. *FACE PALM* So happy to see one of The Sunset/Parkside's local favs open in The Castro because IMO, the Chinese restaurants in this area can be underwhelming/Americanized. And, one of the best parts? They have a outdoor garden patio! Soft opening today is Dumpling Kitchen's second SF location in the former Papi Rico space. They're open for takeout, indoor dining, and outdoor dining. Well-behaved dogs are allowed in the patio. Delivery to come. With the mandate lifted, staff still wore masks. M E N U Northern Chinese & Shanghainese Cuisine. Limited Soft Opening Menu: Apps, Soups, Dumplings, Entrees, Noodles/Rice/Rice cakes, Dessert, etc. -- Page 1: https://bit.ly/3TR3tkr -- Page 2: https://bit.ly/3cUwgUN Exclusive items to The Castro location: Giant Crab XLB and Black Truffle & Beef Fried Rice. F O O D (Excuse the yellow tint on the pics from the yellow sun sail canopy.) * Beef Shank & Tripe in Chili Oil ($13.80): https://bit.ly/3TSjl6k Classic Northern Chinese cold starter with tender slices of beef shank and chewy soft and gelatinous slices of tripe+tendon bathed in a málà numbing oil. * Pan-fried Pork Buns aka Sheng Jian Bao (4 pc - $9.80): https://bit.ly/3exZeuc ***Allow about 20 minutes to prepare. Never tried Dumpling Kitchen's SJB, XLB's cousin so I had to give it a try at their new location. These SJB are HUGE. When I tried lifting it with the chopsticks, I dropped it because it was heavier than the norm. Upon biting into the SJB, it squirted hot soupy goodness. Large, savory pork filling; no huge air pocket. Love the contrasting textures - the bottoms were golden brown and crunchy with nicely chewy steamed tops. Really good with the black vinegar and ginger. * Shanghai Stir-Fried Rice Cakes aka Nian Gao ($13.80): https://bit.ly/3D6Oo8D Deliciously chewy and savory rice cakes with strips of tender pork and crisp cabbage+carrot+onions. Good smoky wok hei flavor. Bomb with their housemade chili oil. If you like chewy rice cakes, GET THIS! S E R V I C E The owner and staff are warm, welcoming, and friendly. The manager, Johnny was kind and responsive when I contacted them about outdoor dining. I arrived right when they opened for lunch so food service was prompt. There's a call button for the outdoor patio tables. A M B I A N C E Colorful and festive, Dumpling Kitchen kept some of the same decor as Papi Rico minus the mankini bottoms on the wall. Love the garden patio vibes: https://bit.ly/3qCnw9f. P A R K I N G Residential and street parking. Doable on the weekdays. Overall, Dumpling Kitchen is a great addition to The Castro. If you're looking for legit Northern Chinese & Shanghainese cuisine in the area, def hit them up! read more

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544 Castro used to be the home of one of my favorite Castro eateries, Nirvana, where the casually exotic vibe was a nice match for their fusion fare. Then it became a splashy cantina, Papi Rico, and I thought it would stick around for a while. But it didn't probably because it couldn't gain traction due to the pandemic. Now it's become what I believe is the third location of Dumpling Kitchen. They started with their popular spot on Taraval, and they recently opened a spot off the Cal campus in Berkeley. In fact, I just tried that one for takeout last week. That's why I was surprised to see them at this prime location where they kept Papi Rico's fluorescent aquamarine facade. Inside it looks like a sleekly contemporary version of their familiar operation. Of course their menu featured a long list of dim sum selections, but there were other dishes as well...noodles, soups, mushu, chef's specials, even steamed chocolate baos. But I was in a dumpling mood, so I ordered two of their specialties. First up were the $9.80 Boiled Chicken and Corn Dumplings, eight little tightly tucked pillows filled with minced chicken and corn kernels (photo: https://bit.ly/3RBRfe5). The red chili oil enhanced the slightly bland flavor. The second dish was the clincher, the $10.80 Steamed Shrimp and Pork Shumai. There were only four of them, but each were meaty and hearty (photo: https://bit.ly/3B4roVi). I definitely want to try those steamed chocolate baos sometime. I hope Dumpling Kitchen lasts longer than Papi Rico. FOOD - 4 stars...solid dumplings, some tastier than others AMBIANCE - 3.5 stars...spacious enough though I miss the serene Nirvana vibe SERVICE - 4 stars...enthusiastic, still in the honeymoon phase TOTAL - 4 stars...dumplings in the Castro, a new era begins RELATED - Exploring the Castro? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: http://bit.ly/2HrpFPC read more

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So delicious and felt very homey! For 3 people, we split the soup dumplings, pork and Napa cabbage dumplings, Dan Dan noodles, sizzling signature beef, green beans, and steamed bbq pork buns. My favorite was the sizzling signature beef and the soup dumplings! read more

I came here for a holiday party, and was seated at the patio behind the restaurant. The patio area is pretty cozy, and I love the ambient colors: you get a lovely green from the bamboo, and earth tones from the bamboo canopy. The staff were wonderful, polite and very accommodating and the food was delicious. I enjoyed the Mongolian beef, which wasn't too spicy. The beef itself wasn't deep fried, and it was very tender. The fried rice was very flavorful without being overwhelmingly salty. The egg rolls...were too damn good, I had to hold myself back from munching on too many, and the dumplings stood on their own without needing soy sauce or chilli oil for flavor (however it is more tasty with those added ) I recommend Dumpling Kitchen, if you're in the mood for some solid Chinese food. read more

A must try EVERYTIME: A01. Pork dumplings A19. Steamed bbq pork bao B07. Green onion pancake E05. Black truffle rice (this right here is the STAR of the show) F03.garlic string beans L01. Chocolate dumplings I travel over 2 hours to come here, hands down the BEST dumpling place I've ever tried! read more

Dumpling Kitchen - Castro - Dim Sum Near Me - San Francisco, California

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everyone was so nice server was super sweet food came out fast everything was so delicious and well worth it 1000/10 it was so nice and cozy on a cold rainy day read more

Dumpling Kitchen - Castro - sesame chicken, beef soup and pork dumplings - Dim Sum Near Me - San Francisco, California

Went there on a Thur night - What was quite odd is that shortly after we ordered they said they were closing their kitchen - our main entrees had not come out yet so it was hard to gage if we wanted desert and it was pretty early. We also found out they are always closed on Tuesdays. There was no ambiance .. few people, few staff.. The waiter was very nice, food came out quickly and was pretty. Chow mein was meh. I appreciated the veggie options but wish the veggie dumplings listed what veggies were in there since there were different types. Overall food was good and it was a small intimate space but not particularly romantic nor a warm atmosphere in case that is what you are looking for. read more

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Came to this location this past Sunday after visiting the Taraval location a few times. I was extremely excited to try it out and to have a location closer to where I am in the Mission. We had a large group, and the restaurant was comfortably able to accommodate all 10 of us. There is plenty of space and there is even a back patio for outdoor dining. For food options, we shared a few things. Notably the XLB, Hot and Sour Soup, Pan Fried Dumplings, Veggie Dumplings, and Veggie Chow Mein. The veggie dumplings we got were a little soupier/ wetter than anticipated. The hot and sour soup was on point, and the XLB and pan-fried dumplings were also really solid. I will also add that I prefer the sauce/ condiment selection at the Taraval location a little bit more - the chili oil there is a lot more flavorful and the black vinegar is a little more potent. Overall though, taking service and food into account, We had a really great meal at this location and it was super good to see a Dumpling Kitchen open up in this part of town. Will be sure to stop by again sometime soon to check out more items on the menu. 4/5 read more

Dumpling Kitchen - Castro - A12. Steamed Vegetarian Dumplings - Dim Sum Near Me - San Francisco, California

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We ordered 190 catering boxed lunches in celebration of Chinese New Year! The Mongolian beef was hearty and satisfying and caramelized to perfection with savory sauce, while the Lemon Chicken was a masterpiece with a delicate balance of tangy and sweet. The General Tso's chicken was a surprise hit, with a burst of flavorful goodness that left us all wanting more.The Mapo Tofu was silky and expertly seasoned, and the fried sesame balls added a playful touch to our meal. Despite being in a lunch box, each dish was a masterclass in flavor, technique and careful presentation. I was amazed by the SERVICE as the restaurant team actually delivered them to our AMAZON Station in South San Francisco. Our Amazon drivers returned home tired but sated, having savored a delightful taste of China--rich, bold, silky and utterly satisfying Unbeatable combination of delicious food, exceptional service, and affordable prices. I will recommend this restaurant for anyone who is looking to experience the authentic flavors of China, whether it be catering or a la carte. Bravo Dumpling Kitchen! read more

Dumpling Kitchen - Castro - Disitrbution of Dumpling Kitchen Lunch Boxes - Amazon Drivers celebrating Chinese New Year - Dim Sum Near Me - San Francisco, California