The Dumpling Lady

421

1157

4304

8 days ago

Was so glad to see The Dumpling Lady offered non-pork dumplings! I got the shrimp and chicken dumplings which I loved so much! The chili sauce the top it with is also a great addition! read more

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Simran B.

80

340

542

4 months ago

We visited dumpling lady for a quick lunch on a Sunday. We ordered the pork soup dumplings, sichuan cucumber, and the pork belly noodle special. Starting with the dumplings, these things should not be called soup dumplings. The broth quantity was very disappointing. I have better experience with the mila frozen dumplings I steam at home. That being said, I liked the little foil cups they were served in, especially when they didn't have large soup spoons. The noodles were really well cooked, and I loved the pork belly, but the portion was underwhelming. The cucumber was definitely the highlight for me though. It had a great flavor profile, and I loved the spice level. 10/10 would recommend for the cucumbers. As much as I appreciated the goal here, I likely wouldn't go back. There are a lot of spots in optimist hall, and I'm inclined to believe I'd be happier with something else. read more

The Dumpling Lady - Pork belly noodles - Szechuan Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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Henry L.

1003

87

170

6 months ago

Surprisingly this place is not bad for being a stall in a food hall. Food was tasty especially the pork belly dumplings. The Szechuan noodle soup was nice because it was cold outside but it definitely packs a punch from all the spice. Service was fast! I was able to eat both of those dishes. A bit pricy for what you get though. read more

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Team KP S.

5

147

301

6 months ago

For what it was and the taste, save your money and go to a dumpling house like Sun Kitchen. The dan dan noodles were just okay and wonton's in chili oil were bad, no flavor other than hot, mushy dough and no filling. Hard pass, not worth a second try. Also, the staff were really unfriendly. Placed a mobile order, they never texted so when I walked up to ask about the food being ready she just shoved a bag at me. I mentioned that the texting part of their order process wasn't working and she just turned away. I REALLY loved the helpful and friendly demeanor.... To those about to nosh, look elsewhere! read more

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Audrey L.

1

53

64

2 months ago

Love them! Get them every time I'm at optimist hall! The spicy sauce is soo good and soo spicy. Always quick service with high quality food. Love the hall and has indoor and outdoor seating read more

The Dumpling Lady - Dumplings variety - Szechuan Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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Trevor J.

192

77

94

4 months ago

I tried the chicken dumplings here. They were amazing and the chili oil went perfectly with them. read more

The Dumpling Lady - Chicken Dumplings - Szechuan Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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Mo S.

33

172

1044

8 months ago

After so many great reviews, I finally had to try this place. Located at Optimist Hall. Theybare on the corner across from Harriets. The person taking my order was nice and made suggestions. I arrived right before the lunch rush on a Friday. It did not take long for my food to be prepared. Inlike that they give you a pager to alert you when your food is ready. Bottom line, I was not impressed. The only impression was to not visit again. Food cost way too much money to taste mid. There was zero flavor, add spice in the chicken noodle bowl that I ordered. I ordered a separate order of the pork belly dumplings. The dumplings were the perfect consistency, but the filling taste like a mush of nothing. read more

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Gwendolyn W.

109

458

175

3 months ago

This was a fun restaurant. I will say I was expecting a little more from all the amazing reviews. The scallion pancake was yummy but a little oily. The broth and dumplings were good but just a little plain. The smashed cucumber was addicting but pretty hot and had a ton of oil. Also just a note it's heavy on the Szechuan pepper so my tongue went numb after a while. read more

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Denawa A.

5

33

87

6 months ago

So consistent! Doesn't matter how many times I come they hit the same flavors. Tried the sweet pork belly dumplings for the first time today and they were so good. Optimist hall was pretty busy per usual in a Saturday but I was able to get my food pretty quickly. The smellllsss, I wish the picture could give you a whiff of how good this smells read more

The Dumpling Lady - Sweet Pork Belly Dumplings - Szechuan Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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Kamilia L.

380

467

1584

6 months ago

Ohhhh how I love her Sweet Pork Belly dumplings. They have the most delectable and delicate thin wrappers with copious amount of meat that is moist and packed with flavor. Each bite is an explosion of chilling oil, onion, and five spice which plays well with the sweet pork belly. Its cute and cooked so its not greasy or crispy but succulently moist. I also order the classic Dan Dan which isn't too spicey but has a nice kick. I came during dinner and received these huge portions. I typically get the lunch portion which is more than enough to satiate my hunger. I forgot how l massive the regular portions are. I had some left for lunch the next day. Its great to share too. read more

The Dumpling Lady - Dim Sum - Szechuan Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

The Dumpling Lady - Pork Belly dumplings - Szechuan Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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Krissy W.

328

94

158

6 months ago

All that and DIM SUM!!! honestly, this place is a local staple - a legacy if you will. "Have you tried dumping lady? Omg you neeeeed to. You aren't a local until you get it. It's so good." - everyone in Charlotte to the 150+ people moving here every day read more

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Lauren M.

5

106

337

7 months ago

The Dumpling Lady is one of me and my parents favorite spots! Then Optimist Hall location is my favorite - because it is quick and you have many options of either sitting or taking your food to go. The Dan Dan noodles have always been my go to. I used to love the soup dumplings, but a few months ago they changed the recipe. Now I get the chengdu dumplings which are close to the ones I used to get before! (The chili sauce is to die for!) always get extra! read more

The Dumpling Lady - Chengdu dumplings - Szechuan Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

The Dumpling Lady - Dan Dan noodles - Szechuan Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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Ted G.

0

121

66

7 months ago

Amazing Dan Dan noodles. I just read my review from 6 years ago- time flies- and I wasn't happy then but am now. I had stayed away. But I loved my noodles and sampled the fried chicken dumplings and steamed pork & chive ones- both delicious. Now I will seek out The Dumpling Lady! Can't wait to have more noodles and will try other dishes. read more

The Dumpling Lady - Pork & chive dumplings - Szechuan Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

The Dumpling Lady - Spicy beef noodles - Szechuan Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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Mona E.

169

340

467

1 year ago

Super delicious chicken pan fried dumplings. I'm so used to getting dumplings that are on the sweeter side but these were definitely more savory. They came with a delicious chili oil sauce to dip them into. They can get busy but the employees are super nice. read more

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Tori H.

300

707

3070

8 months ago

Went here to get dumplings, ended up circling back to get ramen as well. The chicken and shrimp dumplings were delicious, they came with a sauce and the sauce was so flavorful. The Ramen, the Ramen was bomb. We got two different kinds, both were high on the spice level AND MAN OH MAN were they spicy! But they were soooo good, the flavors exploded in your mouth! They had our noses running forsure though, all that spice. Would definitely recommend, can't wait to be in town again to go back! read more

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Hannah L.

98

59

143

9 months ago

Dumpling Lady always hits! Definitely one of my favorite takeout spots in Charlotte. Highly recommend the Pork and Chive dumplings. Warning: The Spicy Beef Noodle is extremely spicy. But still so delicious. read more

The Dumpling Lady - Pork and Chive Dumplings - Szechuan Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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Chrissy S.

7

57

147

8 months ago

Ordered for pickup and also went in another day to grab lunch, a bit of a wait but probably just 5 mins. I absolutely love the spicy beef noodles, it's fantastic and full of flavor. The shrimp and chicken dumplings are also great. Those are my go to orders and they never disappoint. It's in the markets so they don't really have personal sitting spaces designated to them but it's not bad. read more

The Dumpling Lady - Menu - Szechuan Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

The Dumpling Lady - Chicken and shrimp dumpling - Szechuan Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

The Dumpling Lady - Spicy beef - Szechuan Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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Derric M.

0

13

6

2 months ago

The dumpling lady is always a hit left stopping here. Their sauces are so original and absolutely phenomenal dumplings.

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Amy U.

917

561

1543

2 years ago

Extremely tasty dumplings! I was super impressed with the overall quality, size, taste and most importantly (for me personally)) the texture of the dumplings. Spectacular experience! Loved the spicy chill sauce for dipping and it's a small extra charge for an extra by the way but it was recommended that most don't need it. The spicy cucumbers were very spicy indeed,; make sure you get a cold drink! I love it hot, so I was very pleased. Prices were very reasonable and service was pretty prompt for a busy Saturday.. I loved how they give you a buzzer so you can walk around and order food from other places or just take a stroll and check everything out in Optimist Hall while you are waiting for your order to be filled. I would definitely come back and try something else next time. Thank you! read more

The Dumpling Lady - Shrimp & Pork Dumplings and very spicy cucumbers - Szechuan Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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Anthony S.

391

48

116

11 months ago

I love going to Optimist Hall so since I had a friend in town we decided to go! I opted for The Dumpling Lady and got the Chengdu Dumplings which were flavorful and filling! I ate half at the hall and the other half at home!l and even left over it was still fantastic. Service was quick and easy and I was sat down eating within minutes! Always friendly, clean and fresh so of course I'll return! read more

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Andrew K.

2

839

1171

11 months ago

Really solid dumpling options. They're plump, perfectly formed, and the portion is great. The spiciness of the sauce is just right and creates a lovely textural complement to the filling of the dumpling. Came out pretty quickly, which was a plus, as well. Would definitely consider grabbing takeout from here for dinner in the future. read more

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Kyle G.

10

97

53

1 year ago

Visiting an old favorite city in Charlotte. This spot, Optimist Hall holds grub spots of all cultures. Soon as I saw this joint, choice was made. Did not disappoint! Definitely going back before I leave. The dumplings were spot on sublime. The spicy beef noodles were so fresh and kicking with goody spice. I wish it was acceptable to bathe in their homemade chili oil. read more

The Dumpling Lady - Pork dumplings with homemade chili oil. Hot damn! - Szechuan Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

The Dumpling Lady - Spicy beef noodles. Yowsa! - Szechuan Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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Susan H.

Elite 23

8

60

77

1 year ago

Crazy good everything! Service was fabulous. Food was top notch with just enough seating if choosing to dine in. Place is clean and orderly. We both had the pork and chive dumplings with Dan Dan Noodles. Are you kidding me?! Perfectly cooked, super great flavor-bombs. read more

The Dumpling Lady - Dan Dan noodles and Pork and Chive dumplings - Szechuan Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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Bruce K.

2415

25923

75977

2 years ago

I got hooked on Dan Dan Noodles on a trip to (of all places) Toronto and then soup dumplings in Taipei. I was craving both today but I can't eat two full portions so I settled for dumplings today. A variety of options on the menu today and I decided that it would be the pork & chives dumplings today. After ordering, I was given a beeper and it beeped at me about 8 minutes later. Enough time to wander into the nearby Pet Wants for treats to bring home. A bowl of hot and spicy dumplings awaits. Nicely presented, stuffed and flavorful and definitely spicy dumplings. A perfect meal and the craving is now satisfied. Next time, I'll aim to hit the South End location at weekday lunch time. The half and half noodles and dumplings option would be perfect! [Review 1806 of 2024 - 3723 in North Carolina - 22828 overall] read more

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Linda J.

887

1348

7537

2 years ago

This food is good however, the Sriracha/chili flavoring was a bit over abundant. I ordered the pork belly dumpling and couldn't taste the meat at all. The service was good, she was knowledgeable about the product and the food came out pretty fast. There was a line to order, and some small seating near by. I am good on this place and will just keep it as a one time experience. Thanks read more

The Dumpling Lady - Pork belly dumpling - Szechuan Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

The Dumpling Lady - Front - Szechuan Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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Kenneth B.

18

118

2

1 year ago

The Dumpling Lady is a gem. A small, unassuming spot that delivers some of the best Chinese you'll find in Charlotte. I imagine if I worked nearby, this would be the spot I'd come to most often for lunch (and there are a lot of food options in Optimist Hall and the surrounding area). I've tried various dumplings here and all were tasty. But I really love the Dan Dan noodles. I can't find any better in the city. It's so good. The noodles, the sauce, the mixture. Everything. And it's hella filling at a reasonable price. I haven't tried their other locations but if they are any consistent, I strongly recommend trying them whenever you're near one. read more

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Ian N.

399

210

531

2 years ago

Dan Dan Noodles (4/5): I liked that it wasn't too soupy, but it was maybe just a tad dry. Pretty spicy with that szechuan pepper heat that numbs your tongue. The noodles were well cooked, and I liked the minced meat (but chunks would've been better). Chengdu Style Dumplings (3/5): Nothing special. It was hard to taste the filling with the amount of soy sauce and chili oil dumped in. The wrapper was pretty good but I would've preferred it to be a bit more firm. RATING SYSTEM 5 - Great (Need to get this again) 4 - Good (Would get this again) 3 - Ok (Might give this another shot) 2 - Not Good (Won't get this again) 1 - Bad (Telling people to avoid this) read more

The Dumpling Lady - Dan Dan Noodles and Chengdu Style Dumplings (Lunch Special) - Szechuan Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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Travis T.

4

412

1229

1 year ago

The dan dan noodles was delicious and had the right amount of spice level. However, it could be a little bit less sweet. read more

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Shavonne B.

Elite 25

400

84

129

1 year ago

I love coming to optimist hall when the weather is nice, inside there's so much seating and so many places to try! Came out to meet a few friends, and I wanted something good but not too heavy. When you walk up, they have a little area blocked out in the front for the line, they have everything on the menu and when placing the order they give you the little device that buzzes when your food is ready. I would suggest placing your order here then using the time you're waiting to stop by the bar or any other place you want to hit. Depending on the busyness, it can be about a 5-10 minute wait. Came and got the shrimp and chicken dumplings, they were so good I had to get them twice in one week!! Just a heads up, the chili sauce is SPICY!!! But I was loving every single bite! Next time I come I'll definitely get the lunch special so I can get the ramen too! read more

The Dumpling Lady - Shrimp and chicken dumplings - Szechuan Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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Sofia G.

24

134

483

2 years ago

Was visiting my cousin and she took us to Optimist Hall where I had the opportunity to order and enjoy the chicken and shrimp dumplings as well as the chicken pot stickers. I had the sauce on the side so I had some variety. Next time I'm going to have them just pour it all in. It still tasted just as good once I poured it in myself. I'm mad we don't have this in Florida where I live. They would get all my money! It was so damn good. The ladies were very patient with me and my indecisiveness of what I wanted to eat. The location is great. It's kind of like a mess hall with lots of other food spots and seating. Looking forward to visiting again so I can order some more and to bring some back home. read more

The Dumpling Lady - Chicken and Shrimp Dumplings - Szechuan Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

The Dumpling Lady - Chicken Pot Stickers - Szechuan Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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Tim H.

0

9

0

2 months ago

Awesome food!!! Dan Dan noodles are outstanding! I'm going back to try the bao buns with my kids!

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Daniel S.

0

45

97

9 months ago

So so so freaking delicious. A little on the spicy side in which I loved built I'm sure my body will complain about later. Quick service and several options to choose from. I went with the Dan Dan noodles as well as the shrimp and chicken dumplings. Both were beyond amazing. I cannot wait to come back to try something else. read more

The Dumpling Lady - Dan Dan noodles and shrimp & chicken dumplings - Szechuan Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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Jessica C.

161

268

567

2 years ago

Cashier was friendly. Nice place inside of a food hall. Ordered the Ramen special -- soy braised pork belly with bok choy & quail egg. This was pretty good. Spice level was about a 4/10. The pork belly was tender and had good flavor! Vegetables were nicely cooked. I'd try again! read more

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sally t.

18

86

182

1 year ago

Worker was very kind and answered all of my questions. I got the most popular option with extra chili oil and it was amazing. The texture of the dumplings were perfect and they were very flavorful. I wanted to eat the entire serving but got other items and wanted to try all the things. Ate for leftovers and it was just as good. read more

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Waldemar G.

73

308

1286

2 years ago

Conveniently located inside the Optimist Hall, my daughter and I decided to try out a few places, and the dumpling lady was one of them. She did not disappoint; the young lady that took our order was patient with us as we did not know what we wanted yet and helped us decide on a few different things. Let me say everything came out very good. Delicious. We'll go back again for sure. read more

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Nathanael S.

30

64

460

2 years ago

This was my first time trying The dumpling lady. I hadn't heard about it from anyone. I was just walking around inside the optimist food hall and noticed the food menu. I'm a sucker for All types of dumplings. I asked the lady what she recommended on The dumpling side and she mentioned the Chengdu was her favorite. It had a nice flavor and a little bit of spice without being overpowering which was nice I also tried the Dan Dan noodles and also had a good mix of textures and flavor. I've had other versions of Dan Dan that had a much stronger peanut flavor. I wouldn't say that I know enough about Dan. Dan, to say if one is right or wrong overall I wouldn't hesitate to order it again. I would definitely want to try the soup dumplings the next time but I didn't get a chance this time around. read more

The Dumpling Lady - Noodle and dumpling menu - Szechuan Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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Quinton W.

6

16

50

6 months ago

Great dumplings and the sauce is a perfect addition!! Plus the added bonus of frozen dumplings to go so late night snacking made easy.

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Jessica L.

1

18

47

1 year ago

I'd grab their food but avoid their incompetent service provided by the untrained cashiers. Call to pick up but double check the bag. This is the third time I've gotten my order picked up with things missing. Gone back to ask for them, only to have a smart tone back at me. Someone was hired there without any true hospitality whatsoever and I hate that my experience has been this way. It wasn't peak time. If your cashiers are patient enough to get their nails done(as per her beautiful claws), and finish their conversations with each other before helping anyone--they can be patient enough to look over a simple order and not talk back to a customer that's picking up something that was missing. 4/5 - the food is always delicious. I'd loose 4 stars for service and give a solid 1 if it wouldn't pull the entire rating down. read more

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Leeanne A.

2

21

72

1 year ago

Ordered the burning noodles which are a cold noodle with a lot of spicy sichuan spice. It was a perfectly cooked texture and the chili oil sauce it comes with is incredibly flavorful and coats the noodles so well. These are probably my favorite Dan dan noodles in charlotte. I also ordered the pork and chive dumplings that are my favorite wontons/dumplings in charlotte because of how flavorful and moist they are. Also they give a very generous portion size for both the noodles and dumplings. I can get two meals out of this order and everything freezes and reheats very well for eating at a later time. read more

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Mai L.

307

786

1893

2 years ago

Well cooked and loved that it was in a light chili sauce. We also go a small container to dip in which gave it even more flavor. Flavorful and not too spicy but just enough spice. read more

The Dumpling Lady - Pork dumplings - Szechuan Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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More info about The Dumpling Lady

1115 N Brevard St
Charlotte, NC 28206
NoDa
Directions
(980) 595-6174
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.thedumplinglady.com

Hours

What time does The Dumpling Lady open?

The Dumpling Lady opens at 11:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday, Friday and Saturday.

What time does The Dumpling Lady close?

The Dumpling Lady closes at 8:30 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday.The Dumpling Lady closes at 9:30 PM on Friday and Saturday.

Mon-Thu, Sun 11:00 AM - 8:30 PMFri-Sat 11:00 AM - 9:30 PM

Payment methods

Does The Dumpling Lady take Bitcoin?

No, The Dumpling Lady does not take Bitcoin.

Does The Dumpling Lady take credit cards?

Yes, The Dumpling Lady takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does The Dumpling Lady have catering options?

Yes, The Dumpling Lady does have catering options.

Does The Dumpling Lady have a happy hour?

No, The Dumpling Lady does not have a happy hour.

Does The Dumpling Lady serve alcohol?

No, The Dumpling Lady does not serve alcohol.

Indoor Amenities

Does The Dumpling Lady allow dogs?

Yes, The Dumpling Lady allows dogs.

Does The Dumpling Lady have TVs?

No, The Dumpling Lady does not have TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does The Dumpling Lady have bike parking?

Yes, The Dumpling Lady has bike parking.

Does The Dumpling Lady have parking?

Yes, The Dumpling Lady has parking options.

Other Amenities

Is The Dumpling Lady wheelchair accessible?

Yes, The Dumpling Lady is wheelchair accessible.

Does The Dumpling Lady have free WiFi?

No, The Dumpling Lady does not have free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

Authentic Sichuan food - think dumplings, noodles, wontons, etc. We use local fresh ingredients and never cut corners

History

Established in 2016.

I started The Dumpling Lady when I moved from Sichuan Province to Charlotte to be with my husband in 2015. I began making food for friends and family members simply because I miss my hometown and cooking Sichuan spicy food is the what brings me back to the feeling of home. I started selling my food at local farmers markets where I formed relationships with my local farmers and suppliers who help me use the freshest meats and veggies possible. I started my food truck in July 2016 to share my spicy Sichuan food with not only friends and family, but my local community in Charlotte as well. I look forward to seeing you!

Meet the Business Owner: Qian Z.

From NeiJiang, Sichuan, China, bringing authentic Sichuan food to Charlotte, NC

More Info

Health Score

Sun's Kitchen

Wow, this place is amazing. Parking can be difficult but that's Southend. I've been here three…read moretimes and it's always fresh and perfect

This review is for Sun's Kitchen, tucked down near LoSo/Lower South End, and let me tell you --…read morethese dan dan noodles absolutely hit the spot. I was in one of those "I need noodles immediately" moods, and Sun's Kitchen did not disappoint. I called my order in for takeout, and everything was packed perfectly. No leaks, no mess, still hot when I got home, and the portion was surprisingly generous for the price. The dan dan noodles here are rich, savory, a little spicy, and incredibly comforting. If you're not familiar with them, dan dan noodles are a classic Sichuan street food dish from Chengdu traditionally tossed in a spicy, numbing ma-la sauce with pork, scallions, and pickled vegetables. Sun's Kitchen does a really delicious version that's flavorful without feeling too heavy. The noodles have that perfect chewy texture, and every bite has just enough heat to keep you going back for more. If you're someone who's curious about ethnic food but maybe unsure where to start, this is honestly a great entry-level dish. Yes, there's a little spice, but it's approachable and balanced. The dining room itself is modern and beautiful, and now that they serve beer and wine, I definitely need to come back and enjoy a full dine-in experience instead of rushing home with takeout. The only caveat is the parking lot can get a little chaotic since it's shared with neighboring businesses, especially during busy hours. But trust me, it's worth circling for a spot. Charlotte, there's a big wide world of food out there, and places like Sun's Kitchen make exploring it easy and delicious. Get out there and eat your way through it.

Szechuan chicken dish @poprockphotography

Interior

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Eggplant @poprockphotography

Riceblossom

4.1

(75 reviews)

8.2 mi

I came here a few years ago for my first Yelp event so when I saw they were doing a special on…read moretheir mapo tofu I knew I needed to come back. Just as good as last time I was here. The food was great. I wish I could eat mapo tofu every day. We also got the diced chicken with peppers. It's addictive. I love this place and I need to go more often.

We ordered our usual...the Spicy Fish Filet in a Flaming Pan to share. We also ordered the Chicken…read moreKung Pao and the Wonton to share. Again, everything was delish. As usual, their Spicy Fish Filet is a gem. Not only do I love the crispy Spicy Fish Filets, but love the exotic veggies in this dish. However, we were both a bit disappointed with the presentation of their Kung Pao Chicken. For starters, I would have appreciated some greens in that dish...as pictured on their menu. The wontons were very good, but small in size. In any case, we thoroughly enjoyed the dishes (especially the Spicy Fish Filet)...and are sure to return.

Fried Diced Chicken with Dried Pepper Chongqing Style

Singapore Rice Noodle

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Baoding

Searching for Chinese in Charlotte, I found that this place had an intriguing menu. They are retro…read morein the sense that there is no online ordering, so I called in. It is busy enough that plenty of other people had also called in for takeout. The price was higher than I thought it would be by a significant margin; I thought something was off but then rechecking their menu I saw it was indeed $20 for a vegetable entree. On the upside, they did offer brown rice at no extra charge. Still, I'll get three meals out of it and as someone who eats a lot of takeout, this was not a great value. In terms of quality, I was thrilled to find that they offered a stir-fried okra dish. This is a ubiquitous Indian dish, and of course okra is common throughout the tropics globally, but I'd never seen this offered at a Chinese restaurant before. And the rapid cooking technique typical of the cuisine produced a delightfully crisp vegetable, which went great with a black bean sauce and some very hot dried chilis. On the other hand, their interpretation of ma po tofu had some fermented broad beans but minimal vegetables (sometimes you get mushrooms or peas or at least some leeks or something) and no numbing sensation. They had a bean curd roll dish that I enjoyed, and some quality dumplings. Overall, not huge portions and a mix of okay to great quality.

The fried rice and stir-fried okra together are amazing. Food is always good!…read more The ambiance is outdated but the service is exceptional.

A very colorful eclectic atmosphere at Baoding restaurant in charlotte.

Chicken Dumplings

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The bar

YaMe Asian Noodles

Today I met a friend for lunch at YaMe. I was greeted by the staff when I entered and the…read morerestaurant was as very clean. The menu offers something for everyone. It was our first visit and we wanted to try the curry. We ordered the Thai Red Curry and the Thai Green Curry. Both were perfection! The red curry had just the right amount of spice to give it flavor, but not be too spicy hot. The green was mild, but flavorful. The dumplings were so good. These were both very good and we added shrimp and chicken. I believe they would be just a satisfying with only the vegetables. This is my go to place for Asian noodle dishes from now on...can't wait to sample more of the menu on my next visit.

I ordered takeout from this spot one evening and overall the experience was disappointing. Most of…read morethe food was just okay, but the chicken skewers were absolutely inedible. They genuinely did not taste like chicken at all, and I couldn't even finish them. I strongly recommend staying away from that item. I also tried to order a bubble tea without ice and was told I'd be charged an extra $2 because they would need to "add more juice." I didn't ask for extra juice, just no ice!!! And charging extra for that feels unreasonable and borderline price gouging. Ridiculous!!!! Between the poor food quality and the frustrating service, the overall experience wasn't great, and I won't be returning.

Dish bin area

Chili oil just makes it!

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Thai Iced Tea

Lam's Kitchen

Everything is always GREAT! The waitstaff treat you like FAMILY…read moreEven though there were 3 of us eating, there are always leftovers to enjoy the next day.

I was craving dim sum and wanted to try somewhere new, and Lam's came highly recommended by several…read morepeople. We showed up right at 11:30am on a Sunday when they opened, and were seated right away. Our waitress was on point--super attentive and kept everything flowing smoothly. As for the food? We ordered a lot--and honestly, it felt like a nostalgic feast. So many of the dishes brought back childhood memories of weekends in Chicago's Chinatown. Everything was comforting, flavorful, and just how I remember it. This isn't a fancy spot--just a relaxed, no-frills place that serves really good dim sum with friendly service. It's a bit of a drive for me, but it was 100% worth it. Definitely a birthday treat well spent.

Fresh tank of two sizes of Lobster and Dungeness Crabs

Seafood bird's nest noodles

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Seafood bird's nest noodles

Ten Seconds Yunnan Rice Noodle

Went to eat with my coworker who recommended this place as serving authentic Chinese cuisine. I…read morecould not pass up that opportunity as Asian cuisine is in my top three. It's very rare for me to do a review and not have pics to accompany it but from entrance to exit I don't think I liked my phone up once. Coworker's company was great but the food really made for a great experience. In addition to that having my coworker speak to the culture of the food made it all the more appreciated. I definitely can't say enough good words about the food and the service and the overall experience. Five stars is all I can give but if there were more this restaurant would well deserve it. Next time I'll have to get pics

Great authentic Chinese Hot Pot place! The food is fantastic and the service fast and efficient…read moreplus the atmosphere is cool! The prices are very reasonable for the quality of food served! I have eaten here many times and I have tried virtually everything on the menu. With that said, here is my take on it. Everything that I have tried has been delicious! For cold appetizers, I am a big fan of the Black Fungus W. Vinegar Sauce, Cold Spicy Sour Cucumber and the Spicy Beef Tendon. For hot appetizers, everyone raves about the Popcorn Chicken and I concur that it's very good! I really like the Frled Pork Gyoza too. For the main course, they have some rice dishes, but the main focus is the hot pot soups. They bring out a 300°F Stone bowl of broth (in an insulated pot holder) and the ingredients to put in it. You put the meat and lettuce in first, then the other ingredients and the noodles last then wait for "10 seconds"thus the name of the restaurant. I have tried all of the broths and they are all good depending on your tastes. The original broth is the bass broth. Then they add things to the other others to differentiate them. My favorites are the Tomato Soup (especially with Beef Flank) and Spicy Soup. If you like things VERY spicy, they can bring you some cut Thai peppers. The wait staff are patient are very helpful in guiding patrons. They understand that this is a new experience for them. They also pay attention to their customers eating habits. One time when I went in, they noticed that I added lots of chili peppers and chili oil to my food. That's when she said she could bring me some very hot fresh chili peppers. Charlotte is truly blessed to have so many great authentic Chinese body shops popping up all over town! I highly recommend this place! Cheers!

Dining area with large wall decorations #tensecondscharlotte #charlottenc #charlottefoodscene #preservefootprints

E1. Popcorn Chicken

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Toppings

Wan Fu Quality Chinese Cuisine

Yummy food attentive service and no frills in the place! Will enjoy as a new take out spot…read more Everything looked amazing as I looked around!

I went with a large social group so we had a room all to us. The food and service was immaculate…read more Sooooo much food served family style. Soon as one plate of food came out, another was right behind it. Needless to say no one left hungry. Everything as cooked and seasoned to perfection. Highly recommend.

Chicken Curry, Sesame Chicken (lunch portions)

Interior bar

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Good Chinese food

Yiding Hot Pot

3.8

(78 reviews)

10.4 mi

This place was a really fun dinner. We had never been there so we needed a bit of help navigating…read morethrough the process. Our server was amazing and patient and helpful. The robot delivery was fun but beware you don't get in their way or you may get bumped! Fun atmosphere and delicious food made for a great experience! The hot bar food was delicious! Definitely recommend! Two thumbs way up

Yiding Hot Pot is an interactive and communal experience in a casual environment. That's what the…read moreadult in me is quoting. The child in me says "Wow! We get to play with our food and have a fun time with our family and friends all while making a mess! Plus, robots!" There are so many dining choices to make here but we really can't go wrong especially since it's "all you can eat". Pick a broth (simple? mild? umami? spicy? very spicy?), and then select among literally dozens of raw meats, seafood, veggies, tofu and noodles to cook in it. Each person gets their own pot, so be selfish and choose your pleasure. Order some dumplings or other dim sum "appetizers" Order various sashimi or sushi rolls. Go to the cold bar and stock up on Asian salad options and various dipping sauces. For us big kids beer, wine, sake and soju are also available. Then as the broth in the buckets boil in front of us start adding and scooping out ingredients. Eat. Repeat. Did I say robots? The food is delivered to the tables by these cutesy things. Just don't stiff the bots on tips - I hear they'll run you down and tase you (just kidding - I think). Did I say messy? Seriously, don't wear nice clothes. Broth gets distributed, well, pretty much everywhere. Needless to say, Yiding Hot Pot is a place best enjoyed with a group. Approved and recommended for children of all ages!

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Lee Cafe

Best selection of authentic Asian cuisine! Love this place so much. So much flavor ... makes you…read morecrave your favorite dishes

Since I moved from NYC I have been desperately searching for REAL Chinese food. Lee Cafe came…read morehighly recommended by another NayC transplant so I figured I'd give it a go. I ordered the sesame chicken dinner, wonton soup and an egg roll. The egg roll was soooooo small...super lint and little. I co my s from a place where one egg roll can be shared by two people. Thick and super stuffed. Forget that. It doesn't exist here. The mini egg roll was dry and you couldn't even tell what was in it. The wonton soup broth had a great flavor but the wontons were not fresh. They were gummy in a creepy kinda way. Frozen with freezer burn was my best guess. The sesame chicken was super super super OVERFRIED. Dry as a bone inside. This had clearly been pre fried and then fried again and dipped in a sticky sauce with weird texture. Kind of tasted like sesame chicken but the texture of the sauce and the dry chicken were disgusting. I spit it out. This place is a nicer version of Panda Express. If you like Panda Express .....bless your hearts than you might love this place. Those of us who have been exposed to amazing Chinese food at super cheap prices are not loving the Chinese food offerrings here in the Carolina's. Yuck

Salt and pepper pork chops

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Sizzling Steak Black Pepper Sauce

Jade Dragon

Love any excuse to come here for the best won ton soup in the state. Couple a bowl ($3.95) with an…read moreegg roll ($2.50 each) or two and that is lunch...with hot tea ($2.50). Lunch service is as quick as for dinner and there are usually seats empty. You owe it to yourself to give it a try.

Noticed that the menu on their website had prices that show about $4 cheaper than when you actually…read morego to order online which is very deceiving. I'm not paying $15 for Chinese food lunch.

Prep work

Szechuan Chicken, $10.95

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Rice

Little Mama's

We love going to Little Mama's for the food and always great service. It is loud but I think a…read moregreat price point and I always sub the fresh pasta as the side listed. Two of my family members do not love Italian, and we go here because they also have fantastic salmon and chicken dishes. My daughter did have an issue with her meal last night, and it was handled very efficiently by management. We went last night for my daughter's 21st birthday. They have a great deal for wine flights (other cocktails are at a pretty high price point for what you get). They brought her a cannoli with candles The best part was our waiter Caden! He was so personable and truly made the experience so memorable. Awesome to laugh with your waiter. Thanks Caden!

We've been here for the last 4 yrs it's always been amazing. However this last time which was a…read morespecial occasion wasn't great . I'll start off also by saying not just was the service- just average - the dinner was also just average . Pasta was the highlight here .delicious The negatives---I'll start w the salad - noticeably wilted in areas I ate around but didn't come close to finishing it . We asked for more bread - was never brought any . He completely forgot , I won't "name names" but he seemed to be new (er) we've never seen him before , I often dine here w colleagues during the week . This however was a date night . Expectations are higher for weekend nights imo . The waiter was rushing us a bit - his overall vibe wasn't the typical waiter we've encountered here. I was still eating and he asked if I was done or needed a box. Literally not even half the food was gone . Just not the type of waiter you'd expect at this level of dining . It's not an affordable place it is definitely for special occasions or where I am impressing a client etc . Really missed out on not having some bread to dip in my sauce . A woman just kept walking around ? Weird to me . She asked how the food was . I'm not one to complain while I am eating so we said good . The chicken was a little dry though and the food overall extra salty? Not really enough sauce just a lot of cheese . She also noticed we were out of bread and didn't offer more ? she literally just kept walking around . It was odd. In the past we have felt very welcomed , waiters have been very knowledgeable to explain things so you know what you're ordering , they have left us alone to enjoy the ambience, they have offered to refill our glasses early on (not when we are finishing up ) Just was like a C rating so I felt the need to let the manager know . Maybe it is under new management? Maybe they recently lost a bunch of ppl bc I don't see any familiar faces fm 6 mo ago . We typically go every 3 mo to one of the locations and spend 100's of dollars x it's not a quick meal type restaurant. So to made to feel like it is was really sad x

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Sea Level NC

Great food and literally the best waiter ever. Made me want to say yes to every recommendation…read more It was an enjoyable experience.

had an amazing experience at Sea Level Restaurant! From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere was…read morewelcoming and had the perfect coastal vibe. The views were beautiful, especially during sunset--it really set the tone for a relaxing meal. The food was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. You can tell they take pride in their seafood--it tasted incredibly fresh and perfectly seasoned. The drinks were also a highlight, with great options and well-balanced flavors. What really stood out was the service. The staff was friendly, attentive, and made sure we had everything we needed without being overbearing. Overall, it was a great dining experience, and I'll definitely be coming back. Highly recommend for anyone looking for good food, great views, and a laid-back but elevated atmosphere!

Soft shell season is here!

Bar area

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Fish House Punch Pitcher

Uchi Charlotte

Upscale Japanese dining in a beautiful yet casual setting, Uchi is well worth the multiple attempts…read moreit may take to secure a timely table. Uchi's been open in Charlotte for three months, and It took us ONLY two of those to make our 6:00 weekend reservation. All I had to do was log in again, and again, for several weeks before I happened into an available slot a month in advance. If you wish to eat at 4 or 9 pm an open table is waiting. Otherwise, at least for now, perseverance and patience, or luck, are required. So everyone's aware, Uchi is a chain albeit a rather exclusive one. Charlotte has the tenth location, next closest is in, let's see, Nashville. We've now eaten at three of these (also Miami and Hollywood). What I can tell you is that the design and decor vary considerably in each as do the menu items. The seafood tends to be locally sourced (relatively speaking) if possible and the seasonal menu is updated, literally, daily. I enjoyed the design of this Midwood Charlotte restaurant more than the others. It's in a renovated historic building and has an airy, modern yet industrial vibe. That is, except for perhaps the alcove where we were seated. This nook reminded me somewhat of my uncle's wood-paneled basement from many years past. That's OK, because what the niche may have lacked in aesthetic was made up by providing a more secluded quiet space for intimate conversation. Because we were hungry yet at the same time lazy we chose the chef's tasting omakase menu. Ten small courses chosen by the kitchen, no muss or fuss on our part. Many, but not all of the courses are from the menu. You can review my photos of some of the dishes, I remembered the names of most. Favorites? In general it has to be the sushi. Sure, the fresh fish is delicious but it's the rice, that incredible moist, flavorful short-grained rice that makes them sing. If you've only had sushi or rolls from a lower-end restaurant or grocery store then, my friends, you're in for a treat. My wife LOVES Uchi so now that there's one in our neighborhood we'll definitely be back.

My fiancée and I have been wanting to go check out Uchi Charlotte ever since it opened. We finally…read morehad the chance to go for my 33rd birthday dinner. As Asian food lovers, we knew we'd probably really enjoy it, but the experience we had was second to none. EATS We ordered the chef's tasting somakase (7-course) and every dish was beautifully prepared and was a sensory masterpiece. We added on the rock shrimp karaage (by recommendation) and also had a soft-shell crab roll since we are sushi lovers. Every bite was sensational. Our favorites were the sake toro (sashimi) and the zero sen roll, but don't sleep on the brussel sprouts! Best of my life (and I am not a Brussels fan). DRINKS We split a tentaka kuni 'hawk of the heavens' tokubetsu junmai saki which was earthy but neutral and great for slow sipping. I also had a very good old fashioned and capped off the night with a glass of miner family winery 'emily' (2021) cab. The restaurant is gorgeous and has very casual/elegant dining vibes. Very prompt and friendly staff made the night even more special. I was treated to complimentary "fried milk" for my birthday hand delivered by one of the chefs. Not to be outdone, the warm banana cake was the final dish of our 7 courses and was one of the best desserts I've ever had. The white coffee ice cream that accompanies it is just... chef's kiss. Thank you Uchi Charlotte for a very memorable birthday culinary experience. We can't wait to be back soon!

Soft shell crab roll

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Tuna hamachi crispy rice

Mama Ricotta's

Mama Ricotta was an incredible experience! Anywhere from the level of service to the food to the…read moreambiance! For my first time the service was amazing. Everyone was so kind, attentive, and welcoming. The food was delicious with generous portions including the side salads and the pricing is fair! Would definitely come back again!

Best Lasagna I have ever tasted from a restaurant. Easiest ordering experience and prices just…read moreright. Always welcoming and never missing a beat even though there is always a crowd it never seems to slow you down or affect the wonderful customer service.

Famous Penne alla Vodka

Pollo carciofi

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Joe's Pizza

Yunta Nikkei

We didn't make a reservation and just walked in, but if you're planning to get a booth or table, I…read moredefinitely recommend reserving ahead of time. We arrived around 5:30-6:00 PM and were told the next available table wouldn't be until 8:30, so we ended up sitting at the bar instead. Luckily, the barstools were comfortable, so I didn't mind at all. The service was great--fast, attentive, and the bartenders were really friendly. The drinks were also really good. I had a lychee martini that was strong but delicious. We also tried a few of their shots--they had a unique, acquired taste. The only one I didn't enjoy was the Hierba shot because the aftertaste reminded me of licorice, which I'm not a fan of. But if you like licorice, you'd probably enjoy it. As for the food, everything was amazing. The yuca balls were a 10/10. We also had the "Pulpo Anticuchero", which was a Spanish style octopus that came with roasted potatoes that were cooked perfectly--crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, very fresh and flavorful. I ordered the arroz con mariscos (seafood rice), which included calamari, octopus, squid, and more. It was really good, and the portion size was huge--definitely enough to feed 3-4 people, so keep that in mind when ordering. The ambiance was really nice as well. The music was good and not too loud, which made it easy to enjoy the overall vibe. Overall, I'd give this place a 10/10.

2nd time in Charlotte and 2nd time at Yunta. One of my favorite meals ever. The fish is so fresh…read more Peruvian Nikkei is so hard to find and unique to find near where I live and it truly is a flavor/ cultural experience. It's different for a traditional sushi/sashimi and different from a conventional ceviche you may find in Central America. I always stick with any of the nigiri and tiratado. If you want more of their traditional ceviches they have that as well. Pair the tiratado with their tostones - *chefs kiss We did venture and try the New York strip - it was fine, I didn't think the steak had enough time to rest so it's lost the sear it probably had when it got to our table. Probably will favor ordering more of the fish items again next time! Service is exceptional. The music is bumping and the interior is gorgeous and modern. Will be returning next time I'm in town!

Bar

Ceviche Classico (fish)

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Salmon Ceviche

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16 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Austin B.

156

40

37

3 years ago

If you're a fan of authentic Chinese cuisine, you won't want to miss the Dumpling Lady at Optimist Hall in Charlotte NC. This food stall is a hidden gem, serving up some of the most delicious and authentic dumplings you'll ever taste. The menu at the Dumpling Lady is simple but flavorful, with a variety of different dumpling options to choose from. Whether you prefer meat or vegetarian options, there's something for everyone here. The dumplings themselves are made fresh to order, with a delicate and flavorful dough that's the perfect texture. The fillings are bursting with flavor, from the savory pork and chive to the deliciously spicy Szechuan-style chicken. But what really sets the Dumpling Lady apart is the exceptional service. The staff are friendly and welcoming, and they take the time to explain the menu and make recommendations based on your preferences. Overall, I would highly recommend the Dumpling Lady to anyone looking for an authentic and delicious Chinese food experience in Charlotte. The food is outstanding, the service is top-notch, and the prices are very reasonable. Don't miss out on this hidden gem in Optimist Hall! read more

Vannessa W.