Posts Tagged ‘dumplings’

Best Dumplings in DC

Having a friend move to Rockville was life changing for me. Seriously. You’ve heard me rave about it before, but every time I visit, I’m wowed again by the culinary prestige on the Pike. Lest you think I’m being sarcastic, let me tell you about the dumplings:

China Bistro, like all great Rockville eateries, is in a strip mall. Florescent lights reading “Chinese Food,” “Coffee,” and “Bubble Tea” sizzle in the window. We take a seat at a four-top that’s miraculously cleared of its guests the minute we enter. “Can I get a beer?” our friend asks. Our server (who is also the co-owner) shakes her head. No booze here.

Patten makes his way to the bathroom, located deep in the kitchen, and disappears for what seems like an hour. Apparently he’s made friends with the cooks and they’re showing him how to make dumplings. He returns with the chef’s suggestions: Mama’s Special Dumpling (stuffed with pork, shrimp, chives, and nappa cabbage; $7.95), Beef Celery dumpling ($7.50); and Chive Shrimp Dumpling ($8.25). We order all three, but only get one plate fried. “Steamed much better for you,” says the owner. Clearly we’re not here for our health, but we listen anyway.

Our dumpling plates arrive within minutes. The pan-friend dumplings are savory and delicious, but there’s something unique about the steamed version: clean and supple, yet intensely flavorful…as if the lack of oil sharpens our taste buds. We dip the plump dumplings in a vinegar/chili oil concoction, which we’ve created ourselves with the condiments on the table. We’ve also ordered the tomato egg drop soup ($2.95 for two servings) per Yelp’s recommendation. It too is clean and flavorful–and fresh. This is not the gelatinous stuff you’re used to. Here, they use a clear broth and mix in an egg and fresh tomatoes, to order.

After scarfing down the dumplings and the soup, our friends are stuffed. Patten and I need more, however. Not because we’re hungry. We just don’t want this to end. We try the veggie tofu soup (per our server’s recommendation), and bubble tea, red bean flavor. The former is chock full of fresh veggies and tofu (Wow, I could eat this every night,” says Patten), while the latter is laden with sugar and giant tapioca balls. It is quite delicious, but veers from the healthy. Again, not that we’re here for our health, but we’re starting to think the low-cal stuff—at least when it comes to China Bistro—is best. What a revelation! We pay our forty bucks (for four guests!!!) and leave with yet another Rockville high. Foodie heaven, yet again.

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China Bistro; 755 Hungerford Dr., Rockville, MD; (301) 294-0808

Happy Hour Clutch

When I’m craving a beer, a patio, and cheap appetizers, we almost always head to Mandu. Their happy hour is everyday from 5 p.m.-7 p.m., and includes, among other drink specials, $2 imported beers and $3 plates of mandu (or, dumplings). The pan-fried shrimp mandu and the Korean Cass beer are our fave, though you’ll occasionally find me noshing on veggie dumplings and drinking Tigers. Here’s to a good day!

This place is our clutch for cold winter days too, but I’ll save my savory description of their noodle soups until the weather calls.