Dumplings. Your self-contained, edible little parcels are some of our favorite cold-weather treats. From the savory filling to the light-as-air wrapper (fried or steamed—we love both), it’s a perfect food from start to finish. If you agree, try one of Chicago’s nine best dumplings, which we’ve ranked below.
The Best Dumplings in Chicago, Ranked
Little bundles of joy
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Published Dec 5, 2016
9. Sweet Potato And Maple Dumpling At Urbanbelly
For the unorthodox (and the vegetarians), this inventive take on the dumpling might be just what the doctor ordered. The filling includes feta and arugula, so you know a bite packs a punch.
Two locations; urbanbellychicago.com
8. Kimchi Wang Dumpling At Joong Boo Market
What the dumpling stall outside Joong Boo lacks in ambience it more than makes up for in neighborhood charm. Grab one of the fluffy, slightly sweet buns stuffed with kimchi and noodles, then head inside to pick up some specialty groceries.
3333 N. Kimball Ave.; 773-478-5566 or joongboomarket.com
7. Beef Short Rib And Bone Marrow Pot Stickers At Duck Duck Goat
Count on master chef Stephanie Izard to stuff a pot sticker with beef short rib and bone marrow. Just because they’re fancy doesn’t mean you can’t devour two orders of them.
857 W. Fulton Market; 312-902-3825 or duckduckgoatchicago.com
6. Chengdu Dumplings At Lao Sze Chuan
Whether you’re at the Chinatown or Uptown location, order the Chengdu dumplings at Lao Sze Chuan. Each tender dumpling is stuffed with garlicky pork filling, doused in spicy chile oil and sprinkled with scallions.
Two locations; chicagolaoszechuan.com
5. Boiled Pork Dumpling At Fat Rice
Specializing in Macanese cuisine, Fat Rice draws a crowd for its epic bowls of Portuguese fried rice. But don’t let that distract you from the restaurant’s perfectly light pork dumplings—every meal needs a starter.
2957 W. Diversey Ave.; 773-661-9170 or eatfatrice.com
4. Fried Shrimp Shumai At Dolo Restaurant And Bar
Named one of Esquire magazine's best new restaurants in America shortly after it opened, Dolo has some pretty high expectations to live up to. Its fried shrimp dumplings, for one, do not disappoint. Savor each tasty morsel amid the restaurant’s sleek, modern decor.
2222 S. Archer Ave.; 312-877-5117 or dolorestaurantandbar.net
Imperial Lamian
3. Truffle Xiao Long Bao At Imperial Lamian
Though they’re a classic dim sum staple, soup dumplings are currently having a bit of a moment. Try a riff on the trend with the truffle version from this Hubbard Street hot spot. And just look at the colors…#swoon.
6 W. Hubbard St.; 312-595-9440 or imperial-lamian.com
2. Fried Pot Stickers At Furama
North Siders, rejoice: You don’t have to travel to Chinatown for dim sum. For more than 30 years, Uptown’s Furama has been perfecting its pot-sticker game, with pork, shrimp and veggie variations that are sure to please.
4936 N. Broadway St.; 773-271-1161 or furamachicago.com
1. Dongbei Dumplings At Potsticker House
For a taste of Northern Chinese cuisine, head to Bridgeport. The Dongbei dumplings at Potsticker House have a slightly chewier dough that’s oh so satisfying to bite into—and the hearty meat and veggie fillings ain’t bad, either. Yeah, don’t worry about counting how many you eat.
3139 S. Halsted St.; 312-326-6898 or potstickerhousechicago.com
