Chicago's culinary scene is vibrant and diverse, and nowhere is that more apparent than in its incredible dumpling offerings. From classic pork potstickers to inventive modern creations, the city boasts a remarkable range of restaurants catering to every dumpling craving. This guide dives deep into 19 of the best dumpling restaurants Chicago has to offer, ensuring your next dumpling adventure is nothing short of spectacular.
Exploring Chicago's Dumpling Delights: A Diverse Culinary Journey
Chicago's dumpling scene isn't just about quantity; it's about quality and variety. You'll find everything from traditional Chinese dumplings to Korean mandu, Japanese gyoza, and even innovative fusion dumplings. This diversity reflects Chicago's multicultural population and its adventurous food scene. This guide focuses on the best dumpling restaurants, categorized for easier navigation, based on style, location, and overall experience.
Top 5: Classic Chinese Dumplings
These restaurants represent the heart of traditional Chinese dumpling making, often featuring hand-made wrappers and time-honored recipes.
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Lao Sze Chuan: Known for its fiery Sichuan cuisine, Lao Sze Chuan also offers excellent, flavorful pork dumplings that perfectly balance spice and savory deliciousness. Their dumplings are a must-try for anyone who appreciates bold flavors.
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Pequod's Pizza: While famous for its deep-dish pizza, Pequod's also serves surprisingly delicious and crispy pan-fried pork dumplings as a side. It's a perfect complement to their iconic pizza, showing their versatility.
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Szechuan 1: Another fantastic option for Sichuan food enthusiasts, Szechuan 1 boasts an extensive menu including several varieties of expertly made dumplings. Their variety ensures something for everyone.
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Phoenix Restaurant: Located in Chinatown, Phoenix Restaurant offers a classic take on Chinese dumplings, reflecting authentic techniques and flavors. Their simple approach speaks to the quality of their ingredients.
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Won Kow: This Chinatown institution offers a wide array of traditional Chinese dishes, and their dumplings are no exception. They represent a dependable, time-tested choice.
Top 5: Pan-Asian Dumpling Destinations
These restaurants offer a broader pan-Asian perspective, often including dumplings from various cultures beyond traditional Chinese cuisine.
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Mott 32: This stylish restaurant offers a high-end take on Cantonese cuisine, featuring beautifully presented and expertly executed dumplings. Expect a sophisticated dining experience.
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Parachute: Parachute's inventive approach to Korean-American cuisine includes delicious and creative dumplings that show the chef's innovative spirit.
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Andros Taverna: While primarily known for its Greek cuisine, Andros Taverna surprisingly serves incredibly tasty and juicy dumplings. Their unique take on the dish is a pleasant surprise.
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HaiSous Restaurant: HaiSous offers a delicious combination of Vietnamese and Cajun dishes; their dumplings represent a unique fusion.
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RPM Steak: A high-end steakhouse might seem an unexpected place to find dumplings, but RPM Steak's elegant take is worth seeking out.
Top 5: Modern & Fusion Dumpling Experiences
These restaurants push boundaries, blending traditional techniques with modern flavors and presentations.
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Fat Rice: Fat Rice is known for its unique Macau-inspired cuisine. Their dumplings showcase bold and innovative flavor combinations.
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Monteverde: This celebrated Italian restaurant has inventive dumplings as part of its tasting menu that show the surprising versatility of dumplings.
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Boeufhaus: Although a German-style restaurant, Boeufhaus shows the versatility of dumplings across cultures. Their dumplings are not to be missed!
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The Purple Pig: This Mediterranean-inspired restaurant adds a unique flair to its dumpling offerings.
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Bavette's Bar & Boeuf: Similar to RPM Steak, Bavette's offers surprising yet refined dumpling dishes.
Top 4: Unique & Hidden Gems
These are smaller, less well-known spots that still deliver amazing dumpling experiences.
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Little Goat Diner: Stephanie Izard's Little Goat Diner often features inventive and seasonally changing dumpling options. This spot is a great example of creativity.
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Debonair: Debonair’s menu occasionally includes incredible dumplings, highlighting the unexpected ways these dishes can be incorporated into menus.
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Lonesome Rose: This restaurant, known for its tacos, sometimes has special dumplings that are a delightful surprise.
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The Walk-Up: This casual spot delivers solid, consistently great dumplings, proving that great dumplings can be found even in the most unexpected places.
Finding Your Perfect Dumpling in Chicago
This list showcases the breadth and depth of Chicago's dumpling scene. Whether you're craving classic pork potstickers or adventurous fusion creations, Chicago has something to offer every palate. Remember to check restaurant websites for hours, menus, and any special offerings. Happy dumpling hunting!
