From a Hint of Yuzu to a Dumpling Dynasty: Exploring New Jersey’s Burgeoning Dumpling Scene

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It all started with a single bite. A South Jersey couple—foodies with an eye for flavor—tasted yuzu for the first time at a cozy NYC restaurant. That zesty Japanese citrus lit a spark. What began as culinary curiosity quickly snowballed into something more—a family-run food business dedicated to elevating Asian-inspired flavors right here in the Garden State.

New Jersey, with its rich cultural diversity and deep-rooted food traditions, proved to be the perfect home for their dream. And in a state where bold flavors meet bold ambition, they’re not alone.

Today, thanks to communities across Bergen, Middlesex, Hudson, and beyond, dumplings are having more than just a moment—they’re having a movement.

Whether you love your dumplings pan-fried, soup-filled, steamed, or stuffed with beef and chive, New Jersey is where you’ll find some of the best in the country.

Feeling hungry? Start exploring the best of the best:
👉 https://explorenewjersey.org/category/restaurants/


The Best Dumplings in New Jersey — A Delicious Tour of the Top Spots

From pan-fried buns to delicate shumai, New Jersey’s dumpling game is unmatched. Here’s your ultimate guide to the top dumpling destinations around the state, with a spotlight on Bergen County, where dumpling mastery seems to be a local specialty.

Top Dumpling Destinations in Bergen County

1. Old Shanghai Soup Dumplings – Palisades Park
⭐ #3 in New Jersey
Known for: Pan-fried Pork Buns
Website: Old Shanghai Soup Dumplings
These “squishy buns” burst with juicy pork and savory broth—an all-time favorite that packs flavor and nostalgia in every bite.

2. Soup Dumpling Plus – Fort Lee
⭐ #5 in New Jersey
Known for: Pork Soup Dumplings
Website: Soup Dumpling Plus
Perfect for a cold or rainy day, these warm, delicate dumplings bring comfort with every spoonful.

3. Dumpling Dojo – Rutherford
⭐ #6 in New Jersey
Known for: Pork Dumplings
Website: Dumpling Dojo
This modern hotspot blends classic Asian flavors with Western twists. Their pork dumplings? A flavorful knockout.

4. Woori Mart – Northvale
⭐ #8 in New Jersey
Known for: Beef and Chive Mandi
Website: Woori Mart
Found at a humble stand next to the bakery, this hidden gem delivers big flavor with every chewy bite.

5. Best Dumplings – Englewood
⭐ #11 in New Jersey
Known for: Kimchi Beef Dumplings
Website: Best Dumplings
These spicy, juicy dumplings pack a punch. The perfect pick for fans of bold, tangy heat.

6. Dim Sum Station – Hackensack
⭐ #13 in New Jersey
Known for: Shrimp Dumplings
Website: Dim Sum Station
Elegant, translucent, and filled with fresh shrimp—these dumplings are as pretty as they are delicious.

7. Dumpling Den – Fort Lee
⭐ #19 in New Jersey
Known for: Soup Dumpling Sampler
Website: Dumpling Den
A sampler that gives you the full tour: soup, spice, meat, and more in one steamy, savory tray.


Other Notable Dumpling Spots Across the State

Shanghai Bun – Edison
A Middlesex County favorite known for its soup dumplings and Taiwanese-style dishes.

Noodle Wong – Parsippany
Morris County’s top spot for Cantonese-style dim sum, including fluffy BBQ pork buns and juicy shumai.

King Dumplings – New Brunswick
Home to hand-folded dumplings with fillings that range from pork and leek to spicy tofu.

Hunan Taste – Denville & Montclair
Serving up soup dumplings with delicate skins and deeply flavorful fillings.

Lan Zhou Handmade Noodle – Jersey City
Don’t miss their hand-pulled noodles paired with juicy steamed dumplings.

Four Seasons Noodles – South Plainfield
Known for their spicy chili dumplings and house-made chili oil.

Shanghai 46 – Fairfield
A top-notch Northern Chinese eatery where xiao long bao reigns supreme.

Bao House – Hoboken
Famous for their bao and street-style pork dumplings. A favorite among the city’s college crowd.

Wow Bao – Various Locations
A quick-service chain doing fast, tasty dumplings for those on the go.


Why New Jersey Is the Dumpling Capital You Didn’t Know You Needed

With thriving Korean, Chinese, Taiwanese, Vietnamese, and Japanese communities all bringing their culinary heritage to the table, New Jersey has evolved into a dumpling paradise. It’s not just about tradition—it’s about innovation, community, and passion for flavor.

Restaurants range from upscale dim sum halls to unassuming stands in Asian supermarkets. And no matter where you go, the quality is top-tier.

It’s no surprise that Bergen County alone claimed seven of the top dumpling listings in New Jersey, with four cracking the top 10. That’s not just impressive—it’s a dumpling dynasty.

Hungry for more NJ food adventures? Dig into even more top eats:
👉 https://explorenewjersey.org/category/restaurants/


Final Bite

What began as a simple taste of yuzu has grown into a flavorful movement—one that celebrates the bold, diverse, and ever-evolving world of Asian cuisine in New Jersey. Dumplings are more than just food here. They’re comfort, culture, and community wrapped in dough.

So next time you’re craving something warm, savory, and perfectly bite-sized, remember: the best dumplings might just be right around your corner in New Jersey.