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Emperor Dumpling
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Emperor Dumpling
7.7
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Hidden Gems Heaven
A fast, dumpling-centric Midtown East spot built around quick-turn orders and classic fillings that travel well. It’s strongest when you keep it simple: one dumpling order plus one noodle or fried rice, then add chili oil to tune the finish.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pork and chives dumplings, Hong Kong wonton noodle soup, House fried rice
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Quick dumplings with a dependable, no-drama format for Midtown.
Who should go: Dumpling cravings and solo lunch runs
When to visit: Weekday lunch or early dinner
What to order: Pork and chives dumplings, chicken dumplings, wonton noodle soup
Insider tip: Order dumplings steamed first—then pan-fried next time to compare.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and unreliable in Midtown East; nearby paid garages are the practical option.
Dress code: Casual—anything from office attire to jeans is fine.
Noise level: Low to moderate—counter-service energy, but conversation is easy.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak hours; often faster for takeout.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or a short line that moves quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable dumplings and simple noodle or rice options are usually available.
Vegan options: Limited—vegetable dumplings may work, but fillings and sauces should be double-checked.
Gluten-free options: Very limited—most dumplings and noodles use wheat wrappers; rice-based dishes are the safest bet but cross-contact is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a traditional date—it’s quick, casual, and counter-focused, better suited for low-pressure lunches than lingering dinners.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there’s no reservation system, and seating turns over fast; off-peak hours make it even easier.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who like dumplings and noodles; there are no special kid amenities, but the menu is approachable.
Best For
Better for: Fast dumpling fixes, solo meals, and budget-friendly Midtown lunches that still feel freshly made.
Skip if: You want a sit-down, leisurely Chinese meal or a broader menu with regional depth—nearby full-service spots are better for that.
Emperor Dumpling
7.9
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Hidden Gems Heaven
Emperor Dumpling is a compact Midtown East counter specializing in made-to-order dumplings, dim sum-style snacks, and quick noodle and rice plates along 3rd Avenue. It’s more of a practical, affordable stop than a destination, but generous portions and reliably tasty dumplings make it a useful option for nearby offices and commuters.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Dumpling (6pcs), Shrimp Dumpling (6pcs), Hong Kong Wonton Noodle Soup
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Casual dumpling and dim sum counter delivering filling plates at rare Midtown prices.
Who should go: Office workers wanting fast, inexpensive dumplings near Grand Central.
When to visit: Weekday lunch or early evening when lines are shortest.
What to order: Chicken dumplings, shrimp dumplings, Hong Kong wonton noodle soup.
Insider tip: Use online ordering for pickup and combine dumplings with a lunch special to maximize value.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited along 3rd Avenue, but metered spots on adjacent side streets are sometimes available; no dedicated lot or garage partnership.
Dress code: Come-as-you-are casual; office attire or everyday streetwear both fit the counter-service setup.
Noise level: Moderate during peak lunch; generally quiet enough for easy conversation given the small footprint.
Weekend wait: Typically minimal waits since it’s more of a weekday-heavy spot; 5–10 minutes at most.
Weekday lunch: Short lines form around noon, but turnover is fast—expect 5–15 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Some options, including vegetable dumplings, scallion pancakes, and certain noodle or rice plates; selection is modest but workable.
Vegan options: Limited—vegetable dumplings may be the primary option, but ingredients vary, so confirm fillings and broths.
Gluten-free options: Very limited; most dumplings and noodles contain wheat, and no dedicated gluten-free prep area exists.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a first date—it’s counter-service, compact, and geared toward quick meals rather than ambiance. Better for a casual meetup or shared snack.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there are no reservations and seating is first-come, first-served. Because most customers take food to go, seats usually turn quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick, low-key meals; dumplings are approachable for most ages. Space is tight, so strollers may be difficult, and there are no dedicated kid amenities.
Best For
Better for: Faster, cheaper, made-to-order dumplings than many nearby Midtown East dim sum counters; strong for value and speed over ambiance.
Skip if: You want a full dim sum banquet, table service, or broader regional Chinese dishes—you’ll find better options at sit-down restaurants.