Yumpling
ZipPicks Awards
Best Dim Sum in Long Island City
Best Cheap Eats in Long Island City
Master Critic Review
Yumpling
8.4
A Taiwanese comfort-food counter that wins on repeatability: fast service, clean flavors, and a menu built around dumplings, noodles, and craveable fried chicken. It’s best as a quick, high-confidence stop—order one signature bite, one dumpling/noodle anchor, and keep the meal tight so everything lands hot and crisp.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried chicken sandwich, Zha Jiang noodles, Bubble tea
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Taiwanese comfort hits with unusually strong consistency at volume.
Who should go: Quick comfort seekers and dumpling regulars
When to visit: Weekday lunch or early dinner
What to order: Fried chicken sandwich, Zha Jiang noodles, bubble tea
Insider tip: Order for contrast: one fried item plus one noodle for balance.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking nearby; availability is hit-or-miss during peak hours. Several paid garages within a few blocks if street spots are full.
Dress code: Very casual — jeans, sneakers, and workday basics fit right in.
Noise level: Low to moderate — counter-service energy but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak dinner rush, often faster if ordering solo
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait outside of the 12–1pm lunch spike
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — vegetarian dumplings and noodle options available.
Vegan options: Limited — a couple of plant-based items, but cross-use of prep space is likely.
Gluten-free options: Very limited — rice-based dishes may work, but most dumplings and noodles contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want something low-pressure and casual. It’s better for a daytime or early-evening meet than a long, lingering dinner.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Absolutely — this is a walk-in, counter-order spot. Tables turn quickly and solo diners almost always find space.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — approachable flavors, quick service, and flexible ordering make it easy for kids, especially older ones.
Best For
Better for: Fast, reliable Taiwanese comfort food that holds up on repeat visits without needing a full sit-down commitment.
Skip if: You’re looking for traditional carts-style dim sum or a long, celebratory meal — this is about efficiency and crave satisfaction, not ceremony.