0 Followers
Kingdom of Dumpling
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Kingdom of Dumpling
8.1
Tiny Taraval stalwart rolling dozens of hand-made dumpling varieties with quick turns and takeout-friendly packaging. It’s a neighborhood fixture for weeknight comfort and freezer packs.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pork & Chive Dumplings, Pan-Fried Potstickers, Shanghai Soup Dumplings
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Hand-made dumplings in an intimate, no-frills setting.
Who should go: Dumpling devotees and takeout regulars
When to visit: Weeknights after 7 for shorter waits
What to order: Pork-chive; potstickers; XLB
Insider tip: Grab frozen bags of house dumplings for easy at-home meals.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Taraval is generally available, but spots can fill quickly around dinner; expect moderate difficulty after 6pm. No dedicated lot or valet service.
Dress code: Ultra casual—hoodies, jeans, or even gym clothes are perfectly fine. The vibe is neighborhood takeout, not a dine-in destination.
Noise level: Low to moderate—small space with a few tables and steady takeout traffic; you can easily hold a conversation but expect background chatter.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes for a table; takeout orders may be faster depending on volume.
Weekday lunch: No wait or minimal delay; typically served within 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable dumplings, leek-and-egg, and several noodle options available.
Vegan options: Limited—some vegetable dumplings may be vegan, but inquire about dough and fillings.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated options; all dumplings and noodles contain wheat.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal unless your date loves casual, no-frills food adventures. The small space and bright lighting make it better for quick comfort than romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's first-come, first-served with quick turnover. Most diners order to-go, so short waits are common but manageable.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, but space is tight. Best for families with younger kids comfortable in small, casual settings. No high chairs or play area.
Best For
Better for: Best for fresh, handmade dumplings at takeout speed—superior flavor precision compared to larger dim sum operations.
Skip if: You’re looking for table service, ambiance, or a leisurely meal—try Dim Sum Club or Dumpling Kitchen instead.
Kingdom of Dumpling
8.0
Tiny Taraval staple hand-pleating dozens of dumpling styles daily. Expect simple seating, fast turns, and a focus on texture and juicy fillings over frills.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pork & chive boiled dumplings, Pan-fried potstickers, Xiao long bao
Scores:
Value: 9.1
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: House-made dumplings with great value and fast turnaround.
Who should go: Cash-savvy dumpling lovers
When to visit: Late afternoon to miss peak pickup rush
What to order: Pork-chive dumplings, potstickers, XLB
Insider tip: Grab extra frozen dumplings to cook at home.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Taraval is limited but usually manageable before 6pm; nearby residential blocks offer short-term spots.
Dress code: Casual—come as you are; most diners are in everyday wear or takeout mode.
Noise level: Moderate—tight quarters mean some chatter, but you can easily hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes during peak dumpling rush; expect faster turnover than most sit-down spots.
Weekday lunch: No wait or a short 5-minute pause for a table.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several vegetable and egg dumplings are available, though cross-contact is possible.
Vegan options: Limited—vegetable dumplings may include egg in wrappers; ask before ordering.
Gluten-free options: No—wheat flour is used in all dumplings and potstickers.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date loves dumplings and casual charm—tiny, no-frills, and quick-paced rather than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins only. The small space fills quickly, but turnover is fast, especially mid-afternoon.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids—simple menu and fast service, but limited space and no high chairs for toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Freshly pleated dumplings and unbeatable value make it a go-to for quick, handmade eats.
Skip if: You want a leisurely dim sum experience with carts, tea service, or larger tables—this is all about speed and substance.
Kingdom of Dumpling
7.8
Compact Taraval stalwart for hand-made dumplings and homestyle northern Chinese plates. It’s a reliable late option on weekends with pork-and-chive dumplings and xiao long bao made in small batches.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pork & Chive Dumplings (Boiled or Pan-Fried), Xiao Long Bao, Cumin Lamb
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Handmade dumplings with weekend hours running to 10pm.
Who should go: Budget-minded dumpling fans
When to visit: Fri–Sat evenings for later kitchen
What to order: Pork-chive dumplings, XLB, cumin lamb stir-fry
Insider tip: Order a frozen dozen to cook at home—same dough, same fillings.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Taraval is usually available, but can fill up quickly after 7pm on weekends—no private lot or valet.
Dress code: Completely casual—jeans, hoodies, or sweats are fine; no dress code enforced.
Noise level: Moderate—small space with open kitchen sounds, but conversation is manageable at most tables.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes for groups during peak hours; expect quicker turnaround for parties of two.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; immediate seating available.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—options like chive-egg dumplings, veggie buns, and tofu dishes are clearly labeled.
Vegan options: Limited—some dumplings can be customized without egg or meat, but most fillings contain animal products.
Gluten-free options: No—most dishes rely on wheat-based wrappers and noodles, with no gluten-free alternatives offered.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date values great food over atmosphere—tight quarters and bright lighting make it more casual than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins only; just expect a short wait during dinner rush as there are fewer than 10 tables.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—quick service and familiar flavors make it easy for families; no high chairs but staff accommodate kids well.
Best For
Better for: Best for handmade dumplings that taste fresh off the line—more authentic texture and flavor than most Sunset takeout spots.
Skip if: Skip if you’re seeking ambiance, large groups, or gluten-free dining—it’s all about flavor and speed here.