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Kung Fu Little Steamed Buns Ramen
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Kung Fu Little Steamed Buns Ramen
7.6
Compact Chinese spot specializing in soup dumplings and bowls of porky, straightforward ramen at budget-friendly prices. Expect a crowded room, quick turnover, and comforting carbs more than refined presentation.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pork Soup Dumplings, Beef Mala Mix Noodles, Scallion Pancake
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Xiao long bao and ramen share the table in a fast-moving, no-frills space.
Who should go: Budget-conscious noodle lovers who don’t mind tight quarters.
When to visit: Late afternoon or early evening to dodge the heaviest lines.
What to order: Pork Soup Dumplings, Beef Mala Mix Noodles, Scallion Pancake.
Insider tip: Go with a small group, share dumplings and noodles, and be ready to turn the table quickly.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive in Midtown East; expect metered spots only. Best bet is nearby paid garages within a 2–3 block radius.
Dress code: Casual. Come as you are—jeans, hoodies, and office attire all blend in.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours; you can hold a conversation, but it won’t be intimate.
Weekend wait: 25–40 minutes, sometimes longer if groups ahead are ordering heavy dumpling rounds.
Weekday lunch: 5–10 minutes; turnover is very fast and solo diners are often seated immediately.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—there are a few veggie noodle and appetizer options, but most signatures lean pork-heavy.
Vegan options: Very limited—broths, dumplings, and noodles typically contain animal products; vegans will struggle to build a full meal.
Gluten-free options: Not suitable—no gluten-free noodles or dumplings, and cross-contact is unavoidable.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date prioritizes great cheap eats over atmosphere. It’s crowded, fast-paced, and informal—better for a casual hang than a romantic impression.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—this is a walk-in-only spot. Expect lines at peak hours but fast turnover; smaller parties are seated quickest.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for kids who are comfortable in busy, tight spaces. No highchairs or stroller-friendly layout, but older kids who love noodles and dumplings will enjoy it.
Best For
Better for: Speed, budget pricing, and reliably comforting dumplings and ramen without fuss—ideal for quick meals or satisfying cravings.
Skip if: You want refined broth depth, spacious seating, gluten-free options, or a quieter dining room; nearby full-service ramen shops or dim sum specialists may be better fits.
Kung Fu Little Steamed Buns Ramen
7.7
This narrow counter-service spot reads more like a dumpling and noodle house than a classic teahouse, but its soup dumplings scratch the dim sum itch for nearby offices. Hand-pulled noodles, quick turnover, and late-ish hours make it a practical, low-frills option.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pork soup dumplings, Scallion pancake with beef, Beef noodle soup
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: A cramped but lively shop centered on soup dumplings and hand-pulled noodles that Midtown workers treat as a fast, filling dim sum-adjacent stop.
Who should go: Solo diners and small groups prioritizing dumplings over decor.
When to visit: Mid-afternoon or early evening to avoid peak counter crush.
What to order: Pork soup dumplings, scallion pancake with beef, beef noodle soup.
Insider tip: Go with a friend, split one ramen and a couple of dumpling orders, and eat at the counter to turn it into a quick, sub-$25-per-person feast.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Midtown East; expect metered spots to be scarce during business hours. Nearest reliable options are paid garages within a 2–3 minute walk.
Dress code: Casual and functional—come as you are. Office attire blends in, but no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively, driven by the open kitchen and quick counter turnover. Fine for casual conversation but not ideal for long chats.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on foot traffic; space is tight, so turnover is steady but seating is limited.
Weekday lunch: 5–10 minutes during peak office rush; often no wait after 1:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable—scallion pancakes, vegetable dumplings, and some noodle dishes without meat.
Vegan options: Very limited—only a couple of sides and potentially a vegetable noodle bowl if requested without egg. Broths generally are not vegan.
Gluten-free options: Minimal options—most dumplings and noodles contain wheat, and broths may include soy sauce. Not ideal for strict gluten avoidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if the goal is casual, quick, and unfussy. The tight counter seating and steam-heavy kitchen vibe make it more practical than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there are no reservations. All seating is walk-in counter service, and turnover is fast, though seating is limited.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids who can manage hot soup dumplings and tight seating. No high chairs, stroller space, or kid-specific menu items.
Best For
Better for: Fast, filling dumplings and hand-pulled noodles at budget-friendly prices, especially for solo diners or office workers wanting speed over ambiance.
Skip if: You want a full dim sum cart experience, relaxed sit-down dining, or extensive vegetarian/vegan options—other dim sum restaurants offer a broader spread and more comfort.