Dishing up Dumplings

Jill: Neil and I have currently been to 3 different places in NYC that specialize in their own take on the popular and ever-so-good dumpling.

1. Rickshaw Dumpling Bar
http://rickshawdumplings.com/
61 W 23rd St
New York, NY 10010
This is a hip take on the dumpling with a variety of pairings. They offer several varieties including duck, pork, chicken thai etc in either a grouping of 6 or 9 with the choice to have them plain, with salad or with/in soup. Each type of dumpling has a suggested pairing that goes well wih the fillings. I HIGHLY recommend the warm chocolate soup dumplings for dessert. Do exercise caution while consuming and wait until they have cooled before you have a hot chocolate (but delicious) mess. It will cost you a little more for two than the two following dumpling places coming in at about $25, although it is NYC afterall.

2. Prosperity Dumpling
46 eldridge st, Chinatown, New York City
For 5 dumplings for $1...thats right something for a single dollar in NYC, how can you possibly go wrong. they offer them fried as well as steamed and you really cant go wrong. Neil and I read about this place via blackberry when we found out another destination listed in a tourism book was closed because they didnt pay their rent...oh well. They have these AMAZING vegetable pancakes that are almost like an asian version of a stuffed pizza slice. The cooks make them in giant pizza pies and cut them up into individual portions. They are coated with sesame seeds on the outside, have spicy kimchee, cilantro, carrots and other fresh veggies in the middle. where else can two people get moosed on good food for $5? It is a tiny tiny place pretty much with enough room for two people to be eating on stools and standing room for 2. Often times the line goes outside with people waiting after placing their order at the window.

3. Dumpling Man
100 St. Mark's Place, NYC
http://www.dumplingman.com/
A few steps lower than sidewalk level lies this tasty delight. You get to sit and watch seasoned women craft dumplings behind glass while you eat. This is your typical bowling alley, narrow NYC configuration for a restaurant or store and not exactly too much to look at decor wise, but the dumplings are good. You can choose any configuration of dumplings you prefer, steamed or fried. They often offer "surprise" or limited time offerings of new flavors sometimes labeled as "dumpling A". They have great freshly made shave ice in the summer with either red beans or mango, syrup and condensed milk which is awesome on a hot day. While you are eating you can have your friends check you out there via their live webcam.

Happy Eating!