Ugly Dumpling – Chinese
Steam rises in fragrant clouds from stacked bamboo baskets, where rustic, hand-pleated dumplings celebrate the beauty of imperfection and the soul of traditional Chinese comfort food. Each bite delivers a symphony of textures, from the delicate snap of a soup dumpling’s skin to the golden, savory crunch of pan-seared buns infused with ginger and scallion. This lively eatery captures a sense of warmth and community, inviting guests to linger over shared plates in an atmosphere that feels both timeless and vibrantly modern.
561, US Highway 1, Edison, NJ, 08817 +1-732-317-8396 https://www.uglydumpling.us/Rating: 4.6/5 (3660 reviews)
Cuisine: Chinese
Price range: $$
Dietary options: vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free, nut-free, high-protein, low-carb, gluten-free, keto, pescatarian, plant-based, diabetic, heart-healthy, low-fat, sugar-free, mediterranean, whole30, paleo, low-cholesterol, atkins, south-beach, clean-eating, high-fiber, anti-inflammatory, weight-watchers, tlc, volumetrics, raw-food, detox, alkaline, mayo-clinic, slow-carb, pegan, candida, lectin-free
What diners are saying
Diners consistently praise the friendly and attentive service, with staff members like Annamaria and Joslyn receiving specific shout-outs for their helpful recommendations. The menu features several standout hits, particularly the celebrated soup dumplings, braised beef noodle soup, and unique garlic green beans, though opinions on flavor intensity vary. Guests also appreciate the inviting atmosphere and quick service, making it a welcoming spot for both lunch and dinner, despite some noting higher prices for beverages like green tea.
Menu
Soup Dumplings
Our hand crafted XLB, the most flavorful soup dumplings made fresh daily in our Bao Lab.
- Soup Dumplings: Hand crafted XLB made fresh daily Dietary tags: Dairy-Free, Nut-Free Available at: dinner, lunch
Dim Sum & Starters
Traditional and modern small bites
- Steamed BBQ Pork Buns: Traditional steamed buns filled with BBQ pork Dietary tags: Dairy-Free, Nut-Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Cucumber Salad: Fresh cucumber salad with Asian dressing Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Weight-Watchers, Clean-Eating, Low-Cholesterol, Raw-Food, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Pegan Available at: dinner, lunch
- Cream Cheese Rangoon: Crispy wontons filled with cream cheese Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Soy Garlic Wings: Chicken wings tossed in soy garlic sauce Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free Available at: dinner, lunch
Wontons
Hand-folded wontons with bold flavors
- Spicy Chicken Wontons: Chicken wontons served in a spicy sauce Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free Available at: dinner, lunch
Wok Favorites
Classic dishes cooked in the wok
- Orange Chicken: Crispy chicken tossed in a tangy orange sauce Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Garlic String Beans: Fresh string beans sautéed with garlic Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Slow-Carb, Pegan, Candida Available at: dinner, lunch
Beverages & Desserts
Sweet treats and refreshing drinks
- Bubble Tea: Refreshing milk or fruit tea with pearls
- Fortune Cookie Cheesecake: Signature cheesecake with fortune cookie elements
Frequently Asked Questions about Ugly Dumpling
- What makes this restaurant unique or special?
- This restaurant features rustic, hand-pleated dumplings celebrating imperfection, plus celebrated soup dumplings, braised beef noodle soup, and unique garlic green beans.
- Is this restaurant suitable for families?
- Rated 4.6/5, this welcoming restaurant is family-friendly, offering a warm atmosphere with shared plates and quick, attentive service.
- Is this restaurant currently open and operational?
- The provided data describes Ugly Dumpling as a lively eatery and welcoming spot for lunch and dinner, but lacks specific hours.
- Is this a good spot for a date or special occasion?
- Rated 4.6/5, this moderate ($$) restaurant offers an inviting atmosphere and attentive service ideal for lingering over shared plates.
- What percentage of this menu works for vegan, keto, gluten-free, or low-carb diets?
- Keto and low-carb options include White Pepper Pork Stomach & Chicken Soup and Clam with Black Bean Sauce; gluten-free includes Congee.
- What are the most popular dishes at this restaurant?
- Popular dishes include the celebrated soup dumplings, braised beef noodle soup, and unique garlic green beans, which are highlighted as standout hits.
- Is this restaurant good for casual dining or more upscale?
- Ugly Dumpling is a casual, lively eatery with moderate ($$) pricing and quick service, ideal for lunch and shared plates.
- Which dishes work for multiple diets at once (e.g., keto + gluten-free)?
- White Pepper Pork Stomach & Chicken Soup is keto and gluten-free, while Congee with Pork and Preserved Egg is gluten-free and dairy-free.
- What is the overall customer sentiment about this restaurant?
- Diners consistently praise the friendly service, inviting atmosphere, and standout soup dumplings, resulting in a high average rating of 4.6/5.
- How many reviews does this restaurant have?
- Ugly Dumpling has a total of 3660 reviews and maintains an impressive average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.
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