
Ugly Dumpling
A trendy spot serving delicious, Instagram-worthy dumplings and Asian-inspired dishes, often compared to Din Tai Fung.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed

Ugly Dumpling
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A trendy spot serving delicious, Instagram-worthy dumplings and Asian-inspired dishes, often compared to Din Tai Fung.
"Often called a 'Din Tai Fung dupe,' this spot offers a vibrant atmosphere and flavorful dishes."

🥟 Embrace the 'Dupe' Vibe
Often compared to Din Tai Fung, enjoy the similar menu and aesthetic at a potentially lower price point!
✨ Insta-Worthy Decor
The restaurant's modern and bright interior is perfect for photos. Capture the vibe!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Soup Dumplings
All locations
Steaming hot, flavorful broth encased in delicate wrappers. A must-try for any dumpling lover!

Garlic Green Beans
All locations
Crispy, savory, and perfectly seasoned. A surprisingly addictive side dish that gets rave reviews.

Orange Chicken
All locations
A sweet and tangy classic, often praised for its superior taste and texture compared to other spots.

Trendy Ambiance
All locations
Modern, bright, and Instagram-worthy decor that makes for a visually appealing dining experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the 'Ugly' Charm
Timing is Key for a Smooth Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥟 Embrace the 'Dupe' Vibe
Often compared to Din Tai Fung, enjoy the similar menu and aesthetic at a potentially lower price point!
✨ Insta-Worthy Decor
The restaurant's modern and bright interior is perfect for photos. Capture the vibe!
👍 Ask for Recommendations
Servers like Elisa are praised for great suggestions, like the soy garlic chicken wings.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Water refills might not be automatic. Don't hesitate to ask your server for a top-up.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥟 Embrace the 'Dupe' Vibe
Often compared to Din Tai Fung, enjoy the similar menu and aesthetic at a potentially lower price point!
✨ Insta-Worthy Decor
The restaurant's modern and bright interior is perfect for photos. Capture the vibe!
👍 Ask for Recommendations
Servers like Elisa are praised for great suggestions, like the soy garlic chicken wings.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Water refills might not be automatic. Don't hesitate to ask your server for a top-up.
🧥 Bathroom Comfort
Some reviewers mention bathrooms can be cold; consider bringing a light jacket.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ugly Dumpling offers a trendy dining experience with a menu inspired by popular Asian eateries, often compared to Din Tai Fung. Diners praise the vibrant decor, friendly service, and standout dishes like soup dumplings and garlic green beans. While some find the 'American Chinese' influence strong and portion sizes inconsistent, it remains a popular choice for its atmosphere and value.
"Do you like American Chinese food? If so this place is for you. I was a bit disappointed but I guess I should have expected it. The server told us all the maines and noodles were enough to share with everyone. We had a group of 8. They were so wrong. The noodles dishes were small. And all of us only got one bite of each dish. And we got a soup, they didn't even bring us bowls for everyone! The server did not take our drink orders until we asked after we got many dishes. Never refilled any water. The dumplings were fine, green beans delicious, green tea noodle weird, and the other noodles all tasted the same(Chinese take out lomeine, super sweet), but I actually liked the beef soup. The space was well decorated and can handle big groups. Bathrooms are so cold, bring a coat."
Hillary Guzik-Jung
"My husband and i had such a great lunch. We ordered multiple items and they were all amazing. Soup dumplings, beef noodles, porkchop fried rice, garlic green beans and orange chicken. YUM! Our server Elisa was amazing. She recommended a few choices for us like soy garlic chicken wings. SOOOO GOOD! she also recommended the orange chicken. The entire experience was great. Lots of food at great prices."
leila alvelo
"Came for lunch with family on a Wednesday. We’re seated right away. Very nice atmosphere and music not too loud. We tried ugly dumplings which were ok, fried calamari were very good so is fried rice. Beef noodles soup needed more flavor. Overall great experience. Will come back."
Vera Kondratyeva
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ugly Dumpling has multiple locations across various states, including New Jersey (Linden, Edison), Virginia (Fairfax, Richmond), Connecticut (Hamden), New York (Bronx), and Delaware (Newark). Always check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date location information.
Accessibility varies by location. For example, the Newark, DE location is on Main Street, suggesting potential public transport access. It's best to check local transit options for the specific Ugly Dumpling you plan to visit.
Parking availability depends on the specific location. Some locations, like the one at the Mall at Bay Plaza in the Bronx, are in shopping centers with ample parking. Others, especially those on main streets, might rely on street parking or nearby garages.
Yes, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are generally available in the areas where Ugly Dumpling locations are situated, making them a convenient option for getting to and from the restaurant.
Most Ugly Dumpling locations are in accessible areas, often within shopping centers or on main thoroughfares. Using GPS navigation on your phone is recommended for precise directions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Ugly Dumpling is a restaurant, not an attraction requiring tickets. You simply walk in and are seated by staff.
Operating hours can vary by location and day of the week. It's always best to check the specific Ugly Dumpling location's hours online or call ahead before your visit.
While some locations might accept reservations, many operate on a first-come, first-served basis, especially during peak hours. Some reviews mention waits, so calling ahead or arriving early is advisable.
Ugly Dumpling has a trendy and modern aesthetic, but there is no strict dress code. Casual attire is perfectly acceptable for dining.
As a restaurant, Ugly Dumpling generally welcomes all ages. However, specific policies regarding minors dining alone might vary, so it's best to confirm with the location if you have concerns.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Popular choices include the soup dumplings, garlic green beans, orange chicken, and beef noodles. Many reviewers also praise the fried calamari and pork chop fried rice.
While the menu is heavily dumpling-focused, some locations offer vegetarian options like the garlic green beans and potentially some noodle or rice dishes. It's recommended to check the menu or ask your server about specific dietary needs.
Many compare Ugly Dumpling to Din Tai Fung, suggesting a similar style. However, some reviews note an 'American Chinese' influence, meaning it might not be strictly traditional but offers a delicious, accessible take on Asian flavors.
Portion sizes can be inconsistent. Some reviewers found noodle dishes to be small and not ideal for sharing among large groups, while others felt they received 'lots of food at great prices.' It's wise to order a variety of dishes to gauge portion sizes.
Prices are generally considered reasonable, especially when compared to similar establishments like Din Tai Fung. Expect mid-range pricing for most dishes.
📸 📸 Photography
Absolutely! Ugly Dumpling is known for its trendy, modern, and bright decor, making it a very Instagram-worthy spot. The presentation of the food also adds to its photogenic appeal.
The overall ambiance is great for photos. Look for well-lit areas, the stylish interior design elements, and of course, the beautifully presented dishes. The dumpling-making demonstration area can also be a unique photo opportunity.
Yes, taking photos of your food is highly encouraged! The dishes are often presented artfully, and capturing their delicious appearance is part of the dining experience for many visitors.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions on personal photography within the restaurant. However, it's always good practice to be mindful of other diners and avoid intrusive photography.
The restaurant typically features bright, modern lighting, which is generally good for photography. Natural light might be available depending on the seating area and time of day.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💸 Budget-Conscious Diners
📸 Social Media Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The 'Din Tai Fung Dupe' Phenomenon
This comparison is a significant draw for many visitors, as highlighted in numerous social media posts. The 'dupe' factor, combined with a stylish ambiance and often more affordable pricing, makes Ugly Dumpling an attractive dining destination. It taps into the desire for popular food experiences that are readily available and visually appealing for social sharing. The consistent mention of this comparison across platforms underscores its importance in shaping visitor expectations and driving traffic to the restaurant.
Ambiance and Instagram Appeal
Reviewers often mention the decor as a significant positive, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere for both casual meals and special occasions. The clean lines, vibrant colors, and thoughtful design elements create an inviting space. This focus on ambiance, coupled with the popular 'dupe' concept, positions Ugly Dumpling as more than just a place to eat; it's an experience that caters to modern dining trends and social media sharing.
Navigating the Menu and Service
Service at Ugly Dumpling receives mixed feedback. While many patrons praise the staff for being friendly, attentive, and professional, with specific shout-outs to servers like Elisa and Gean, others have noted potential issues like staffing shortages leading to longer waits or less proactive service regarding drink refills. The restaurant's menu is described as relatively small by some, which can help diners make decisions, but it's always a good idea to ask for recommendations to ensure you get the best experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit