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I travel a fair amount for work and I think dumplings are the perfect food. I also happen to be vegan, but that shouldn’t matter because wrapping some vegetables in dough isn’t revolutionary. Or so I thought. My journey to this charming eatery began a month and a half ago in Anaheim, CA. when I was sidelined during a company dinner at a dumpling house. After scouring a 5-page menu, I ordered the disgruntled vegan special: fries. Returning from the trip, I began an obsessive search of my hometown for a dumpling I could call my own. It wasn’t until last week, while doing menu research for an upcoming trip to Bend, that I saw it, an answer to my prayers: Plantd’s veggie momo. Let me tell you folks, there was A LOT riding on those dumplings. Months of anticipation. Thousands of miles traveled. Did they deliver??? You bet your savory dumpling they did!!! The veggie momo were everything I love in a dumpling: a little chewy yet tender, a complex and savory filling which included the perfect combination of bite-sized veggies, and multiple dipping sauces. (Ask about the pickled habanero salsa. Thank me later.) They also came with a beautifully plated organic green salad. After I spent several private minutes inhaling dumplings and crying over how good they were, I brushed myself off and ordered seconds to go. I also ordered the kitchari, which will grant you enlightenment and make you feel like you will live forever, a paleo bar and 2 well-crafted whiskey cocktails. Now that this Shangri-La is on my radar, I’ll be going back. Menu items I’m excited to try: turmeric potatoes, mushrooms in the wok, breakfast burrito, yogi bowl, COOKIE DOUGH TOAST. Oh and vegan dumplings. Always vegan dumplings.

Chinese & Indian Fusion – Menu with Prices – 100 N Almaden Ave, San Jose

Urban Momo is definitely a delight. Whenever I go to San Pedro’s Square, I balk about having to pick somewhere to eat. Last time, I tried Urban Momo and it’s going to be hard not to get a dish of Momo and Mango Lassi every time I go there. I got the veggie Momo and they were delicious. The dough or “skin” of a Momo is a bit thicker than your Chinese dumplings, so it’s got some decent chew. Unsurprisingly, the spices used in the Momo and in the sauce were reminiscent of Indian spices. My party also got the chicken chow mein. Since the servings are quite large, we shared everything. I thought I could pick off the chicken but it’s a bit difficult to do that, so just keep that in mind if you’re sharing (and you probably should share). The chow mein noodles are thin and not at all greasy. There’s a really healthy amount of cilantro on them, however, so if you’re not a fan, it’s difficult to get around it. The mango lassi was delishhhhh. I basically downed mine in the first few minutes. The food here did take a while to come out, but it’s worth it.

Dump City Dumplings Menu with Prices 384 SW Upper Terrace Dr, Bend

We love dumplings but these are not what you typically think of as a dumpling- they are steamed buns like chinese hum baos. I also like those but could hardly eat these. The dough was actually raw and I didn’t enjoy any of the 4 different flavors I tried. They are over filled and I think that is why the dough was just not cooked, too much moisture from the large amount of filling. The sauces were also underwhelming. I took them back to the counter and said this is raw but they said that was just the nature of their dumplings, ugh. They did offer to refund my purchase but since I had eaten some of it I did not take that offer. They then came over to our table and gave us coupons for 2 free dumplings, so I give them points for trying to satisfy a customer. But if they cannot solve the underdone raw dough issue I don’t think this place will last long.

CAFEMANDU – Flavors of Nepal – Menu with Prices – 3711 N Belt Line Rd, Irving

I can’t believe I have neglected to write this review and now they have many! Bravo! We loved this little family run dumpling spot. They do more than dumplings; but these are truly the most amazing momos. We are lovers of spice and heat and Cafemandu Flavors of Nepal delivers. In fact, they brought more heat than I could handle; but my husband was loving it!! He had their spiciest momo, the Jyanmara momo, dark and mysterious looking, it set me ablaze. I was far happier with the flavorful C-Momo in a tangy chili sauce and the not hot at all Jhol momo in a broth. All of the momo wrappings are tender and the momos are stuffed full with deliciousness. My husband also had the sausage on a stick and the Goat Curry bowl. The sausage was savory and inexpensive. The goat curry bowl was our most expensive item with goat an additional $2.00, so we spent well over $40.00 with drinks; but took home a wealth of food!! We ordered way too much for two people. One order of momos is plenty for one person. I found them to be very filling. Service was gracious and they’ll happily explain their entire menu to you if you want. They have a lot of enthusiasm for sharing their love of this food so painstakingly crafted and cooked to order. The restaurant is small; but lovely and there’s a little patio outside. Fortunately momos transport well if you want to get them to go.

Nomad Tibetan Restaurant Menu with Prices 1593 Solano Ave, Berkeley

Every time I dine at Nomad, there’s a moment I look around and remember how special this place felt the first time I walked in. There is something so elegantly and confidently Tibetan about it, an aesthetic I’ve never seen at any other Tibetan restaurant in North America or the parts of Europe I’ve been to. Speaking as a Tibetan, it’s a place I step into and feel like someone is just behind one of the handmade windows, ready to show me Tibet itself. Many cultures have a dumpling; the Tibetans have the momo. Sadly, many offerings of it fall short. One of the necessary elements is broth, that juice you have to catch in your mouth with a sucking motion at first bite. It must be flavored well of course, and no momo is complete without proper hot sauce options. Nomad is excellent in its offerings here. I will also add, I’m very impressed by their vegan momo options. The shoko momo is simple and perfect, and the tsey momo is a delight to chew (in contrast to the buttery softness of the potato in the shoko momo). I also love their mo-thuk, a soup that comes with a generous amount of beef momo, and the gya thuk, a Chinese style spicy noodle soup. There are several other dishes I’ve tried and liked, but I admit to being partial to these ones I’ve mentioned. I’m looking forward to seeing them grow and expand their culinary experimentation. The owners are down to earth and professional, and I enjoy the pace and energy of the restaurant. Also, the window display is adorable!

HungryBadger Cafe – Menu with Prices – above IT’SUGAR, across Five Guys, 540 State St, Madison

A refreshing new type of dumpling to add more variety to the State Street scene! Local Family owned restaurant and they are super friendly! These Nepali style dumplings called Momos are tasty, homemade, little bites that you can get a variety of fillings and flavors. Differing from a Chinese dumpling, these momos have a thicker wrapper but they can be steamed or fried. The Jhol momo was especially good and interesting, serving the dumplings in a tomato based soup. For appetizer, the surprise delish was the nuts! I would usually never order, but these were a punch of flavor with spice and citrus and fresh herbs – very good! Last but not least, can’t forget to ask for the hot sauce! It brings the heat but it is so good!! Prices are reasonable as well. This place is a little hidden, right above the It’s Sugar store, but it’s not meant to be missed! Definitely check it out!

Namaste Momo Corner – Menu with Prices – 4114 Saw Mill Run Blvd suit B, Pittsburgh

I’m originally from the South Hills but I’ve been gone a while–so all the Nepali restaurants, etc. along 51 came as somewhat of a surprise to me. We followed Yelp! to Namaste Momo Corner and were not disappointed. We tried the the chatpate, the pani puri, the vegetable momo, the samosa chat, and the egg fried rice. I’ll preface this by saying that I have little experience with Nepali food. The chatpate, a sort of red, puffed-rice deal, was totally new to me and was uniquely delicious. Here and throughout, spicy green peppers were used; if you’re not up for seriously spicy food, I would ask that they be left out. The vegetable momo–basically, dumplings–were freshly made and excellent, and were enhanced by the dipping sauce. The samosa chat was top notch as well; again, very spicy as a result of the peppers. The fried rice was quite good, too, if more serviceable than transcendent. The shop is kept up very nicely and the owners distinguished themselves with their friendliness. Strongly recommended.

Mayflower Chinese Carryout – Menu with Prices – 3066 Mt Pleasant St NW, Washington

I placed a HUGE takeout order for a dinner with friends last night, and I appreciate that Mayflower had all of the food ready right on time for 6:30pm pick up and provided lots of sauces, utensils, and plates. There is still great value and big portions here, but I finally took stock of the dishes I like: — general tso’s — lo mein — steamed meat dumplings …and didn’t like: — kung po chicken (heavy on the veggies, low on the chicken) — fried dumplings (the dough is very thick, so they become tough when fried) — veggie dumplings (the thick dough combined with veggies just doesn’t do it for me) — fried rice (dried out quickly so I couldn’t enjoy the next day, but was fine day-of) Overall, this is a great option in the area, especially if you want to order ahead. It just doesn’t hit the mark for some of my favorite dishes.

Beauty of Sprouts – Menu with Prices – 1474 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota

Clean vegan eats @ beauty of sprouts ! Food- I ordered the falafel which was accompanied by a salad. It was yummy and very tasty! The menu had a nice selection of different vegan items. All vegan, gluten free, organic, and some raw options. Ambiance- I felt like I was at the owners home while she prepared a meal for me. It was very simple, sweet, and clean. Parking-easily accessible side parking Price-Menu items were pricier than usual, however the whole menu is certified organic which is a +++ Overall, great little lunch spot to grab a wholesome clean vegan meal.

Marco & Luca Dumpling Store – Menu with Prices – 176 Zan Rd, Charlottesville

Something interesting here is that this location has a chicken curry that I’ll address later in the review. I enjoy the simplicity of the sauces that they use. The dumpling sauce is sweet yet spicy, not too dense and compliments the dumplings well. The porkiness of the dumpling shines through, yet I wish the chive flavor was more pronounced. The peanut noodles here are quite good, shame that they’re more expensive than the dumplings themselves and the prices have only increased in the most recent years. The sweet and sour noodles are questionable and you find yourself only ordering them once and then reverting back to your peanut noodle orders. The soup is quite generic but one doesn’t come here for the soup. The aforementioned chicken curry was banal and honestly quite uninspired, granted I shouldn’t expect much as their main staple of the menu is dumplings and noodles. Something I wish to see in the future is more variety in dumplings and less exploration of food items no one really asks for. Instead of curry and soups, just have dumplings and noodles and do it well. All in all, its not a bad place to come and chill with a friend for a snack on the Corner if you’re not too hungry.

Ray’s Cafe & Tea House – Menu with Prices – 141 N 9th St, Philadelphia

What do you do, when you have to go to the DMV and it’s 93° outside ? You reward yourself by going to Ray’s Café and Tea House around the corner! I went there today after a not so bad visit to the DMV. Aimee and Grace (coffee guru) took very good care of me. The place is very small, but you know it was good because two policeman (bicycle cops) were there eating & they had the prime location. The prime location is across from the coffee siphoning apparatus for which Ray’s is famous. I sat near the window facing the bar so that I too could watch the siphoning process. But why I was really there was for the dumpling sampler And the Taiwan beef noodle soup. And of course I was there for coffee. The coffee is famous and it should be it’s delicious. I had ice coffee with the dumpling sampler meal which came with lightly pickled cucumber which is delicious. Actually everything was delicious! Dumpling sampler 5/5 Ice coffee 5/5 (came with a tea cookie-white chocolate dipped and decorated with jimmies) yamcha coffee 5/5 ($8/cup but worth it, also came with a tea cookie -dark chocolate dipped and decorated with jimmies) White truffle cake 4/5 (tasted slightly minty but I’d order it again) I took home most of the cake (I’d three bites) because I was full from two servings of coffee, two cookies and one dumpling sampler and pickles. I also took home another order of cucumbers, the leek dumplings and their famous Taiwan beef noodle soup. I will add follow up on the soup and leek dumplings after I try all. I verified the dumplings and soup are made in-house. I didn’t ask about the truffle cake. After an Ice coffee and dumplings followed by a hot coffee, some cake and another cookie I’m filled to the gills with caffeine and carbs! I’m so happy even after a visit to the DMV, Ray’s has special powers !!! Take out haul: Taiwan beef soup: frankly the beef was a little game-y and too salty 3/5 I’ve had better and closer to home. I wouldn’t order it again. Scallion dumplings: dough was light/noodle-texture and filling was mung bean noodle and scallions- not full of flavor. The dipping sauces made them delicious but on their own dumplings, were just okay. I’d try them in-house again, perhaps the texture will be different 4/5 All was packaged for takeout expertly!

Lucky Dumpling – Menu with Prices – 26 S Wahsatch Ave, Colorado Springs

We really wanted to love this place. We wanted to support Brother Luck as we’ve followed him since well before Top Chef. We love the music. We love the art. Tupac was abundant. Gold stars for that, for sure. One restaurant pet peeve: if you’re working in an open kitchen with no walls or windows, and that kitchen is basically connected to the front door, don’t pretend you don’t see me standing there waiting to be seated. Don’t act like I’m not there and ignore me. Look up for two seconds and say, “Have a seat anywhere” or, “We’ll be right right you.” You aren’t working too intensely for a little hospitality. Also, the food misses the mark in a big way. The Bahn Mi lacked the freshness and crunch of cilantro. The jalapeños were sliced so thinly and applied so meagerly you couldn’t taste them. The pickled veg were also skimpy. You can get a perfect Bahn Mi an hour away for $4. This was an anorexic $12 sandwich. We tried dumplings. The hot and sour dumplings with pineapple relish were great. The dumpling love stopped there, though. As for the green curry dumplings..I think they’re supposed to have shrimp but lacked any sea flavor. The curry sauce had zero punch and was far too mild. The braised beef dumplings were in a consommé that was too salty to eat. And I’m not salt sensitive. We determined the meat inside the dumpling was salt-heavy, too. I’m talking salt burns on your tongue..that type of salty. Kyle tried to make things right. They tried to remake the dumplings again, though we insisted they didn’t have to. They watered down the broth. They kept mentioning how “intense” those dumplings were. I don’t have an issue with intense flavors, but salt isn’t supposed to be a flavor. It felt like they wanted to find a way to not have to comp the dumplings. Kyle said he would comp them if we still didn’t want them after tasting the fresh batch. Frankly, he should have comped either way. On our way out, we took one last, sad look at Biggie and Tupac on the wall and said our final goodbyes since we won’t be seeing them again.

Kauboi Izakaya – Menu with Prices – 1286 S Virginia St, Reno

I’m not sure how I’ve missed this place for so long! Kauboi is a great spot for groups of people to enjoy a delicious meal. I say “groups of people” because this is really Japanese tapas, and there are so many menu options that you will want to try a little bit (or a lot of bit) of everything; so the more the merrier! Luckily for me, and for many of you, there are wonderful vegan and vegetarian options here. I had the Vegetarian Ramen, Mushroom Gyoza, Edamame, and Veggie Tempura. I did not go home hungry. The breakdown– The Vegetarian Ramen: plentiful, and much more flavorful than many other veggie ramens I have had elsewhere before. The Mushroom Gyoza: yes, yes, a thousand times yes! Whenever there is a vegetarian dumpling option, I seize the day. This particular dumpling was seared perfectly and absolutely divine. The Edamame: standard. The Veggie Tempura: the most deliciously salty, savory, crunchy dish. This was easily one of the best tempuras I have had in my life. My dinner partners enjoyed a variety of meat and seafood dishes including Giant Squid, Chicken Hearts, Crab Croquettes, Shrimp Fritters, Fried rice with Crispy Duck. The list goes on. Kauboi does not take reservations, and they do not do to-go orders, which I admire. This tells me that Kauboi is unwilling to compromise the integrity of their food, as well as the quality of service to their customers that are already seated and awaiting a good meal. The service was more than friendly and the cocktails were on point. I can’t wait to come back!