Dumpling Specialist
Nestled in the heart of San Francisco, Dumpling Specialist is a well-loved destination for authentic Chinese dishes, particularly known for its mouthwatering dumplings and other traditional comfort foods. Located at 1119-1123 Taraval Street, this charming spot draws both locals and visitors alike, offering an unforgettable culinary experience that highlights the rich flavors of Shanghai and beyond.
A Diverse and Flavorful Menu
Dumpling Specialist boasts an impressive selection of dishes that showcase the best of Chinese cuisine. While their signature dumplings are the star of the show, the menu is packed with a variety of appetizers, soups, noodles, rice, and vegetables, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
The dumpling options range from savory Pan-Fried Pork Buns and crispy Potstickers to delicious Vegetarian Dumplings, catering to a wide array of tastes. For those seeking something more substantial, the Mu Shu Pork and Mu Shu Chicken provide a delightful twist on classic dishes. The menu also features hearty soups like the Hot and Sour Soup, perfect for warming up on a chilly day, and the Chicken and Corn Soup, a comforting choice for all.
Dumpling Specialist takes pride in offering flavorful stir-fries, with options like the Shanghai-Style Chow Mein and Mongolian Beef. For those who prefer rice dishes, there are various Stir-Fried Rice Cakes to satisfy any craving. Vegetarians and vegans will also find plenty of choices, including the Braised Tofu with Vegetables and Dry-Braised String Beans. The combination of fresh ingredients and bold flavors makes every dish a treat.
A Welcoming and Inclusive Dining Experience
Dumpling Specialist stands out not only for its authentic food but also for its dedication to creating a comfortable and accessible environment for all. The restaurant offers a range of services designed to enhance the dining experience. With options like delivery, takeout, and catering, it's perfect for both casual dining and special occasions. The ADA-compliant main entrance and gender-neutral restrooms ensure that all guests feel welcomed.
For those looking to enjoy their meal on-site, Dumpling Specialist features outdoor seating, with heated and covered areas for year-round comfort. Whether you’re visiting for lunch, dinner, or happy hour, the ambiance is always relaxed, making it ideal for group gatherings or intimate meals. Plus, with Wi-Fi available and a variety of payment options, including Apple Pay, Android Pay, and credit cards, it’s easy to stay connected while savoring a delicious meal.
A High-Quality Dining Experience Backed by Raving Reviews
Customer feedback for Dumpling Specialist consistently highlights its top-notch food and service. Many patrons appreciate the early hours, which allow them to enjoy their meal without the usual wait, especially on weekends when the place tends to get busy. A standout feature of the menu is the Shanghai noodles, known for their perfect wok hei flavor, which keeps guests coming back for more. Additionally, the Mongolian Beef has earned rave reviews for its savory taste, complementing the hearty portions of other dishes like the Pork and Cabbage Dumplings and Pan-Fried Buns.
One frequent visitor noted the nostalgic comfort of dishes like the Sticky Rice Roll, while another praised the savory soymilk and rice rolls, recalling them as childhood favorites. With such a strong following of loyal customers, Dumpling Specialist is widely regarded as a hidden gem for those in search of authentic Chinese comfort food.
Reviews
Knocking off all the places on Taraval St. This place has 6-7 tables inside and when we went at 6pm on a Monday, it was empty (for obvious reasons), but I've seen this place packed before on weekends when walking by! Pretty solid Chinese food! The Shanghai noodles were my favorite because they were super wok hei, same with the Mongolian beef!! The pork/cabbage dumplings and pan fried buns were flavorful and delicious as well! I could pass on the sticky rice roll and the hot and sour soup though. I wished the soup was more sour and spicy lol. It didn't quite hit the spot but at least it came out piping hot!
Savory soymilk and rice rolls have been a childhood favorite of mine, so I was thrilled to find this spot! It's my ultimate comfort food, all in one place. Everything here is so good--the dumplings, Shanghai noodles, soymilk, and rice rolls are all must-tries. I usually grab mine to go since the restaurant is on the smaller side, but if you come early, there's no wait! A hidden gem for authentic flavors
Love the pan fried pork buns here! We went on a weekend night and the restaurant was quite empty so we didn't have to wait at all! The food was a solid four stars. We got the fan tuan (sticky rice wrap with fermented vegetables and pork floss), dumplings, Shanghai style chow mein, and pan fried pork buns. The highlight for me was the pork buns. The bun is soaked in umami soup. The pork is sooo tender. I wasn't a big fan of the fan tuan as it felt kinda plain and was more of sticky rice than fillings. I would go again for the pan fried pork buns!
Small shop with great prices. There's only around 6 tables in the shop, but service is fast and the food is solid. My favorite was the 生煎包- so crispy and juicy on the inside! We also got the shrimp dumplings which were excellent. The 5 spice beef noodle soup was slightly sweeter than I expected, so don't know if I would order again. The lunch specials were average, but huge portions for the value.
Good food! Came right when they opened on a Sunday and there was no wait, phew! By the time we finished there was a crowd forming outside the small restaurant. Hot and sour soup ($11.50) - Really good, they were able to make it vegetarian for my friend. Sticky rice roll ($5.25) - So nostalgic! Is it just me or is it hard to find a place that serves this? Five spice beef stew noodle soup ($11.00) - Beef was tender but tasted like two spice noodle soup. A bit bland for me. Shanghai dumplings ($6.95 for 5 pieces) - Not bad. Got some juice. Vegetarian dumpling ($6.95 for 5 pieces) - Decent.