Mimi Cheng's

Since launching two years ago, East Village jiaozi parlor Mimi Cheng’s has been a favorite among dumpling devotees for its fresh local ingredients and clever collaborations. (Cheeseburger dumplings, anyone?) Sister-owners Hannah and Marian Cheng follow that success with this bright Nolita spin-off decorated with seafoam-blue tables, potted plants and framed pineapple portraits. The from-scratch Taiwanese dumplings—served pan-fried or steamed, and born from a recipe passed down by the Chengs’ mother—remain on offer in varieties like chicken-and-zucchini and pork with bok choy, but the sisters have expanded the menu to include bento-box combinations like the Taipei Tapas (four dumplings, a scallion pancake, shaved red-cabbage salad, house-made pickles) and the Hearty Home (four dumplings, rice, Taiwanese greens with crispy shallots).