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Vanessa’s Dumplings

Restaurants, Chinese East Village
3 out of 5 stars
(5user reviews)
(Gail Henry)
1/4
Gail HenryVanessa's Dumplings
(Gail Henry)
2/4
Gail HenryVanessa's Dumplings
(Gail Henry)
3/4
Gail HenryVanessa's Dumplings
(Gail Henry)
4/4
Gail HenryVanessa's Dumplings

Time Out says

Fans of Chinatown’s dumpling stands can finally get their fix farther uptown. Vanessa Weng, owner of Vanessa’s Dumpling House and Tasty Dumpling, has opened an eponymous location near Union Square. Although prices have doubled, an order of five panfried pork-and-chives dumplings still sets you back only $1.99.

Posted:

Details
Static map showing venue location
Address: 220 E 14th St
New York
10003
Cross street: between Second and Third Aves
Transport: Subway: L to Third Ave; N, Q, R, W, 4, 5, 6 to 14th St–Union Sq
Price: Average order: $2. Cash only
Contact:
Call Venue 212-529-1328
Opening hours: Daily 11am–11pm
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Users say (5)

3 out of 5 stars

Average User Rating

3.2 / 5

Rating Breakdown

  • 5 star:1
  • 4 star:2
  • 3 star:0
  • 2 star:1
  • 1 star:1
LiveReviews|5
1 person listening
tastemaker

I love love love Vanessa's Dumplings <3 The Williamsburg location is a block away from my apt so I usually pick it up but I honestly crave these dumpling at least once a week. The only thing I wouldn't recommend would be their steamed buns, as I feel there was way too much bun and not enough filling. Other than that I live for their Sesame Pancake Sandwich with Peking duck and the Pork and Shrimp Dumplings with Spicy Sauce.


tastemaker

I came here after a friend kept raving that these were the best dumplings in the city. Needless to say, I don't take suggestions from said anymore. I'm not really sure why anyone would think these are the best dumplings in the city. They don't really have much selection. I got the boiled chicken dumplings and it just tasted really soggy and bland. The actual chicken mixture I chewed and once or twice i felt and heard a crunching sound which just turned me off completely. I couldn't finish my order I was so grossed out. I later had dumplings at veselka and THOSE are some good dumplings! I get it's pretty cheap, but shell out and get the real stuff elsewhere.


Some of the best dumplings I have had in NYC. They are cheap, delicious and fast and nothing is quite as satisfying as a giant plate of dumplings covered sauce. The classic pork dumplings are amazing, and all varieties are served either steamed, fried or in soup (all of which are delicious).  You can also buy a large package of the frozen dumplings to recreate your meal at home, though definitely not as good.


The one downfall of Vanessa's is the interior - it's cramped, kind of dirty and overall a bit questionable but the delicious dumplings overshadow a little East Village grime. 


If you're looking for cheap and delicious dumplings and sesame pancake sandwiches, this is the spot for you.  The steamed pork and chive dumplings are my favorite but the dessert dumplings are also quite good.  The sesame pancakes are warm and comforting no matter what you fill them with.  Sauces are readily available on the tables.  Tiny napkins make personal cleanliness a small challenge.  This place gets pretty busy but with a little patience I've found you can usually get a table.  Also, like many of the best dumpling houses in the city, Vanessa's is a bit grungy (to say the least).  It can be a little off-putting to out-of-towners but most seasoned New Yorkers will chow down at this joint without a care in the word.  This is not a good date night spot for a hoity-toity couple from Park Ave.  It's for down-to-earth, dumpling loving dudes and dudettes.  

0 of 1 found helpful

Firstly, let me state that i love, love, love the original location on Eldridge Street. The food is fantastic, cheap and the staff, even though their command of the English language is limited, is usually friendly and helpful. The new location in Williamsburg is great too. BUT (always the but) i regret to say this, the 14th street location leaves much to be desired. The staff there is surly at best and plain rude if i am being completely honest. The facility is untidy and often smells really bad. I have seen staff members put dirty cleaning buckets with chemicals, next to food trays (they were already starting clean-up when food was still being served). Some staff touches/prepares the food (seasame pancakes) with bare hands. It's just a total mess over there. Overall, the quality of food is much worse than in the other locations and puts a damper on their good brand equity. Ironically, it's the most expensive location out of all. Go to the original location or else get a slice of Pizza somewhere.

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