What Is a Dumpling? Debate It While You Do a Downtown Dumpling Crawl
January 27, 2026
There’s never a bad time for a dumpling, but we’d say they taste extra-good in the winter. Lower Manhattan’s famously diverse food scene means you’ve got plenty of dumpling options within easy walking distance. That’s especially true if you’re willing to be open-minded about what constitutes a dumpling — empanadas, knishes or even ravioli if you’re feeling especially expansive. Here are four spots (among many!) we recommend checking out…maybe even all in one day.
For soup dumplings… the signature pork xiao long bao at Yeh’s Bao
There’s pretty much nothing better than a soup dumpling on a chilly afternoon or evening. And the signature pork soup dumplings (xiao long bao) at Yeh’s Bao (38 Rector St.) are top-tier. They’re slightly sweet, very umami-forward and perfectly cozy. It’s easy to take down 10 of these bite-sized dumplings yourself, so if you’re going with a crew, put in a few orders so everyone can get in on the savory pork goodness. If pork isn’t your thing, Yeh’s also offers shrimp and squash soup dumplings as well as black truffle ones. We’d also recommend the wontons in chili oil if you’re looking for some extra warmth.
For gluten-free dumplings and potstickers…Friedman’s
For too long, dumplings have been off-limits for our gluten-free pals. But at Friedman’s (245 Murray St.), which recently combined menus with Wei West, everyone can enjoy dumplings made with gluten-free dough. The steamed dumplings are delicious, with a slightly chewy dough that’s the perfect vessel for chicken mixed with ginger, garlic and spices. You can also get the steamed dumplings filled with pork, shrimp or vegetables. We’d recommend grabbing an order of the vegetable potstickers, which are also made with gluten-free dough. They come with a sriracha aioli and ginger soy sauce that you’ll definitely want to drizzle over the top.
If you’re willing to consider a samosa a dumpling…Āne Restaurant & Bar
You’ll want to order basically everything on the menu at this stylish Indian spot located at 20 Maiden Ln. But you should definitely leave room for the samosas. (In our book, these countas dumplings — argue amongst yourselves!) The incredibly fragrant mixture of spiced potatoes, peas and herbs inside the flaky fried dough warms you from the inside out. Plus, they come with a vibrant green chutney that brings out the spices of the samosa filling. Don’t skip ‘it’em!
For a wide variety of dumpling fillings…Farida
This Central Asian spot at 32 Cedar St. does takeout, but the interior is so interesting we’d really recommend dining in. It’s filled with colorful mosaic lamps, cozy textiles and plenty of color. While there are several things on the menu that you could call a dumpling — the vareniki, the fried chuchvara, the blini — the umka puff pies are a cherished family recipe from chef Umitjon Kamolov. Filling options include steak, chicken, cheese, pumpkin and spinach with herbs. The pro move, of course, is to get at least one of each. They’re hearty, so come hungry.
