Feature

Dumpling Grounds

For a sophisticated fast-food fix, you can’t beat a Chinese-dumpling specialist.

By Rob Patronite & Robin Raisfeld
Published May 21, 2005

1. Rickshaw Dumpling Bar
Anita Lo, chef-partner at Annisa, has concocted five dressed-up variations (six if you count the low-carb tofu-wrapped option) on a Chinatown theme.
61 W. 23rd St., nr. Sixth Ave.; 212-924-9220

2. Fried Dumpling
It’s all about the Washingtons at this starchy storefront dumpling dive: Nearly every item on the brief menu—including an order of five expertly fried pork-and-chive-stuffed dumplings—is $1 or less.
99 Allen St., nr. Delancey St.; 212-941-9975

3. Dumpling Man
With a pane of glass separating the dining counter from the assembly line, there’s something vaguely hypnotic about watching variously colored dough wrappers being deftly stuffed and then steamed or fried to order. Don’t miss the “Monster” dipping sauce.
100 St. Marks Pl., nr. First Ave.; 212-505-2121

4. Dumpling House
Following in Fried Dumpling’s footsteps, Dumpling House dishes them out at five for a buck.
118A Eldridge St., nr. Broome St.; 212-625-8008.