Dubai: Dumpling Express – Cheap and tasty dumplings

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The other day Dumpling Express reached out to me and asked if they could send me home delivery lunch. The Bay Square restaurant opened just 2 weeks ago, and they specialize in handmade dumplings (they got more than 80 kinds).

If you say dumplings, most people think about Chinese dumplings and dim sum, but the fact is that you find dumplings in cuisines all over the world. Japanese gyoza, Korean mandu, Indian/Nepalese momo and Eastern European pierogi, – they are all dumplings. When I was in Kathmandu, I only ate momos for the entire week, because nothing tastes as good as kothey momo  and butter tea on a cold Nepalese winter day.

The man behind Dumpling Express, Yoken Gurung, is from Nepal, and even though they claim to be an international/fusion restaurant, the dumplings definitely has a Nepalese touch. They come with a mild sauce and a spicy sauce, just like the momos in Nepal, and I am warning you, – the spicy sauce is very spicy and not to be underestimated, so be careful when you dip:)

Here are my favorites:

Carrot Pistachio Pudding

Except for mochi, I’m not usually a fan of sweet dumplings, but these ones took me by surprise. Tastes a bit like Danish kransekage.

Korean Fried Chicken Bao

The bao at Dumpling Express is a tad bigger than your usual bao, and two of them would be enough for lunch for most people. They got the sweet and spicy sauce just right, -it tastes like the sauce you get with your fried chicken in Korea.

Veggie Dumplings

All the dumplings were good, but I particularly liked the pretty green dumplings’ delicate, juicy filling. A good choice for vegetarians.

Dumpling Express, Bay Square, Business Bay, Dubai

Dumpling Express is closed for dine-in these days, but you can order from Dumpling Express directly from their Instagram account or through the website and help them get through these difficult times.