Cherylynn N.
Yelp
If it doesn't squirt across the table or into your face, I don't want it.
There's nothing more disappointing than biting into a XLB (soup dumpling) or SJB (pan-fried soup buns) with little or no soup inside. Whomp.
Dumpling Home serves THE juiciest XLB and SJB (Michelin Bib Gourmand). Beware: they squirt! They're the best ones I've found from the city to SJ. Unfortunately, the bridge and I don't get along so I can't speak for the east bay.
Don't want to deal with the lines at Dumpling Home?
Head to Dumpling Story, Dumpling Home's sister resto. This is Dumpling Story's second location in the former Luna/Luna Park space.
Currently, Dumpling Story is open for takeout and dine-in. Luna's parklet has been removed but staff says, outdoor seating will be available in the future.
No rezzies, walk-in only.
M E N U
Shanghainese Cuisine: Small Plates, Dumplings (boiled, steamed, and pan-fried) and Noodles (hand-pulled). Similar menu as Dumpling Home but they have desserts here. AND, a full bar is coming!
F O O D
* 牛舌 Beef Tongue w/ thousand year-old sauce ($12.95) // 4 stars: https://tinyurl.com/4m6w2xms
The sliced beef tongue was tender and beefy, and the soy based sauce was salty and pungent with drops of chili oil for spice.
*干烹鸡翅膀 Dry Fried Chicken Wings (6 pc - $15.95) // 5 stars: https://tinyurl.com/vfajf9st
The juicy wings have a crackly-crunchy exterior and savory-sweet sticky glaze with a kick of heat. Addictive flavor and texture. If you like San Tung style wings, get this!
* 蟹粉小笼包 Crab & Pork XLB (4 pc - $13.95) // 5 stars: https://tinyurl.com/yey325bd
I'm happy to say that the quality is the same as Dumpling Home and Dumpling Story in Pac Heights. Thin, chewy skin but sturdy enough to hold all the soup without tearing or breaking when picking up. Juicy pork filling with a savory soup topped with real crab.
In the pic, I poked the XLB to release some of the soup into the spoon and that was just half of it.
* 猪肉生煎包 Pan-Fried Juicy Pork Bao aka SJB (6 pc - $13.95) // 5 stars: https://tinyurl.com/3psnpuby
XLB's cousin, the SJBs had deliciously crunchy golden-brown bottoms to contrast the QQ (chewy), pale tops. Juicy pork filling with A LOT of soupy goodness. You probably won't find a better one from the city to SJ (IMO, Special Noodle in Cupertino comes in second). If you do, LMK.
*奶黃流沙生煎包 Egg Yolk Lava SJB (OTH) // 5 stars: https://tinyurl.com/9sdf2du4
An exclusive item to the Dumpling Story locations, they brought this OTH for us to try. Not something I would usually order as I'm not a dessert person but this was BOMB!
A creative play on liu sha bao and true to its name, the salty-sweet molten custard gushes out like lava upon biting into. The chewy crispiness of the SJB as a dessert just hits different.
S E R V I C E
Friendly, prompt, and attentive. The servers were good about warning customers that the XLB & SJB are hot. The kind owner, Jimmy was making his rounds to ensure customers were enjoying the food.
A M B I A N C E
Formerly long-time Luna Park then Luna, this is the nicest, trendiest Shanghainese resto in the city with a white-black color scheme and monkey chandeliers. Mix of booth, regular table, high top, and bar seating. Top 40s covers playing. I like that they kept Luna's tiger wallpaper in the restroom.
P A R K I N G
Challenging street and metered parking. There's a parking lot next to Duggan's Funeral Services around the corner (flat fee).
Overall, while there's no shortage of dumpling restos in the city, this is the first and only Shanghainese resto in The Mission, making it a great addition. If you're looking for the city's finest XLB and SJB without the lines (for now), hit up Dumpling Story on Valencia!