Jeff B.
Yelp
(Dined 09/14/19 SA @ 7:30pm): Such darling dumplings Dina had!
I recently enjoyed a viewing of "Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory" during an Eat See Hear event at Centennial Square at Pasadena City Hall when I ascended upon Dina's Dumpling Food Truck. Although I frequently attended, worked, or volunteered at the myriad of year-around events throughout Southern California, this was the first time I've ever seen this road restaurant and strangely attracted to the Pepto-Bismol colored truck. Would I need to drown myself in a bottle of this after I downed some dumplings!?
QUICK BIO
"Dina's Dumpling is a colorful addition to Los Angeles' food truck scene. Not only is it a bright pink truck, it's also carting around brightly colored dumplings for your enjoyment. But don't let the color deter you. Instead, be drawn into a hue of good food, coming to a curb near you. At Dina's Dumpling, you're getting dumplings that are set apart from the rest. Sure, in color, but also in authenticity, as these dumplings are made from traditional preparation methods passed down over generations. Modernized, too. It's no wonder they're calling themselves a modern Chinese food truck, cruising the streets of Pasadena in style. From pork, shrimp, and beef stuffed with ginger and green onion to a vegan variation stuff with such goodies as shiitake mushrooms and organic spinach, there's a world of flavor at your fingertips."
PURCHASE
Hibiscus Ice Tea & 6-Piece Shrimp Dumplings ($5.00 + $12.00): The hibiscus ice tea was slightly sweet and really refreshing on this hot day; boba would've made it even better! Filled with plump shrimp, ginger, and something else I couldn't recall on a lazy bed of red cabbage, the wrapping was thick and held everything together well. Each piece was a mouthful and left a smile on my face https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=F2XjiSgNBsnlMx9akR59gA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw.
SERVICE
I dealt with one individual - a young friendly female who quickly took my order, shortly after handed me my drink, and then received my food in barely five minutes! Excellent efficiency and speed!
PARKING (Varied; N/A this instance)
Being a food truck, they were at the beck and call wherever the event was held. I went Metro on the Gold Line to Memorial Park for a short couple blocks walk. Otherwise, the venue was at Centennial Square at Pasadena City Hall which had plenty of surrounding metered, timed, and eventual free parking (after 5pm) around the entire place. Another option was to hire a driving service like a taxi, Lyft, or Uber.
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
Your standard self-sufficient food truck with exterior menus https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=3_DBuHnalzv7vfJA9_rtBw&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw, order and pick up windows, an area for condiments, napkins, and utensils, no designated seating area, and natural lighting was prevalent during the daytime while electric street and truck lighting glowed at night. There were no TVs nor background music https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=armMz9dyKaSfZ87S-PrXXg&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw.
ATTIRE
Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops.
OVERALL
Dina's Dumpling Food Truck was a nice treat (I really liked the hibiscus ice tea) and would consider them again. However, the menu was considerably limited to only five types of dumplings, a couple sides, and a handful of drinks. In addition, the prices were food truck standard if not a tad higher, so no deals here ($2/dumpling in this case). I found very good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $17.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice...AMEX! 4.0 STARS