Eva M.
Yelp
Once upon a time, Dough Zone was a solid experience every time I went, starting at the first location in Crossroad. Now, the food is just ok, never hitting the 'yay' level any more. The most disappointing thing is that I can visually see they have switched to machine made, mass produced. The dumplings are missing the twist at the top, the seal is just closed, and they are sloppy in presentation. Maybe they are used to throwing things into boxes vs. "plating" for dine-in. It's just not the same anymore.
The Food:
Pork with Crab Meat Xiao Long Bao, $7.50 - 3 Stars
They used to be much better. Now it's just a bunch of wrinkly little sacks of moderate flavored meat requiring sauces.
Sweet and Sour Cucumber, $4.95 - 4 Stars
Still one of my favorite dishes here. Yum.
Zucchini and Shrimp Dumplings, $5.95 - 1 Star
Long time ago, when zucchini and shrimp were offered in XLB version, it was my absolute favorite. I was extremely disappointed to lay my eyes on this basket of deflated dumplings of varying sizes that isn't properly seasoned. A dumpling shouldn't rely on the sauces to be edible!
A-Choy with Sesame Dressing, $5.50 - 3 Stars
Other than it's drowning in dressing, this dish is fine.
Q-Bao - Pan Fried Pork Buns, $8.75 - 2.5 Stars
This has gone downhill. Less filling than before, barely looks like a Q-Bao at the top, sloppy plating.
Vegetable Pot Stickers, $5.25 - 2.5 Stars
It honestly is same as it was, as it has always lacked body and texture. But it's vegetarian...
Fried Wonton with Chili Sauce, $5.25 - 2.5 Stars
This dish is saved by the hot sauce. Without it, it's bland.
Pan Fried Chive Dumplings, $5.95 - 3.5 Stars
Still one of my favorite dishes here. But I still wish they did it the original way which was 2 big pockets instead of 3 smaller pockets. This method is doughier with less filling.