Discover a cozy Highland Park gem offering hand-crafted dumplings that burst with flavor, from juicy soup dumplings to modern takes on classic recipes.
"Are the xiao long bao at Mason’s, a handmade dumpling shop in Highland Park, the best in the city? No, but they’re still a decent choice if you’re in need of a soup dumpling and are outside the SGV. They sort of taste XLB-lite: the wrapper is a bit thin and the filling could be richer. We wanted them saltier, more savory. However, in a pinch, they do the trick - hot, tasty dumplings, ideal for overcast days or soothing yourself whenever you realize your ex started dating again." - kat hong
"When you want SGV-quality dumplings without crossing east of the 110, Mason’s Dumpling Shop has your back. This all-day, order-at-the-counter spot comes from the team behind Monrovia’s Luscious Dumplings and offers a wide variety of doughy parcels, from classic xiao long bao to steamed fish dumplings. We come here for the pan-fried pork variety, which hide a garlicky wallop beneath their crisp, lacy edges. They’re great eaten when still a little too hot and dipped in a DIY sauce made at the table from soy, vinegar, and housemade chili oil." - brant cox, sylvio martins, andrew ryce, cathy park
"There may not be lines out the door anymore, but this Luscious Dumplings offshoot is still a great all-day option when you want xiao long bao and jiaozi outside of the San Gabriel Valley. Order at the front and grab one of the handful of tables—these dumplings are best when they’re a little too hot and dipped into a DIY sauce of housemade chili oil, soy sauce, and vinegar. We always go for an order of the soup dumplings, but the pan-fried pork variety, hiding a garlicky wallop beneath crisp, lacy edges, makes Mason’s worth adding to your regular rotation. There are plenty of sides—get the spicy pig ear, skip the bao—plus fish dumplings and vegan options, too, so you can take pretty much anyone. Whether it’s for a quick XLB fix, an early dinner, or a hangover brunch, just be prepared to order too many dumplings." - Andrew Ryce
"Dumplins is a dumpling pop-up founded by Jodi Lin, a Los Angeles County public defender. The menu is inspired by Lin’s diverse experiences and her Taiwanese American heritage. The venue offers unique dumplings with various fillings such as Taiwanese beef noodle soup, Midnight in Paris, Chef Curry, Miso Corny, and Kalbi Dumplin. Each dumpling is designed to be a complete package with sauce included in the filling. Dumplins' dessert options include Red Bean Mochi and fried purple sweet potato dumplings with coconut milk custard. The pop-up often collaborates with other local vendors, like Moderno Cocina, and has popped up in locations such as Civil Coffee in Highland Park and Las Perlas in West Hollywood." - Andrew Watman
"The ironic dinner your friends planned at Island’s Burgers in Pasadena was never going to be a good idea. Now, you’re staring at a dried out beef patty that looks like it was thrown point-blank into a windmill, and you’re pissed. Pick up your phone, act like you got a text, shriek, “Oh god, not Denise!” and get the f*ck out of there. You’re heading to Mason’s in Highland Park. This order-at-the-counter spot has our favorite Asian dumplings outside the SGV. Make sure the pan-fried pork dumplings, angus beef bun, and seaweed salad need to be in your bag." - brant cox
