Michelle Y.
Yelp
Food: 5/5
Drinks: 4/5
Service: 5/5
Ambiance: 5/5
Seating: 3/5
Parking: 5/5
Uncle Dumpling is my favorite Soup Dumpling spot in all of the Sacramento area. When you turn into the plaza it looks inconspicuous and almost like you're turning into an apartment complex and that's because it's the backside of the shopping plaza. There is lots of free parking in the large, public parking lot. Walking up to the restaurant, you'll see other stores and the big courtyard with trees makes this a cozy spot to bring friends or family. There's outdoor seating in the front too.
We came in October, at 4:30pm on a Saturday right when it reopened from lunch break and we were immediately sat down. This spot does become busy and was full within 20 minutes so come early or expect a wait. The customer service was fantastic: friendly and quick, and our waitress checked on us occasionally and the food came out in a timely manner.
The ambiance is great for friends and family. It was cool and conditioned inside, though you could opt to sit outside if the weather permits. The noise wasn't too loud and they have large glass windows looking into the kitchen so you can watch your dumplings being made! The seating was standard wooden chairs, very sturdy but hard so can get tiring to sit for long periods of time.
Now the food, I cannot rave about it enough. I love the soup dumplings (xiao long bao) so much, highly recommend trying the Truffle Berkshire one! It's got a good amount of soup and pork ratio. It comes with a ginger + red vinegar sauce and you can add more chili oil, vinegar, or soy sauce at your table. We also ordered the Spicy Wonton which personally I did not find too spicy. The Pan Fried Pork Popstickers is my favorite appetizer, they fry the bottom so it's very crispy, definitely recommend.
For dessert we had to order the Chocolate Xiao Long Bao which is a lot smaller than the normal soup dumplings but just as tasty. Perfectly bite-sized, these mini dumplings are taste like warm chocolate pudding exploding in your mouth.
For drinks I personally ordered and tried the Summer Lychee Fruit Tea which was great. It had bits of blended lychee and was refreshing. There was boba which personally I felt wasn't cooked perfectly, next time I would ask for no boba. Overall, great drinks!
I have been here five times now and the excellent food and customer service has been consistent. I will continue to return here, I hope you can visit some time too!