Eloy Y.
Yelp
Paying homage to the centuries-old cooking techniques of Shanghai, this establishment went from modest street snacks to amazing dishes.
Located at Aviation Plaza in Linden, I've returned to Ugly Dumpling, which is a restaurant chain and has truly set a new standard for Chinese cuisine in the area where a few of my colleagues came for lunch today during their soft opening.
Greeted by the host, we got a table immediately. Their interior featured a huge dining area, a bar, and a bao station where diners can watch chefs make dumplings, wontons, and dim sum in a contemporary design that was well-lit with lots of natural light exposure.
With its signature dish being Xiao Long Bao, a Chinese dumpling filled with rich, delicious soup broth served in bamboo steaming baskets, their menu mirrors Din Tai Fung in Midtown Manhattan with dim sums, wontons, fried rice, noodles, salads, and desserts, but with much more reasonable pricing.
We decided on the Cucumber Salad, Green Beans with Garlic, Chicken Fried Rice, Ugly Dumpling Sampler, and Pork, Shrimp, and Spinach Dumplings to share.
The food presentation was simple and clean. Everything was fresh, hot, and delicious. First timer for some of us on having the Cucumber salad, which was unique and flavored really well. Each dumpling filling was bursting with flavor, and the wrapper was perfectly cooked.
One of the standout aspects of our visit was the exceptional service from Jeff, our server, who was incredibly helpful, friendly, and attentive. He guided us through the menu with expertise. We also had the pleasure of exchanging words with the manager, Robert.
We had a wonderful dining experience and can't wait to try others on the menu, which we can recommend.