Dumpling Kitchen

This place has something Berkeley often lacks: genuine inexpensive food. The soup dumpling are so satisfying, and all the little things make this place worth coming back to. It's got cheap made-to-order tea, porridge, and fried treats. You can't really go wrong.

Really good food, owner is really friendly and the area is nice

I have given 5 stars to only five restaurants on Planet Earth in my long life. They are in Barcelona, San Francisco, Santa Barbara, London, Porto . . .and, now, a sixth -- in Berkeley! I never dreamed a "fast-food" kitchen might earn that distinction, but the folks at Dumpling Express on Bowditch make exquisitely tasty, joyously fresh, piping hot soup dumplings and spinach-&-mushroom buns . . . and THE best siu mai I've ever tasted. I'm guessing you'll agree :-)

I knew it was going to be good just watching the owner cook, but it was even better than I thought. High-end dumplings cooked to order for deli prices.

Super kind and yummy food!! Plus they gave me a free egg custard bun! Definitely coming back!

really good dumplings, especially the soup dumplings. you can tell they take pride in their cooking and they take their time to make it right. friendly service too!

All the food was so good, and we were even given a free order of buns just because. This establishment has been here for over 10 years as well, great to support it. Thank you!

Love this place. Pretty cheap, huge portions, delicious and yummy Chinese food. No gluten free knowledge or anything really, and I have never tried the dumplings as I cannot eat wheat. But the rice plates are good for someone who isn't celiac. They give you a discount for paying with cash- usually about a dollar less than with a card.

Best place for dumplings!! I! Yummy, student-priced, very friendly owner. D.E make their own hot chili oil and fresh squeezed lemonade. They clearly take pride and care about what they do. It's not too much of a sit-down joint although there are a few places to sit. Dumping Express is the bomb!!!

not a sit down place but love getting pickup since the staff are always so friendly and nice!!! i’m super picky about dumplings that are not homemade by my family but their veggie dumplings are acceptable to me, great for cheap ish convenient food when i’m craving dumplings! they also often give u an extra bun or something so it’s a great deal :)

I'd been here a couple of times before, but never ordered much of their menu because I didn't want my dumplings in soup. This time, I went with a friend from China, who informed me that these were "soup dumplings", rather than "dumplings in soup". We ordered "soup dumplings" and boy was I missing out! These are great. I've gone back 3 times already. My goal is to try everything on their menu.

It was a one-man show when I went there. Fortunately, the one man excelled at everything! He was friendly, helped me navigate the menu, and answered my questions about menu items. Amazing delicious food with perfectly delicate textures. Reasonably priced, insofar as anything in the San Fran area can be referred to as such. My only suggestion would be to add all the ingredients for dumplings in the descriptions on the online menu. By doing so, I wouldn't need to ask as many questions. Dumplings in the photos: shrimp, pork+shrimp, and soup.

Great option whether you want a quick snack on the way to class or a whole picnic to enjoy on campus. Vegan options are clearly labeled on the menu. Everything is hot and fresh. I ordered the mushroom scallion buns and the red bean sesame balls, and they threw in some fried vegetable dumplings for free. I'd also recommend the taro buns for a sweet snack. They go great with a cup of coffee

I really like this place. I think it offers some of the best dumplings I’ve found in South Berkeley (near the university’s campus). With that said - there is nothing fancy going on here. The menu is relatively small. The interior of the place has a single table in it - which I’ve never seen someone try to use. But the guy running the place is friendly and does a good job with some classics (e.g. Xiaolongbao, Har Gow shrimp dumplings). This isn’t the kind of place you travel from out of town to eat at, but if you’re hankering for dumplings and your in South Berkeley, I haven’t found a better place yet. My only complaint is that sometimes the place is listed as open, but isn’t. Not a huge deal, cause the pizza place next to it is also good. But - there it is…

This is my favorite place to go for dumplings and buns in Berkeley! The food is always so fresh and the guy who cooks at/owns the restaurant is so friendly! Would highly recommend :)

Great food and reasonable price! The soup dumplings is so juicy, the free bun that came with the dumplings order is so soft. The bean curd pork noodle is made of wonton noodles, what an amazing combination. You can see timer set for each order so each order are cooked just right. No tips needed, really an awesome, honest shop with great food!

Best dumplings in town by a mile! You can’t go wrong with them - fresh, delicious, great pricing! They’ve got the entire package. And the owner is quite literally the best, super kind, and always willing to chat.

I got the pork dumplings with cabbage and they were amazing! Simple but nonetheless very tasty. Also super friendly staff!

Good dumplings, reasonable price. Really great place if you’re looking for a quick dumpling stop on Southside

Kat Williams

It was a one-man show when I went there. Fortunately, the one man excelled at everything! He was friendly, helped me navigate the menu, and answered my questions about menu items. Amazing delicious food with perfectly delicate textures. Reasonably priced, insofar as anything in the San Fran area can be referred to as such. My only suggestion would be to add all the ingredients for dumplings in the descriptions on the online menu. By doing so, I wouldn't need to ask as many questions. Dumplings in the photos: shrimp, pork+shrimp, and soup.

Alexandra Matthews

This is my favorite place to go for dumplings and buns in Berkeley! The food is always so fresh and the guy who cooks at/owns the restaurant is so friendly! Would highly recommend :)

Emily Jones

Great option whether you want a quick snack on the way to class or a whole picnic to enjoy on campus. Vegan options are clearly labeled on the menu. Everything is hot and fresh. I ordered the mushroom scallion buns and the red bean sesame balls, and they threw in some fried vegetable dumplings for free. I'd also recommend the taro buns for a sweet snack. They go great with a cup of coffee

Nicholas McNamara

I really like this place. I think it offers some of the best dumplings I’ve found in South Berkeley (near the university’s campus). With that said - there is nothing fancy going on here. The menu is relatively small. The interior of the place has a single table in it - which I’ve never seen someone try to use. But the guy running the place is friendly and does a good job with some classics (e.g. Xiaolongbao, Har Gow shrimp dumplings). This isn’t the kind of place you travel from out of town to eat at, but if you’re hankering for dumplings and your in South Berkeley, I haven’t found a better place yet. My only complaint is that sometimes the place is listed as open, but isn’t. Not a huge deal, cause the pizza place next to it is also good. But - there it is…

River Caruana

Best dumplings in town by a mile! You can’t go wrong with them - fresh, delicious, great pricing! They’ve got the entire package. And the owner is quite literally the best, super kind, and always willing to chat.

iris soh

Great food and reasonable price! The soup dumplings is so juicy, the free bun that came with the dumplings order is so soft. The bean curd pork noodle is made of wonton noodles, what an amazing combination. You can see timer set for each order so each order are cooked just right. No tips needed, really an awesome, honest shop with great food!

Grace Johnson

I got the pork dumplings with cabbage and they were amazing! Simple but nonetheless very tasty. Also super friendly staff!

Rohil Bhinge

Good dumplings, reasonable price. Really great place if you’re looking for a quick dumpling stop on Southside

This is my absolute favorite dumpling place!!! It’s affordable and delicious :) I’ve been a big fan of their steamed chicken dumplings and egg custard steamed buns for about 2 years now! Lovely costumer service that has never disappointed me. I would 100% recommend to anyone looking for homemade deliciousness !

i always come to eat their steamed chicken dumpling which is honestly a comfort food for me at this point. Absolutely delicious and healthy for me especially as someone with a sensitive stomach. also the guy running the shop is very sweet and amazing service.

Yesterday was my first time trying this place. I ordered over the phone and came to pick up right before closing. The gentleman behind the counter was so incredibly kind, he even added an extra shrimp dumpling to my order! It seems like a family business run with a lot of love and dedication, and you can tell from the food! The chicken and cabbage dumplings were exceptional!! So flavorful, and everything you’d want out of a dumpling. He offers an array of condiments, I got the black vinegar as well which paired really nicely with the dumplings. Can’t wait to come back to this place!!!

Food was great! A little slow but its a one man shop so that is impressive

The soup dumplings were soooo good. I did carryout twice and both times they put in a little dessert. If I lived in the area I would pre-order and then stop by to pick up. The other food I tried was also good. But the soup dumplings were everything. Num num num.

This place is the best! The brothers who run the shop are the friendliest and nicest. How’s that saying go, “sometimes when you want to go, where everybody knows your name” well this place is just that for me and my family. We are big fans of their soup dumplings & sesame seed balls but we probably have tried every dumpling they have. These guys don’t miss. Next time you’re in Berkeley on the southside of campus you gotta check them out.

Dumpling Express is my new obsession! Their menu’s got it all—dim sum, fried rice, noodle soup, you name it. I’m in love with their Pork Xiao Long Bao—those juicy soup dumplings are like little flavor bombs, especially with that ginger-vinegar dip. And the freshly made buns? So fluffy and warm, I could eat them all day! It’s a cozy little spot with a fun, bustling vibe, and the staff’s super nice. Got my food in like 10 minutes, and for around $8 for dumplings and $3 a bun, it’s such a steal. Every bite feels like a treat, and I’m already craving my next trip—maybe I’ll grab some noodle soup too!

I got the chicken and cabbage dumplings and they were really good! They were super fresh and perfect for my train ride. I also loved how affordable they were! 12 dumplings for $9!!

Hole in the wall with the best dumplings in the east bay. Owner makes it all himself.

This place is so good. I've always loved dumplings, pot stickers, anything of that sort. The dumplings are amazing! Whether steamed or fried and believe you m, I get both. I go about 3 times a week. Sometimes I go home and make ramen and add the steamed onesandd it's perfectio! The owner is really nice too.

Frank H

Hole in the wall with the best dumplings in the east bay. Owner makes it all himself.

Sarah Deeb

Yesterday was my first time trying this place. I ordered over the phone and came to pick up right before closing. The gentleman behind the counter was so incredibly kind, he even added an extra shrimp dumpling to my order! It seems like a family business run with a lot of love and dedication, and you can tell from the food! The chicken and cabbage dumplings were exceptional!! So flavorful, and everything you’d want out of a dumpling. He offers an array of condiments, I got the black vinegar as well which paired really nicely with the dumplings. Can’t wait to come back to this place!!!

Elk Ronnie

Great food and great staff! Not a place that you'd go to sit down and eat though

Christine Uhl

The soup dumplings were soooo good. I did carryout twice and both times they put in a little dessert. If I lived in the area I would pre-order and then stop by to pick up. The other food I tried was also good. But the soup dumplings were everything. Num num num.

Yesenia Garcia

I got the chicken and cabbage dumplings and they were really good! They were super fresh and perfect for my train ride. I also loved how affordable they were! 12 dumplings for $9!!

Jerico Osnas-Paguio

This place is the best! The brothers who run the shop are the friendliest and nicest. How’s that saying go, “sometimes when you want to go, where everybody knows your name” well this place is just that for me and my family. We are big fans of their soup dumplings & sesame seed balls but we probably have tried every dumpling they have. These guys don’t miss. Next time you’re in Berkeley on the southside of campus you gotta check them out.

Grace

Dumpling Express is my new obsession! Their menu’s got it all—dim sum, fried rice, noodle soup, you name it. I’m in love with their Pork Xiao Long Bao—those juicy soup dumplings are like little flavor bombs, especially with that ginger-vinegar dip. And the freshly made buns? So fluffy and warm, I could eat them all day! It’s a cozy little spot with a fun, bustling vibe, and the staff’s super nice. Got my food in like 10 minutes, and for around $8 for dumplings and $3 a bun, it’s such a steal. Every bite feels like a treat, and I’m already craving my next trip—maybe I’ll grab some noodle soup too!

Rosie

really good dumplings, especially the soup dumplings. you can tell they take pride in their cooking and they take their time to make it right. friendly service too!

LJ Jalfon

All the food was so good, and we were even given a free order of buns just because. This establishment has been here for over 10 years as well, great to support it. Thank you!

Abitihaj Wallace

This place is so good. I've always loved dumplings, pot stickers, anything of that sort. The dumplings are amazing! Whether steamed or fried and believe you m, I get both. I go about 3 times a week. Sometimes I go home and make ramen and add the steamed onesandd it's perfectio! The owner is really nice too.

I had the Hong Kong style fried rice and it was amazing; perfectly fried chicken, right amount of ingredients and good quantity for the price. One of the best fried rice dishes I've had in the Berkeley. Its a small restaurant, not much of an ambience and from the looks of it, less hygienic than usual. But the food seems to be delicious. College crowd is common.

Food prices increased here, descent Chinese food for the price you pay for. The portions are very generous as well. The bus are extremely small however, not worth its price. The XLB was decent as well, skin was hard. Will come back for Chinese food over all the other Chinese food restaurant in South Berkeley

The crab and pork soup dumplings are amazing!! The mushroom bun was also great. And I’m back in line to take some frozen soup dumplings home! Amazingly huge menu in a little space!

The menu is everywhere. Make sure you look all around to see everything they have. Dining space is small, only fitting about 10 people total. The dumplings are pretty good.

The Dumplings are delicious and the price is great. I got the daily special for $6. However, I usually eat a tiny breakfast and a big lunch and the portion wasn't quite big enough for me. Next time I'll probably order two items. Absolutely delicious though.

We had the soup dumplings, shrimp har gao, kim chee dumplings, some rice and steamed mushroom and egg custard buns. All were good. The kim chee dumplings were maybe a little under steamed, but still wonderful. Fully cooked on the inside they just seemed like the noodle outside could use a touch more cooking. Food wise I loved it. Seating was a problem though as it is very limited and they didn't have a restroom on-site.

Dumplings are perfect. But the kung pao chicken rice is a little too salty.

Randy Tanaka

We had the soup dumplings, shrimp har gao, kim chee dumplings, some rice and steamed mushroom and egg custard buns. All were good. The kim chee dumplings were maybe a little under steamed, but still wonderful. Fully cooked on the inside they just seemed like the noodle outside could use a touch more cooking. Food wise I loved it. Seating was a problem though as it is very limited and they didn't have a restroom on-site.

Tony Tseng

Dumplings are perfect. But the kung pao chicken rice is a little too salty.

Very disappointed. For a place that depends on student business it is pretty pricey. The quality of food isn't all that great either. Today was my second visit and I decided to try something different because the first time, I thought I might have ordered the wrong thing. This time I ordered Kung Pao over rice and you can tell their ingredients are old. The peanuts in my Kung Pao were stale. They had to be really old because they were not crunchy at all even after they fried them. It's a shame that we students allow these type of businesses to continue just because it's convinient for us since they are practically on campus. We need to hold them to higher standards, I mean we already depend on them to survive when we run from one class to the next and to pay allot of money for mediocre food at best is just diminishing our already low funds.

The food may pretty good, and prices decent, but the wait times are ridiculous and waiting in that tiny restaurant feels like standing in a very small closet. There is really no parking nearby, and good luck finding any parking on a Friday or Saturday night. Better to call your order in advance if ordering in the evenings or on the weekends.

The dumplings is pretty good and you can see they are making it fresh right there. That is the only thing I would order from this restaurant. I tried their rice dishes too but found that it is over seasoned and a bit hard for me to finish the dish. The place is pretty busy though as there are quite a few Asian students in UCB. There are some seats but not many. Also the cashier is not very friendly. In short, I would only go there when I have a hankering for dumplings.

I can say it’s the worst restaurant in all my life 0 customer service 0 cleanliness Restaurant is very dirty including tables and chairs Customer service is under 0 You give them money and they treat you badly with not respecting and ignoring you They made me wait for more than 45 min for only one small item even the restaurant was empty of customers and the end the food smelled bad it’s like you are eating food that was made a year ago I’d never ever go back again or recommend it to anyone