House of Dumplings 水餃之家

Welcome to House of Dumplings 水餃之家, a Chinese restaurant located at 109 Appian Way in Union City, California. Operating within the Chinese Restaurant category, House of Dumplings has garnered praise from local users as a consistent and authentic "Mom and Pop" style dim sum spot, tucked away in an unassuming area. Situated in Union City, within the bustling Bay Area, it offers a diverse menu that extends beyond its namesake, providing a range of traditional Chinese dishes.

One enthusiastic reviewer described House of Dumplings as a "quintessential hole in the wall that is very unassuming, but boy does it hit the spot." This suggests that while the restaurant might not boast a flashy exterior, it delivers exceptionally flavorful and satisfying food. The reviewer even recommended it as a convenient stop for dinner to avoid traffic, implying a local favorite that is well worth seeking out.

A unique offering highlighted by a customer is the availability of "frozen apps!" Patrons have the option to purchase frozen appetizers, such as pork buns, to take home and prepare themselves. This provides a convenient way to enjoy the delicious flavors of House of Dumplings in the comfort of one's own home and is suggested as a way to become "the popular one" by serving these treats.

Several specific dishes received high praise from a satisfied customer who ordered a variety of items, including XLBs (xiao long bao or soup dumplings), string beans, beef noodle soup (requested spicy), spicy dumplings, and 3 flavor dumplings. All five dishes were declared "delicious!" This indicates a consistent level of quality across different categories of their menu.

The string beans were specifically lauded as "tasty, garlicky, wok fried to perfection" and a "Great side addition to our mains." This detailed description highlights the skillful preparation and flavorful seasoning of a seemingly simple dish.

The "3 flavor" dumplings were recommended as a "great taster’s item if you can’t decide what you want." This suggests a sampler option that allows diners to experience a variety of their dumpling offerings. The reviewer also noted that "All the dim sum are well portioned for someone hungry patrons so eat up!" indicating generous servings.

The spicy dumplings were described as "Amazing!" with their greatness attributed to their simplicity: pork and Napa cabbage dumplings served with a spicy chili crunch. This highlights a well-executed dish with a focus on quality ingredients and a flavorful spicy kick.

The XLB, or soup dumplings, were acknowledged as a "pretty standard gout a dim sum place now," but the reviewer emphasized that the difference at House of Dumplings is that "it tastes homemade!" This suggests a level of care and authenticity in their preparation that sets them apart from more generic versions.

The beef noodle soup received an exceptionally enthusiastic review, with the customer exclaiming, "Excuse me??! Did you say top tier ? Thought so…" It was described as a "mix of canton style thick noodles, tender tender beef in a savory and tasty beef broth." The customer's request to make it spicy was also met with satisfaction, as it was indeed spicy and enjoyed "every spoonful." This strong endorsement positions the beef noodle soup as a standout dish.

Overall, this reviewer concluded that House of Dumplings is a "great great spot that not too many people would ever think to stop by, but I assure you, you’d be missing out." They even recommended skipping the lines at other popular places and coming here instead, promising that "you won’t regret it!" This serves as a strong testament to the quality and value offered by this unassuming restaurant.

Another customer described House of Dumplings as a "small, nice, neighborhood plaza Chinese restaurant with a very authentic menu that more than just dumplings." This reinforces the idea that while dumplings are a specialty, the restaurant offers a broader range of traditional Chinese dishes. The reviewer also mentioned that if there's something not listed on the menu, customers can ask, and the kitchen "may be able to make it," indicating a willingness to accommodate requests.

This customer echoed the praise for the beef noodle soup and soup dumplings as their personal favorites. Additionally, they mentioned that their brother loves the sesame noodles, a dish they reportedly have difficulty finding at most other places, suggesting that House of Dumplings offers some unique or less common items.

Regarding the dining environment, it was noted that "Dine in seating is limited to five tables," indicating a small and intimate space. However, the reviewer also mentioned that they have "never had an issue getting a table" and that the staff is "very accommodating," suggesting efficient management of the limited seating.

Finally, one reviewer highlighted an unexpected but appreciated detail: "I don’t know what it is, but they have the best jasmine tea." This seemingly minor point speaks to the overall quality and attention to detail at the restaurant, with the customer even bringing a container to take any leftover tea home.

Based on the consistent positive feedback, the environment of House of Dumplings is likely cozy and intimate due to its small size. It is described as a "Mom and Pop" style establishment and a "nice, neighborhood plaza Chinese restaurant," suggesting a casual and welcoming atmosphere focused on the food and service rather than elaborate decor. The limited seating capacity might sometimes lead to a short wait, but the accommodating nature of the staff seems to mitigate this.

The services offered by House of Dumplings include dine-in (albeit with limited seating) and take-out. The availability of frozen appetizers for purchase is a unique and convenient feature. The staff is consistently described as friendly and accommodating, willing to go the extra mile for customers, even potentially preparing dishes not explicitly listed on the menu. The efficient service, despite the small size, is also noted.

Features of House of Dumplings include its authentic "Mom and Pop" style dim sum and traditional Chinese cuisine, with a focus on homemade flavors. Highly recommended dishes include their XLB (soup dumplings), beef noodle soup, spicy dumplings, 3 flavor dumplings, and flavorful string beans. The availability of unique items like sesame noodles and the option to request off-menu dishes add to its appeal. The generous portion sizes and reasonable prices, while not explicitly stated as a feature, are implied by the positive reviews. The exceptional jasmine tea is another notable, albeit smaller, feature.

Currently, there is no specific promotional information available in the provided reviews. Local users interested in any special offers or discounts are encouraged to contact House of Dumplings directly via phone at (510) 324-8868 or +1 510-324-8868.

In conclusion, House of Dumplings 水餃之家 in Union City presents itself as a hidden culinary gem offering delicious and authentic Chinese cuisine, specializing in flavorful dim sum and a variety of traditional dishes. Its unassuming location belies the quality of its food, with standout items like the homemade-tasting XLB and the top-tier beef noodle soup receiving high praise. The friendly and accommodating service, coupled with the option to purchase frozen appetizers, further enhances its appeal. While the dine-in seating is limited, the overall positive experiences shared by customers strongly suggest that House of Dumplings is a worthwhile destination for local users seeking a genuine and satisfying Chinese dining experience.