Frequently Asked Questions

Soup dumplings, known as Xiao Long Bao, are a type of Chinese steamed bun filled with seasoned meat and hot, flavorful broth. The soup is created by adding gelatin-rich stock to the filling, which melts when steamed. At Ugly Dumplings, we handcraft our soup dumplings fresh daily using traditional techniques passed down through generations.

To enjoy soup dumplings the traditional way: 1) Gently pick up the dumpling with chopsticks or a soup spoon. 2) Place it on your spoon. 3) Take a small bite to release steam and sip the broth first. 4) Then enjoy the rest of the dumpling. Be careful - the broth inside is hot!

Yes! We offer several vegetarian options including vegetable dumplings, vegetable fried rice, garlic string beans, cucumber salad, and various tofu dishes. Please let your server know about any dietary restrictions and they will guide you through our menu options.

Absolutely! All our dumplings are handmade fresh daily at each location. Our skilled dumpling makers fold each piece by hand using traditional techniques, ensuring the perfect wrapper-to-filling ratio and those signature pleats that make our dumplings special.

Ugly Dumplings focuses on authentic Chinese cuisine with an emphasis on handmade soup dumplings. We use traditional recipes and techniques while maintaining a modern, family-friendly atmosphere. Our colorful XLB varieties and commitment to fresh, quality ingredients set us apart.

We currently have 12+ open locations across the East Coast, including New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Virginia, Connecticut, and Delaware. We also have several exciting new locations coming soon in Texas, Florida, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. Visit our Locations page for the full list.

Hours vary by location, but most of our restaurants are open 7 days a week. Typical hours are 11:00 AM to 9:30 PM Sunday through Thursday, and 11:00 AM to 10:30 PM on Friday and Saturday. Please check your specific location for exact hours.

Yes, most of our locations offer convenient parking options. Many are located in shopping centers or malls with ample parking. Check your specific location for parking details.

Yes, we accept reservations at all our locations. You can make a reservation through our website or by calling your preferred location directly. We recommend reservations for parties of 6 or more, especially during peak dining hours.

Yes! All our locations offer takeout. Many locations also partner with popular delivery services. Call your local Ugly Dumplings or check delivery apps to see availability in your area.

Online ordering availability varies by location. Please contact your nearest Ugly Dumplings directly or check popular delivery platforms to place an online order.

Yes! We offer full-service catering for events of all sizes, from intimate family gatherings to large corporate events. Our catering menu includes our signature soup dumplings, appetizers, entrees, and more. Contact us through our Catering page to discuss your event needs.

Absolutely! We love hosting large groups and celebrations. For parties of 15 or more, please contact the location directly to arrange seating and discuss menu options. We can create custom family-style menus for your event.

Private dining availability varies by location. Please contact your preferred location directly to inquire about private dining options for special events or business meetings.

While traditional dumplings contain gluten, we offer several gluten-free options including rice dishes, vegetable sides, and certain protein dishes. Please inform your server about gluten sensitivities, and they will help guide you through safe menu options.

Yes, we take food allergies seriously. Please inform your server of any allergies before ordering. Our staff can provide information about common allergens in our dishes and help you make safe choices.

We use minimal MSG in our cooking. If you prefer dishes without MSG, please let your server know and we will do our best to accommodate your request.