The Dumpling Lady - Charlotte

Every time we go to Optimist Hall, we get dumplings. The shrimp chicken ones rate a 5 on their own but the sweet pork ones were more of a 3 so I?m rating in the middle. Loved the smashed cucumbers too. You can also bring home frozen ones to cook athome but I prefer them cooked by the experts.

Where 5 is average...Chengdu Dumplings are 7/10 (and their best variety from what Ive had). They were large dumplings and smother in good chili oil. Def Noodles are 5/10. The noodles are way too overcooked. I got the Sichuan Pork Noodles. Flavor wasok. Noodles were 20 seconds from mush. Wanted to try the soup dumplings but not for an extra 30 min wait. Anyways, service wasawesome. People are great. We bought a pint jar of their chili oil because it is really good.

The filling was so salty, and they tipped the dumplings with soy sauce. I had to drink so much water after I had eaten this. it is also sad because I had to end eating it (because it was so expensive and I didn't want to waste my money). I pray for less salt for all those who eat this noodle

An Asian food stall located in Optimist Hall! Plenty of parking and indoor seating that can get crowded during the weekend. I like that they give you a buzzer so you can walk around or sit down while waiting for your food. We ordered the pork and vegetable soup dumplings, 5 for about $8. The quality of the dumplings actually surprised me! Decent amount of soup with a very strong umami and garlic flavor. The actual meat inside was delicious with bits of vegetables, and the dumpling wrapper was not too thick or doughy. The highlight of meal was their chili oil, I totally understand why they sell it by the bottle and charge 50 cents for extra with your order. It was a perfect balance of salty, sweet, spicy, sour. I love the dash of vinegar in it which helped cut through the meaty and fatty flavors of the dumplings. I am so excited to come back to try more of their dishes (probably their numerous noodle dishes) with their delicious chili oil! I may even consider ordering some to take home.

Where 5 is average...Chengdu Dumplings are 7/10 (and their best variety from what Ive had). They were large dumplings and smother in good chili oil. Def Noodles are 5/10. The noodles are way too overcooked. I got the Sichuan Pork Noodles. Flavor was ok. Noodles were 20 seconds from mush. Wanted to try the soup dumplings but not for an extra 30 min wait. Anyways, service was awesome. People are great. We bought a pint jar of their chili oil because it is really good.