Ugly Dumpling MenuPrices, Best Dishes & Locations
Explore the complete Ugly Dumpling menu with latest 2026 prices, signature soup dumplings (XLB), and top-rated dishes. From juicy pork dumplings to wok-fired noodles and boba drinks, find everything you need in one place.
Discover best sellers, full menu categories, and all locations near you, plus practical tips on how to order and enjoy XLB the right way.
Ugly Dumpling is a fast-casual Chinese restaurant chain known for handmade Xiao Long Bao (XLB), dim sum, wok-fired noodles and boba. There are currently 15 open restaurants and 18 more in development, from Edison, NJ to new sites in Florida, Texas, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky and Louisiana.
This independent guide collects the menu, reference prices and location details in one place so you can decide what to order before you go.
What Is Ugly Dumpling?
Ugly Dumpling is a Shanghai street food inspired restaurant brand whose menu is built around xiao long bao, the hand-pleated soup dumpling. Its early New Jersey restaurants, including Edison on Route 1, built the following that the chain now takes to new states. It has since grown into a multi-state chain with restaurants from New York to Florida and Texas.
The brand explains the name through the story of the ugly duckling: a humble street snack that became a celebrated dish.
What makes Ugly Dumpling different:
- ✓ Dumplings handmade and folded fresh every morning before service
- ✓ Hand-pleated Shanghai-style Xiao Long Bao
- ✓ Dumpling-making station (Bao Lab) visible at many locations
- ✓ Hot broth sealed inside every soup dumpling
- ✓ Modern, clean, fast-casual atmosphere built for families, groups, and solo diners
- ✓ Menu that covers dumplings, noodles, wok dishes and boba in one place
How to Eat Soup Dumplings the Right Way
XLB are filled with piping-hot broth. Eating them wrong means burning your mouth or losing all the soup. Here's the technique every regular uses:
This nibble-and-sip method keeps the broth in the spoon and off your shirt.
All Ugly Dumpling Locations (2026)
Open Now (15 Locations)
Currently operating restaurants.
| Location | Address | Phone | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hamden, CT | 2335 Dixwell Ave, Hamden, CT 06514 | (203) 987-6088 | View guide |
| Newark, DE | 140 East Main St, Newark, DE 19711 | (302) 273-5828 | View guide |
| Bowie, MD | 2019 St. Josephs Dr #105, Bowie, MD 20721 | (301) 531-5888 | View guide |
| Frederick, MD (Express) | 5267 Buckeystown Pike, Frederick, MD 21704 | (301) 732-7705 | View guide |
| Delran, NJ | 4000 US-130, Delran, NJ 08075 | (856) 317-6888 | View guide |
| Edison, NJ | 561 US-1, Edison, NJ 08817 | (732) 317-8396 | View guide |
| Holmdel, NJ | 2130 NJ-35, Suite 6, Holmdel, NJ 07733 | (848) 294-7188 | View guide |
| Linden, NJ | 661 W Edgar Rd, Linden, NJ 07036 | (908) 257-0802 | View guide |
| Morris Plains, NJ | 1711 Route 10, Morris Plains, NJ 07950 | (973) 370-8989 | View guide |
| Bronx (Bay Plaza), NY | 270 Baychester Ave #119, Bronx, NY 10475 | (718) 750-8231 | View guide |
| Lake Grove (Smith Haven), NY | 328 Smith Haven Mall, Lake Grove, NY 11755 | (631) 866-0280 | View guide |
| Scarsdale, NY | 999 Central Park Ave, Scarsdale, NY 10583 | (914) 651-8087 | View guide |
| Austin, TX | 10000 Research Blvd, Ste LL01A, Austin, TX 78759 | (512) 828-3185 | View guide |
| Fairfax, VA | 11947U Fair Oaks Mall G 213, Fairfax, VA 22033 | (703) 382-2088 | View guide |
| Richmond, VA | 1601 Willow Lawn Dr #840, Richmond, VA 23230 | (804) 251-1031 | View guide |
Coming Soon (18 Locations in Development)
Not open yet. Phone numbers are released when a restaurant opens.
| Location | Address | Status | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plainville, CT | 290 New Britain Ave, Plainville, CT 06062 | In development | View guide |
| Gainesville, FL | 3075 Clark Butler Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32608 | In development | View guide |
| Kissimmee, FL | 7798 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, Kissimmee, FL 34747 | In development | View guide |
| Tampa, FL | 19601 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL 33647 | Under construction | View guide |
| West Des Moines, IA | 7105 Mills Civic Pkwy, Suite 150, West Des Moines, IA 50266 | In development | View guide |
| Wichita, KS | 11423 E 13th St N, Wichita, KS 67206 | In development | View guide |
| Louisville, KY | 1850 S Hurstbourne Pkwy #150, Louisville, KY 40220 | In development | View guide |
| New Orleans, LA | 601 Poydras St B, New Orleans, LA 70130 | In development | View guide |
| Seekonk, MA | 1105 Fall River Ave, Seekonk, MA 02771 | In development | View guide |
| White Marsh (Nottingham), MD | 8019 Honeygo Blvd, Nottingham, MD 21236 | In development | View guide |
| Clifton, NJ | 110 Kingsland Rd, Clifton, NJ 07014 | In development | View guide |
| Springfield (Union), NJ | 40 Route 22 West, Springfield, NJ 07081 | In development | View guide |
| Levittown, NY | 3535 Hempstead Tpke, Levittown, NY 11756 | In development | View guide |
| New Hyde Park, NY | 1532 Union Turnpike, New Hyde Park, NY 11040 | In development | View guide |
| Cranston, RI | 2000 Chapel View Blvd, Cranston, RI 02920 | In development | View guide |
| Columbia, SC | 280 Harbison Blvd, Columbia, SC 29212 | In development | View guide |
| Allen, TX | 213 N Central Expy, Allen, TX 75013 | In development | View guide |
| Virginia Beach, VA | 4554 Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23462 | In development | View guide |
Other Restaurants Named Ugly Dumpling (Not Affiliated)
These restaurants share the name but are not part of the Ugly Dumpling chain and do not serve its menu.
| Location | Address | Phone | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| London, UK | 1 Newburgh St, Carnaby, London W1F 7RB | +44 7539 614694 | View guide |
| Jacksonville, FL | 5903 University Blvd W, Jacksonville, FL 32216 | (904) 527-3363 | View guide |
| Portland, OR | 338 NW 6th Ave, Portland, OR 97209 | (503) 484-8255 | View guide |
| Vancouver, BC | 1590 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5L 3Y2 | Not listed | View guide |
Dietary & Allergen Guide
Ugly Dumpling is built for everyone at the table. Here's what's available across most locations:
Vegetarian-friendly
Vegan Dumplings, Cucumber Salad, Garlic String Beans, Egg Fried Rice
Vegan options
Available at most locations on request
Gluten-free
Very limited, since wrappers, noodles and soy sauce contain wheat. Ask your server before ordering
Always notify staff of any allergies before placing your order so the kitchen can accommodate you properly.
The Perfect First Visit Order
Not sure where to start? Here's the combination regulars recommend for anyone visiting Ugly Dumpling for the first time:
XLB Sampler: covers all signature soup dumpling flavors in one order
Pan-Fried Pork Buns: crispy bottom, soft and fluffy top, rich pork filling
Pork Chop Fried Rice: the single most-ordered dish on the wok menu
Brown Sugar Boba: the ideal way to finish the meal
This combination balances the full Ugly Dumpling experience: steamed, pan-fried, wok-fired, and refreshing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Xiao Long Bao (XLB)?
Xiao Long Bao are Shanghai-style soup dumplings: thin-skinned, hand-pleated, and filled with seasoned meat and a gelatin-rich stock that melts into hot broth during steaming. The pleated top seals the broth inside, which is why you eat them from a spoon.
Are Ugly Dumpling dumplings made fresh every day?
According to the official Ugly Dumpling website, soup dumplings are handmade fresh daily in each restaurant's Bao Lab. Freshness of other items can vary by location.
Does Ugly Dumpling have vegetarian or vegan options?
Yes. Vegan Dumplings, Cucumber Salad, Garlic String Beans, and Vegetable Fried Rice are available at most locations. Gluten-free options are available on request. Always inform staff of your dietary needs.
Do I need a reservation?
Ugly Dumpling describes itself as fast-casual, so most visits are walk-in. On busy weekend evenings, especially at high-volume locations like Edison, NJ and Hamden, CT, arriving early or off-peak helps avoid a wait.
Does Ugly Dumpling offer catering?
Yes, catering is available at select locations. Contact your nearest Ugly Dumpling directly to discuss catering packages and pricing.
Can I adjust spice levels?
Yes. Dishes like the Szechuan Pork XLB and stir-fried noodles can typically be adjusted for spice level. Request your preference when ordering.
Does Ugly Dumpling serve alcohol?
The official website mentions handcrafted cocktails and a bar at some locations, but drink menus differ by restaurant. Check your location's menu or call ahead if alcohol matters for your visit.
Are the wrappers made with eggs?
Wrapper recipes may vary slightly by location. If you have an egg allergy, inform your server before ordering so the kitchen can advise accordingly.
Is Ugly Dumpling family-friendly?
Yes. The shared-plate format and a menu that includes popcorn chicken, fried rice and fries make it easy to feed kids and groups.
What are Ugly Dumpling's hours?
Hours vary by location. Check your specific location's page or search Ugly Dumpling on Google Maps for live hours and holiday schedules.
Why Ugly Dumpling Is Worth Every Bite
Ugly Dumpling stands out among fast-casual chains because the menu is built around a dish that takes real skill: the hand-pleated soup dumpling.
Soup dumplings are best eaten minutes after they leave the steamer, so a dine-in visit gives you the full experience. Takeout works better for pan-fried buns, wontons and fried rice.
With open or planned restaurants in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Florida, Texas, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana and South Carolina, Ugly Dumpling is quickly growing beyond its Northeast base.
Use the location table above to find your nearest restaurant, then open its page for the menu, status and ordering tips. Always confirm hours with the restaurant before a long drive.