• Banner 1
  • Banner 2
  • Banner 3

Welcome to Dumpling Express

At Dumpling Express, our journey began with a passion for authentic dim sum and a commitment to community. Nestled in Berkeley, CA, we pride ourselves on our generous servings and friendly service, making every visit feel like a home-cooked meal. Specializing in cozy classics like BBQ pork buns, shrimp har gow, and delightful sweet custard buns, our menu caters to every palate, including many vegetarian options. We believe in using fresh ingredients and crafting dishes that bring comfort and joy. With the warmth of our staff and the love in our food, Dumpling Express is where families gather, friends connect, and memories are made over delicious dumplings.

Dumpling Express: Reviews & Ratings

Megan B.
Megan B.

Peter is always sweet and caring! He adds extra dumplings if they came out small. My partner and I always get the fried potstickers, BBQ pork bun, and sweet custard bun. Support a local business and stop by here!!

Jerico O.
Jerico O.

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.

Anna H.
Anna H.

I'm Always happy to order to go my shrimp & pork Wonton soup, great flavor, Fresh ingredients, and one of my favorite things are their sesame balls are perfect, small size and plenty, the filling bean paste is the best I've had , and texture of the dough has the nice crisp. Service is prompt

L N.
L N.

I never write reviews, but this place really deserved a 6/5. The guy who was making our food was so nice and friendly, he gave us 8 pieces instead of 6, gave us so much for our wonton noodle soup, and offered to clean up our table when he totally didn't have to. The shrimp dumpling had just enough outer dough and all the stuffings were well seasoned. Writing this review in hopes of driving in more customers :) Made my day!

Jonnie M.
Jonnie M.

Really good food, the guy making food is nice and fast. Good for takeout. Daily specials are worth it.

Alokenanda L.
Alokenanda L.

Hole in the wall but an absolute gem when it comes to dumplings. Tasty and reasonably priced. Limited menu, nothing fancy. Just wholesome.

Elaine C.
Elaine C.

I love this place. It's small and not super noticeable, but the food is so yummy and reminiscent of my childhood. They sell both frozen and ready to eat dumplings/buns, so I'll usually take some frozen dumplings home for a quick and easy meal. What I've tried so far: Frozen pork dumplings--20 for $10. Must have. Steamed taro buns--so soft and fluffy. Not too sweet. Steamed BBQ pork buns--a more subtle flavor than most dim sum places. I find it refreshing. Shrimp har gow--nothing special, but enjoy with black vinegar The owner is super friendly and is a one man job. He always makes sure you have sauces if you need them and offers directions on how to cook frozen items. Note that there are only a couple small tables inside. It's really more of a takeout place.

Sandra F.
Sandra F.

Ordered from door dash during peak commute time. It seemed like the food was prepared fairly quickly, but the driver was stuck in traffic getting from Berkeley to Oakland, about 30 min. Even though I had to reheat the food, it was all really good. I'll definitely order again, but will drive over there instead. Both the sesame buns and dumplings were perfectly fried, not oily at all. I can never finish an entire steamed pork bun, they were the perfect size with the right pork to bun ratio.

Howell L.
Howell L.

I ordered their Shanghai Soup Dumplings over Snackpass the other day and, when I arrived, the man working there very kindly explained to me that they actually have a deal right now where you receive a free bun with your soup dumplings and he had already packed an egg custard bun with my soup dumplings. The place is very small and tucked away near Unit 1 around the side of Artichoke's. There's a table inside to sit and wait while they steam and package your dumplings. It's a very neat and clean place to pickup your food with a charming water fountain at the front behind a glass wall. You can place an order outside at a little Snackpass booth; I'm not sure if they accept cash. Despite only having one person working, they are relatively quick to package. The wait is never too long. When you receive your order, the person working there offers you soy sauce, napkins, and chopsticks. In terms of food, I have had the Shanghai Soup Dumplings, an Egg Custard Bun, Pork Gyoza, and the Pork and Shrimp Shumai. The soup dumplings are nice and hot. The burst of flavor of the soup is wonderful. I'm not a big fan of fried dumplings, so they aren't normally to my taste. I will note that the pork gyoza were excellently fried and crispy and came with a side of sauce. The pork and shrimp shumai had perfectly cooked shrimp that were a great texture. I really recommend asking for a packet of soy sauce if you get this. Finally, their egg custard bun is really a delight to eat. Soft and perfectly sweet, the first bite into the bun is always the best feeling in the world, and I love saving the bun for last. The filling isn't sickly sweet which can be a risk with custard fillings but instead manages to be light and nice. One note: To keep the gyoza from becoming soggy, their packages have holes cut in them for airing them out. Additionally, its possible for other to go boxed to leak a little. I highly recommend getting a bag to carry your food in if you can't carry it in your hand, and don't put anything you don't want getting messy in the bag with the food. It's a very minor and easy to avoid mess, just beware of putting important documents with your food haha Overall, wonderful food, considerate service, and chill atmosphere all available on Telegraph.

Location

Welcome to Dumpling Express, a cozy haven for dim sum lovers located at 2328 Bowditch St, Berkeley, CA 94704. This charming establishment has carved out a niche for itself in the bustling culinary landscape of Berkeley, where flavorful dumplings reign supreme.

Dumpling Express stands out not only for its hearty offerings but also for its commitment to customer satisfaction. Customers rave about the warm atmosphere, where friendly staff like Peter elevate your dining experience, often providing generous portions and the occasional extra dumpling. The restaurant embraces a casual vibe, making it a great spot for families, students, or anyone looking to enjoy delicious comfort food while catching up with friends.

Highlights of the Menu

The star of Dumpling Express is undeniably its dishes. Let’s dive into what’s cooking:

  • Shanghai Soup Pork Dumpling – At just $7.35, these delicate parcels burst with rich flavor, a must-try for any dumpling enthusiast.
  • Fried Potstickers – A customer favorite, these crispy delights are a fantastic way to start your meal.
  • Vegetarian Dumpling – Priced at $7.00, this option showcases the freshness of the ingredients and proves that vegetarian doesn’t mean boring.
  • BBQ Pork Bun – Indulge in the rich charm of this bun, simply perfect with three pieces for $5.50.
  • Sweet Egg Custard Bun – If you have a sweet tooth, don’t miss out on these delightful treats, available in a trio for $5.00.

The menu also features an array of drinks, including Thai Iced Tea and Vietnamese Iced Coffee, both offered at $5.50, which pair beautifully with any dish.

A Warm Community Feel

What truly sets Dumpling Express apart is its devoted customer base. Regulars often recount their warm experiences, highlighting the personal touches that make each visit special. One patron, Megan B., fondly notes how the staff accommodates her and her partner with extra dumplings. Jerico O., another loyal customer, affectionately describes the establishment as a place where “everybody knows your name.”

Whether you opt for dining in or taking out, the atmosphere is always inviting, with moderate noise that makes it suitable for conversation. The availability of catering and options for large groups ensures that Dumpling Express can cater to parties big and small.

Final Thoughts

Dumpling Express is a vibrant culinary gem in Berkeley, cultivating a sense of belonging while serving up mouthwatering dim sum. From the rich flavors of the dumplings to the exceptional hospitality from the team, each visit promises not just a meal, but an experience. Next time you find yourself in the area, make sure to stop by for a memorable feast. Trust me, you won’t want to miss it!

For more information, feel free to call (510) 204-9283. Whether you’re craving lunch, dinner, or a quick takeout, Dumpling Express has you covered. Enjoy!