DUMPLING REVIEW: The Tang

My search for the best dumplings in New York continues….

SADLY, THE TANG IS NOW CLOSED.

My life is so hard. I was putting together a private tour for a group that wanted to taste different international food in the East Village. The Tang was on the route and I already had a great meal of brisket noodles and excellent turnip cakes here.

I knew the turnip cakes would be a hit, but I thought it also made sense to get the group some dumplings. Problem was I never tasted The Tang’s dumplings. So one day, I had to order myself an entire order to test them out. For work. This is what I get paid for.

On my dumpling journey, I have mostly stuck with places that specialize in dumplings rather than general Chinese restaurants. But that might have been a mistake because the dumplings here are some of the best I’ve tasted in a while.

As an appetizer, you receive a hefty plate of dumplings. They are gussied up with sesame seeds, scallions, and a brown soy based dumpling sauce.

Inside the thin tender skins is juicy pork, potent scallions, and bits of garlic. But the real star here is the garlic chili oil that sticks to the delicate wrappers and bursts with flavor. It had a slight sweetness balanced by some tangy vinegar and a kiss of heat. I detected the slightest numbing spice which I assumed came from Szechuan peppercorns. I asked the cashier if that was it, but she didn’t think so.

Well, whatever it was, it was spicy, complex, and made for a great plate of dumplings. I especially enjoyed the extra layer of texture from all of the toppings. And I can tell you these were a hit with the tour group I brought by. My work here is done.

Does The Tang have the best dumplings in NY? They are not your typical dumpling house, but instead a fast casual Chinese restaurant serving great composed plates and the spicy, garlicky, textured dumplings are no exception. 8 out of 10.