DUMPLING REVIEW: Dumpling Galaxy in New York City

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

SADLY, DUMPLING GALAXY IS NOW CLOSED.

For me, too many options are both a blessing and a curse. I am terrible at making decisions mostly because I want a little bit of everything. So you can imagine how overwhelming Dumpling Galaxy was for me.

The new Flushing restaurant has a menu of 100 different dumpling fillings. And frustratingly, they don’t offer a combo plate. So I had to choose between things like dried octopus and chives, curry beef, and egg with dill. Where to begin??

Fortunately, I had limited time (and was hungry) so I couldn’t take too long agonizing over the different options. Plus, the prices are moderate so I decided to pick three full plates (that’s 18 dumplings in total) to get just a small taste of what they do at this dumpling temple.

The restaurant is owned by chef Helen You, who also runs the tiny nearby Tianjin Dumpling, nestled in the Golden Mall. Dumpling Galaxy is also in a mall (the new Arcadia Mall), but is quite large with many modern, private booths and a clean, sleek atmosphere to boot. This is not where I’m used to slurping down authentic dumplings in NYC.

But these are as good as any you’ll get in your typical hole-in-the-wall. Better, even.

I started with a play on the usual pork and chive. Here, the minced pork was mixed with bitter melon, an ingredient I’m not terribly familiar with. The juicy bites had that usual sweet and porky flavor, but it faded into an herbal, bitterness that was quite interesting and enjoyable. I can’t imagine it would be for everyone, but I quite liked the flavor intensity that helped cut through the richness.

I also chose a vegetable option – Mushroom and Eggplant. I love those two vegetables on their own and in full-on dishes, but never really tried them in a dumpling. Of the three dumplings I tried, these were the least successful. It’s ridiculous to say there wasn’t enough meat to the filling (since it’s vegetarian), but it did lack some substance. It was crunchy with a subtle earthiness, but suffered from not enough spice or seasoning.

My favorite of the three was the Cod with Fish Roe dumpling. I’m not used to a fish dumpling of this style and I really loved it. The tender wrappers hid a soft butteriness from the cod and bits of pop from the roe. I found them to be sweet and rich with a delicate, clean finish.

All three versions were masterfully boiled (they also offer fried dumplings and dessert variations) and maintained a juicy exterior around an irresistible wrapper. The two brown sauces add tang and sweetness and if it wasn’t for the fact that I had places to be, I might have even ordered another round.

Since these are just 3 of 100 mind-boggling combinations, you know I’ll be back. And next time, I’ll bring some friends. Friends means more dumplings!!!

Does Dumpling Galaxy make the best dumplings in NY? Skip the usual pork/chive combo here because the dumplings are inventive and prepared with perfection. 9 out of 10.