Tucked into a corner of St. Marks Place, Dumpling N’ Dips is dishing up a wide variety of (you guessed it) dumplings and dipping sauces. Open from 12-10 p.m. from Sunday to Thursday and 12-11p.m. from Friday and Saturday, it might just be the next perfect spot for NYU students to grab a late night bite to eat with their friends and satisfy a craving.
Located at 5 St. Marks Place, Dumpling N’ Dips serves many different kinds of Thai homemade dumplings, ranging from crab fried rice to tom yum and chicken pad thai. In addition, they have several kinds of classic dumplings in flavors such as mushroom taro, chicken, octopus and shrimp. Their dips include a Dumpling N’ Dips chili oil, a spicy mala chili sauce, a sweet soy sauce and a spicy lime sauce. The sweet soy sauce pairs well with everything on the menu and adds a delightful umami flavor. Though the restaurant is most well known for its specialty dumplings and their accompanying sauces, they also offer kale or egg noodles and several different sides, such as kimchi or vegetable soup. There are a number of vegetarian and vegan options across the menu.
For an undeniably delicious classic, Dumpling N’ Dips’ chicken dumplings are here for you. The salted egg yolk that tops off the savory treat perfectly elevates a flavor that could easily fall to the background. It would be far too easy to eat an entire tray of these dumplings without thinking twice.
The mushroom taro dumplings are another classic, and they are a great vegetarian option as well. The shiitake mushroom flavor is subtle, but it’s welcome alongside the corn and green peas that accompany the bulk of the filling.
Though the octopus tail might look intimidating peeking out from the green octopus Dumplings, it is a great option for seafood lovers and haters alike. The dumpling also contains chicken, and its flavors are wonderfully balanced out with garlic, scallions and cilantro. It’s certainly a more adventurous option for someone who doesn’t eat seafood often, but it will lead to satisfaction just like the many other dumplings that are available.
The price point of this restaurant is perfect for college students looking for delicious food without breaking the bank. A four-piece dumpling order starts at just $6.95 for most of their most popular flavors, and ranges up to $10.00 for their more signature dishes. In a city where it can be far too easy to spend $6.95 on a morning coffee, that same price for a satisfying meal is definitely a reason to try out this spot. Not to mention, NYU students get 15 percent off if you show your student ID.
The restaurant itself is bathed in warm neon lighting–the perfect setting for a late night conversation or hang out. It’s small and intimate, but it has ample seating options for the space (and a takeaway option). The menu has something for everyone. Long time dumpling lovers will be able to find a new favorite, and people who have never tried dumplings before will fall in love with familiar classics. Grab some oolong tea and chive dumplings and enjoy the coziness that the perfect comfort meal can offer. This spot is on its way to becoming a St. Marks classic spot, and it will definitely be a new go-to place for my friends and I as we celebrate the end of the semester and stay up far too late studying for finals.