On a street in Chinatown you have probably never walked sits a wee eatery unremarkable for its ambiance, service, and selection. The square footage is minimal, the counter staff is brusque, and the menu is seven items long - a generous tally considering three items are beverages, and one is just a frozen version of another. Yet, you still need to know about this place. With the location comes charm, with the experience comes laughter, and above all else, Fried Dumpling might be the greatest value in Manhattan.
The menu is displayed on the glass window facing the street, and it reads like so:
Fried Dumpling - 5 pieces - $1.00
Fried Pork Bun - 4 pieces - $1.00
Soy Bean Juice - Small $0.75 - Large $1.50
Hot & Sour Soup - Small $1.00 - Large $2.00
Frozen Dumpling - 30 pieces - $5.00
Coffee - 1 cup - $0.50
Tea & Milk - 1 cup - $0.50
I mean...what? If you were to order everything, and large sizes at that, it would only cost $11.50, and you would burst from overindulgence - not to mention indigestion, as those thirty frozen dumplings probably wouldn't go down so easily. It is therefore possible to have a satisfying meal at Fried Dumpling for under $3.00, beverage included.
Now to be honest, the dumplings are not the best I have ever had given my preference for a thinner dough. However, they are by no means the worst, as that title has been reserved for a certain joint (that shall remain nameless) out on Long Island. Also, it turns out I hate warm soy bean juice, but for $0.75, it was worth trying. It was not, however, worth carrying around all day and trying again later after refrigeration...and then for a third time after adding a sweet green tea powdered mix...but we'll chalk that up to determination...and stupidity.
So next time you are in Chinatown, stroll south on Mott from Canal, and turn right when you reach Mosco Street. You will find Fried Dumpling situated on this narrow street that slopes gently west toward Columbus Park. Given the limited counter seating, you might opt to eat your purchase in the park, hustle it back to your office, or devour it on your way to tell your friends about the great deal you just found. Those who used to enjoy Fried Dumpling's now-closed location on Allen Street should be happy to learn their dream of tasty, cheap-ass, greasy food lives on.
Fried Dumpling - 106 Mosco Street, between Mott & Mulberry Streets
The menu is displayed on the glass window facing the street, and it reads like so:
Fried Dumpling - 5 pieces - $1.00
Fried Pork Bun - 4 pieces - $1.00
Soy Bean Juice - Small $0.75 - Large $1.50
Hot & Sour Soup - Small $1.00 - Large $2.00
Frozen Dumpling - 30 pieces - $5.00
Coffee - 1 cup - $0.50
Tea & Milk - 1 cup - $0.50
I mean...what? If you were to order everything, and large sizes at that, it would only cost $11.50, and you would burst from overindulgence - not to mention indigestion, as those thirty frozen dumplings probably wouldn't go down so easily. It is therefore possible to have a satisfying meal at Fried Dumpling for under $3.00, beverage included.
Now to be honest, the dumplings are not the best I have ever had given my preference for a thinner dough. However, they are by no means the worst, as that title has been reserved for a certain joint (that shall remain nameless) out on Long Island. Also, it turns out I hate warm soy bean juice, but for $0.75, it was worth trying. It was not, however, worth carrying around all day and trying again later after refrigeration...and then for a third time after adding a sweet green tea powdered mix...but we'll chalk that up to determination...and stupidity.
So next time you are in Chinatown, stroll south on Mott from Canal, and turn right when you reach Mosco Street. You will find Fried Dumpling situated on this narrow street that slopes gently west toward Columbus Park. Given the limited counter seating, you might opt to eat your purchase in the park, hustle it back to your office, or devour it on your way to tell your friends about the great deal you just found. Those who used to enjoy Fried Dumpling's now-closed location on Allen Street should be happy to learn their dream of tasty, cheap-ass, greasy food lives on.
Fried Dumpling - 106 Mosco Street, between Mott & Mulberry Streets
I may start eating Chinese food just to go to a place with food for those prices.
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