Dumpling Daughter

Such a waste of money and time!
Went here last week with co-​workers for lunch, read the reviews before going,
I dont know who posts all those positive reviews.
The food was below average, nothing special and way too overpriced, by 50% at least.
Beef buns had very little meat and bland and the chicken ramen didnt taste chicken at all.
The service was not friendly, no one smiled or said thank you, goodbye, etc
I would never go there again.

So I thought this was pretty good but not really impressed. My wife and daughter are Chinese so fairly critical on the dumpling subject since they make them at home all the time. We went about 1:30 so this after lunch rush. We got the steaming pork dumpling and the dumpling was underdone, no excuse for that. The fried pork dumpling is good. Neither was great and would make me drive to Weston again for it. The Beijing noodle in meat sauce was very good, prefer the spicy version but wife does’t so that was no problem. The crab rangoon… whatever happened to having crab in the crab rangoon, even the fake stuff would be good. If it was there, I couldn’t taste it. Good overall, but certainly not a destination place I would go to out of my way.

Bland food, not coming back. Taste like what I ate in college in my dorm room.
Head to San Francisco or Jean & Lee Kitchen in Newton.

Great for lunch or easy take out. Eating there is ok but best for pickup to take home. BYOB if you eat there. Website has daily specials listed.

I never understood the fascination with steamed pork buns. Why do I want to eat a chewy/​doughy thing with a weird filling that has a piece of paper stuck to the bottom of it? Finally, after trying the steamed BBQ pork bun at Dumpling Daughter, do I understand why people go crazy for these things. That’s not all, as the name suggests «Dumpling Daughter» also houses some of the best homemade dumplings (each with a unique sauce) that I have ever enjoyed.
Dumpling Daughter has several kinds of «Bao» both Chinese (steamed bread surrounding a filling) and Taiwanese style (like a very puffy baby pita). Unfortunately, we only tried the steamed roasted BBQ pork bun (bao) which comes as three pieces. I say unfortunately because it was awesome. The bread part of the bun was steamed perfectly leaving a tiny bit of chewiness on the outside and very fluffy bread on the inside. The filling was a nice mix of pork flavor as well as a sweet (not overly so) BBQ sauce on the filling. The ratio of filling to bread was a little more skewed toward the bread side, but it was quite delicious. I also had the pleasure of completely separating the steam paper from bun without tearing it — win! I cannot wait to have more of these buns and to try the other styles and flavors.
Our original intention for trying out Dumpling Daughter was the dumplings. We had the following: chicken with Sichuan sauce, pan seared pork and Napa cabbage, and a «daily special» shrimp dumpling. The chicken dumpling was our favorite, not because of the filling (which was good) but because of the amazing Sichuan sauce that was well-​seasoned (not too) spicy goodness. We could not stop ourselves from slathering our remaining dumplings in this sauce (esp. the shrimp ones). The pan seared pork and cabbage dumplings came with a more traditional sweet soy-​based sauce. The sear brought a nice textural component to the more meat than cabbage dumpling. Finally, the shrimp special dumpling had a very delicate texture (almost like Shumai filling). These dumplings came with a soy-​based sauce, but we preferred them in the spicier Sichuan sauce.
Dumpling Daughter also has a whole host of other options including soups, rice bowls, noodle dishes, salads, wraps, and more. People have mentioned how delicious the spring rolls are here (although we did not try them). Drinks include various teas, bubble tea (the best taro one I have had — not overly sweet), soda, and water. Dumpling Daughter is BYOB with no corkage fee.
I cannot wait to try more of the food here.

My Taiwanese dining guest and I decided to take a drive and head here to get some variation from the Boston XLB/​soup dumplings scene, and went off the vibrant reviews of the place, and oof, what a let-​down.
To start, the gua bao (braised pork belly) was incredible, and honestly worth a drive back for takeout. We also got the «spaghetti with grandma’s meat sauce» which is akin to a pasta ragu. I didn’t care for it much, but I was told it was very nostalgic of a Taiwanese grandma’s cooking, and for that craving really hit the spot for her.
Leading up to the soup dumplings, we found the seating to be a bit odd, and lots of people seemed to be confused whether to bus their own table, sit, or wait to be seated. We followed someone else’s lead, but some signage or staff help would have been useful. It was also *freezing* anywhere by the door, and they’re sorely in need of a heavy curtain to keep the cold out. It really killed the enjoyment of the ambiance for us completely.
Okay so, then the XLB’s come, and every single one is broken. We have no soup. No soup for you. Our server can clearly see them, and no one including her bothered to do some quality control and have the kitchen fix it. We also don’t see a server for the rest of our meal, so we eat a few, and I share the fried rice with my guest (which was tasty enough, and «pretty legit.»)
Overall, this is a nice local spot, but if we came back, it would be for the gua bao and maybe trying the other baos. It wasn’t super enjoyable to sit in the space, and by halfway through the meal, the place was chock full of kids, and people waiting like vultures for a table (and because there’s no staff direction, some were a bit rude in how close and obviously they were hovering.) We left feeling disappointed, (and me actually a bit sad that my soup dumpling craving was sorely not satisfied)… comforted only by a good bao…
TL;DR: Good for locals, don’t go out of your way, inspect your XLBs the second they’re set down, and get the pork belly, or two. Two stars for the tasty bao, nil for the rest of the sad, let-​down experience.
Oh also, seems to be BYOB, good to note beforehand.

Being a dumpling aficionado, I had to visit after hearing about this place on Phantom Gourmet. Good, authentic dumplings in Weston, MA? Yeah, alright… Regardless, I took the 35 minute drive out to Weston to see what it was all about.
The restaurant is part of a little mini-​mall next to a main street that still looked like it was in the middle of nowhere. It was a nice, little spot that looked ideal for a lunch stop. We ordered at the counter and were given a number to take to our table. Soon enough, dishes were pouring out onto our table. We ordered the Crab Rangoons, Pork and Napa Cabbage Dumplings, Steam Roasted BBQ Pork Buns, Golden Fried Buns with Condensed Milk, Braised Pork Belly Taiwanese Buns, Three-​Day Pork Ramen and then the Green Tea and Thai Iced Tea Boba.
The rangoons were light, crispy and very clean tasting. Very delicious and multiple notches above your standard Chinese take-​out place. The pork dumplings were some of a best I’ve had. Nicely fried and crispy on one side and packed with a delicious pork and cabbage mix. The BBQ pork buns were okay, I have high standards since I get these all the time at China Pearl and they’re top notch. The bun was a little too chewy and there wasn’t an abundance of meat on the inside. There was definitely an imbalance there. The fried buns were a delicious dessert. Basically fried mini dough balls covered in sweetened condensed milk. Other than my minor (major) heart attack, nothing negative about these fried balls of deliciousness! The pork belly buns… my god. I’ve had a good amount of pork belly buns and these were definitely some of the best. Good chunk of pork belly, soft and sweet bun, and delicious glaze. These melt in your mouth and are a must get if you go here. Lastly, I found the ramen to be very tasty. It isn’t comparable to places like Ippudo or Momofuku but it is a very solid bowl of ramen. The broth was light and tasty and they give you a lot of meat and noodles. Not the best dish here but definitely good.
Overall, this trip was a great experience. It was clean and streamlined, the food came out quickly, they have a big menu, the service was very friendly and warm and most importantly, the food was delicious. The only gripe I have with this place is that the prices are a little high compared to other comparable places. The food was delicious and mostly excellent but it should be a little cheaper. Being located in Weston too, I doubt I’d end up coming here over places in Chinatown if I’m not in the area. Whenever I am back in the area this will be my first stop!

Fresh and delicious! The service is friendly and fast as well. Try the chicken cutlet buns! I was pleasantly surprised about how good they were –and didn’t know what to expect! Definitely going back as soon as possible

Dumpling daughter is a great lunch spot if you work in the area! I don’t recommend short notice, but we were able to order for 12 people in less than an hour for pickup.
If you’re ordering for one, though, I recommend their wonton soup and the steamed BBQ pork buns. Add a bubble tea and your day will be delicious!

This was one of the really good places I’ve been to around Needham and Newton. Their service is really good although there’s a bit of hurriedly process of ordering the meal. Nevertheless, the food is really good and hard to choose from. I’ve been to this place 3 times so far and would love to go back when close by.

Much improved all the way around since the last review.
Food is better, service is better and most of the kinks have been worked out.

Had a huge craving for dumplings and saw this place on Phantom Gourmet. I knew I needed to go. The place was great. The owner was there and she was really friendly. Food came out as it was cooked and the steamed dumplings were terrific. The wonton soup was fantastic as well. I’ll be coming back here real soon to try more things for sure.

What a gem! We’d been wanting to check it out ever since we saw them on Phantom Gourmet. I’m not super experienced with Asian cuisine, and because of this I often feel intimidated when I enter a new restaurant and am not sure what to order. The menu does a great job of explaining what every dish is and it was easy to order.
We ordered the wonton soup, bbq pork buns, pan seared pork and cabbage dumplings and steamed pork and chive dumplings. The food came out super quick and everything tastes so fresh and delicious. It was so filling, we couldn’t finish it all!
Staff was very friendly. The owner was very visible, from behind the counter to even cleaning a table here and there which I think is a great sign of a good owner/​manager. The décor and feel is a perfect combo of inviting and welcoming yet sleek and upscale.
I can’t wait to go back and try the rest of the menu!

I want to like this place. Unfortunately the food is too salty a bit overpriced, and not that tasty. I have been here twice and I don’t think I’ll go back.
The salad was strange, the soup was very salty and not interesting, the dumplings were mushy and tasteless, and the lo mein was fair.
Previously, I had the tofu which is good and the pork belly which was gross. Too many other good restaurants around.

4.5 stars! Dumpling Daughter brings a welcomed change to Weston’s town center, expanding the variety of dining options (though there aren’t too many to begin with…).
I brought my dad here during the lunching hour and I was happy to see a bustling joint — the tables were filled and people were waiting in line. When it was our turn to order, I was pleasantly surprised to see Nadia — the owner — at the register, and asked her for her recommendations. My dad and I split the following:
* Dumplings — pan seared pork and napa cabbage
* Taiwanese buns — braised pork belly
* Grandma’s Beijing meat sauce over spaghetti
All three dishes were delicious though our favorite was the braised pork belly Taiwanese buns — the pork belly was incredibly tender with just the right amount of sauce and ratio of ingredients. The dumplings were good and fried perfectly though note the dough is on the thick side. And the spaghetti we devoured too — we weren’t sure of the meat type used — pork? — and it is carb/​noodle heavy with not that many vegetables. We also ordered a braised beef Beijing noodle soup for one of my siblings so can’t comment on that but I sampled the broth and it has a lovely kick! Note since it was for take out, they gave us two containers — one containing the broth and the other with the noodles and toppings.
This is a casual joint. You order at the cash register and if you’re dining in you will get a number where the team will bring you your food at the table of your choice. Nadia was incredibly sweet and checked in with customers to see how the food was — kids even came up to her to tell her they loved her food which imo is one of the best ways to give compliments! If there is no parking available in front of Dumpling Daughter there is parking in the back of the grocery store.
Overall we enjoyed our meal and my dad is hard to please! but thought it was a little pricey for a quick-​ish lunch (total was ~$ 38) though we did stuff our faces to try multiple items and agreed we would be back! I hope wish the best for Dumpling Daughter and hope they will stay for awhile!

We made a trip out after seeing these guys on phantom gourmet. The dumplings were really good, and truthfully I would go 3 ½ stars, but I only have this one visit to go by and the ramen fell short for me. It had an odd taste and my wife and I agreed that we probably wouldn’t get it again. The egg in the ramen was a little strange too. It had an strange gray exterior and was cooked hard through.
That being said I would definitely recommend the pork buns and the dumplings. They were tasty and we devoured them. The bubble tea was also really interesting as I had never heard of or had it before. It had little dummies at the bottom which sounds like an odd combo, but I actually really liked it.
Unfortunately we probably won’t be back unless we are in Wellesley for something else because it’s a 20 to 25 minute drive from where we lib in Waltham. If you live nearby or are in the area it’s worth stopping in for the dumplings for sure!

Would never go back–
Dumplings at home are not far from what we found here–
Was hoping to find a suburban gem– but I think that was far from the mark–
It is a chaotic place– no organized seating– though it looks like a restaurant with seating– it is first come first serve and disorderly–
Food is just ‘ok’ and not worth the price, hassle or wait–

This place was so interesting! It’s like Chipotle meets dumplings. Fresh, tasty, and filling, I think I’ll come back here often. The staff were very friendly and the owner was so sweet. She made sure we understood the menu, answered any questions we had and checked in on us as we dined.
We came for lunch in the middle of the week and was surprised to see that it was PACKED. They handled the crowd very well and barely waited 5 minutes for our food. Very cool place. Will be back again soon!

We never expected to find such a wonderful place in Weston. It was a late lunch so the place wasn’t packed. We found a table towards the back. The bookshelves that lined the wall had Asian cookbooks and other books of interest. I went up to the counter to find out what the specials were. The owner, Nadia, was very friendly and we chatted while waiting for the rest of our party.
Based on Nadia’s recommendations, these were what we sampled: 1) shrimp dumplings, 2) pan-​seared pork & napa cabbage dumplings, 3) steamed BBQ pork buns, 4) braised pork belly Taiwanese buns, 5) chicken dumplings in Sichuan sauce, 6) pan-​seared Shanghainese pork buns, 7) lotus leaf wrapped sticky rice with pork and 8) Dan Dan mien. Nadia also brought us a scallion pancake beef wrap and dessert on the house. Everything was served fast & hot and they were all delicious. The guys really enjoyed the feast that was heaped upon our table. Especially the one who had never had Chinese food dim sum style; he was so happy that he picked up the whole tab!
Another Plus: **It’s a Peanut Free Zone for those who have peanut allergies!**

My wife and I both had a day off from work a few weeks ago and decided to check out this spot for lunch. It was only a 3 or 4 mile drive to get there and we managed to easily find, right off the main street, in that small strip mall.
We walked in and found ourselves entering a cute little establishment. It was pretty busy in there and we quickly made up our minds and ordered away.
I got myself a bowl of their pork ramen and some chicken buns to split as well. She got one of their specials and we paid and sat at their ringside seats near the book, which overlook the kitchen.
The chicken Taiwanese buns ($ 8) were amazing. Juicy, tender and full of flavor, I devoured mine and was left wanting more. Dozens more. Kudos to them for that, it was the highlight of our visit there. My wife’s special was pretty good, however my three-​day pork ramen ($ 12) fell completely flat.
Their pork ramen was actually one of the reasons for my visit there. I’m a huge ramen fan as most of my friends are well aware of and always try to scour any place that offers it. However in this particular case, the broth lacked depth, it had too much five spice and ginger and fell completely flat. It didn’t taste remotely like most tonkatsu broths I’ve had and the perfectly cooked egg and the noodles were the only redeeming factors.
Overall this place is cute, has great potential and attentive service. The staff was friendly and the décor cute. Food was mostly a hit, with a few misses. The prices are a bit higher than we would have liked but I’d definitely return in the future, especially since they have a ton of ever-​changing specials and a pretty good amount of dishes that they offer.
Oh and you can BYOB and they don’t have a corkage fee!