This is the usual greeting from restaurant energetic and super happy restaurant owner, Mr. Lee. Kingdom of Dumplings is a exactly what its name portrays, a kingdom filled with pork stuffed dumplings and a side of happiness. Mr. Lee is the owner, cook, server, and overall amazing individual who works really hard at his profession for the past 15 years. Kingdom has an amazing reputation for its quality food and cheap prices.
I stumbled upon this place when I first moved to San Francisco in the summer of 2009. Living in the sunset, you don't have many restaurant options. But I remember the day that the distinct smell of Kingdom of Dumpling transported me into an alternate reality. My tummy rumbled, my knees started to quiver like a teenage girl running into Justin Bieber, and I salivated more than any person should. The best part about it was that Kingdom of Dumpling was less than three blocks from where I use to live! (1713 Taraval St, San Francisco, CA 94116)So I gave it a shot with a couple friends. A party of six inside a restaurant that maybe sits ten comfortably. The menu was short and to the point, but had all the traditional Chiense dumplings and side orders you expect at a restaurant like this. We order three orders of dumplings, two orders of soup dumplings, some amazing green beans, and friend rice. When the order arrived in less than 15 minutes and we dug in. I WILL NEVER FORGET THAT FIRST DUMPLING BITE! It was sweet, savory, filling and all the while being so simple. Each dumpling is handmade by Mr.Lee and each side order is distinct in taste, but all the while so complimentary to the other dishes. I would recommend-- green beans, chcken friend rice, cucmber salad, pork with napa dumplings, lamb dumplings, pretty much anything on the menu.
When we finished eating we were in a coma. I could barely move and my friends were all in the same position. But what woke us up a little was when the check arrived. We figured that it might have been a steep price since there was a large group. But for a party of six and being put into a comatose it was only 45 dollars plus a tip. So roughly we all paid about eight or nine dollars for a meal that feed six. I went back with a party of 12 later that year and he accomodate all of us and the bill was only 92 dollars!! So next time your in the Sunset district and your looking for some cheap munchies, go to Kingdom and Dumplings and say "hello friend," to Mr. Lee. Your sure to get a good meal and more importantly a new friend.
Hey Matt, this is Robert, the Ta. Sounds like an intriguing place to eat. I should check it out since I live in the Sunset. What I like about your blog post that it is a personal narrative that is captivating to read. It draws in the reader. You've also added some humor to it (the line about Justin Bieber). I think you captured the environment of a local, family-owned, Mom and Pops restaurant very well. I'd be curious how this place compares to other dumpling restaurants you've been to or other Chinese food restaurants. I look forward to reading future blog posts from you.
ReplyDeletesaw that dumpling store while passing by in the car and i have to say, it's what you descried it on the outside, totally melts into the background! can't wait to actually go in and try the food though!
ReplyDeleteHey Matt, I had the dumplings there before and its pretty good. I'm not too sure if they still have this deal but you can ask. They use to advertise on one of the paper on there wall in Chinese that by ordering $25 or more they'll give you a bag of to go dumpling to bring home.
ReplyDeleteYou should also come to Richmond to try Five Happiness on Geary between 5th n 6th and House of Dumpling on Balboa between 35th n 36th. There Shanghai dumplings are pretty good.