Dumpling Darling

Dumpling Darling, you stole my heart. I’m a vegetarian and have been addicted to their veggie dumplings since I tried them at the North Liberty Farmers Market, although I am pleased to say that the addition of the steamed bums makes the trip up to NewBo worthwhile. I was thrilled to learn that I can buy them frozen, so I frequently stock up and enjoy them at home. I don’t know how they make their sauces so good, but they do.

Their food is awesome, and the staff is super friendly! I always get at least a few dumplings with kimchi in them… Yum. Their sampler is a good option if you want to try a little bit of everything. Also, check out their awesome side dishes.
A great spot to stop when you’re in NewBo!

For a quick bite to eat I had a Bao Bun. It was the mushroom one. It was cooked while I waited so it was freshly steamed. It was very tasty. The peanut sauce was also good. I would try there other items as well.
Another couple were having the dumplings and they said they were very good.

Asked for a sampler… but only got 2 types of dumplings? What’s the point of a sampler then?
These are pricey dumplings, BTW. And not very good. Maybe they’re okay for Iowa, but I think that they need to learn the fundamentals of dumpling wrapping and dumpling meat. For example, your meat needs some fat. To make a nice dumpling juice. And so when you steam them, the meat doesn’t become completely separated from the skin and rock hard.
Also, girl who worked the stand today was exceptionally rude and left it alone for many many minutes at a time. If you aren’t going to manage the stand, what’s the point in ‘managing the stand?’

I have tried these now on three occasions (Newbo, Iowa City and at the Bread Market). I have really tried to like them. But, they just aren’t as authentic as they should be and the actually dumpling casing is often too thick so that it isn’t getting steamed all the way through. Also, the price is just too expensive. Dumplings are street food. They are supposed to be affordable and fast. I hate saying that I don’t enjoy these but, I can’t say that I do.

The dumplings were good, not great. If the young lady working had been more inclined to steam dumplings instead of being so focused on chatting on her phone they might have been better.

Went to dumpling darling for lunch today and we waited 25 minutes for the sampler platter. Watched the employees pour frozen edamame into the steamer and take out other pre packaged food from its packaging. No one seemed to know how to work the steamers correctly. The disorganization was just an appetizer to sub par disappointing dumplings. Needless to say we won’t be back and won’t be spreading our word of mouth recommendations.

I was very excited to try these dumplings at Newbo but was sadly disappointed. I tried the beef brisket ones and didn’t like much about them. Outside was very soggy, didn’t taste fully cooked and did not stay together. Inside wasn’t anything special either… lots of soggy greens and not enough of the beef brisket. The sauce was also very spicey (surprisingly since I asked if the Korean BBQ was spicey or not). The Iowa City Farmer’s Market has much better dumplings if you’re looking for some good ones.

We discovered the D Darling down at the IC farmers market and were elated to see a store presence up at NewBo market! The ladies here are working some magic with the dumplings!
While it may seem a bit steep to pay $ 7 for 5 dumplings or $ 14 for a 12 piece sampler (DO THIS ONE!), it’s very worth it. The owner spent time over in Korea learning the art of delishifying these little heaven pockets and passes this on to your mouth. Lamb, pork, beef, veggie and a daily special (chicken cashew when we visited) are at your disposal and all were super tasty. The day was made more complete for us when our 1 and 3 year olds tore into the lamb and beef and asked for more!
The peanut sauce and hot (ish) sauce (with beriberi I think) were amazing and complimented things very nicely. The 12 were plenty for two adults and two kids. This place is a total gem for the area and provides yet another unique culinary option that was totally absent 6 months ago. You can even get 10 for $ 10 to take home and make yourself. The only improvement would be the addition of soup dumplings (which I think are more Chinese). If those show up, we’ll be here a couple times per month to load up!
A must try for anyone who digs dumplings or is just excited about food in the area!