Vanessa’s Dumpling

Nothing fancy here, Vanessa’s delivers cheap eats that will most likely hit the spot. For $ 4.66 including tax, I got the chive & pork dumplings (4 pieces) and the sesame pancake with veggies. At least online, it looks like the Chinatown location has everything cheaper than this location, but this is still a bargain.
The dumplings weren’t as big as I remembered from dumplings I’ve had at events, but they were decent in taste and size, not spectacular. The stand out was the sesame pancake. For $ 2.49, you get a slice of pancake with veggies inside (though they definitely skimped on the veggies), and it was like a pizza slice in size and shape. The dough was even reminiscent of pizza dough as well.
There’s a decent amount of seating but it was full when I got there around 8:30ish on a Friday night. The employees are no-​nonsense, so don’t expect a smile or customer service. The Sriracha and vinegar containers placed on the tables are woefully watered down. Also, expect styrofoam plates and plastic utensils.

I’ve been a fan of Vanessa’s dumplings for a long time, but when I visited today the dumplings were not the same as I remembered. Usually the dumplings are fried to perfection and the dough is just perfect. But this time, the dumplings were extremely doughy. The dough was hard to chew and the pork and chive filling tasted like nothing. Not even the vinegar and hot sauce they put out gave it any flavor. Sadly I was disappointed and left very unsatisfied. Not sure I’ll be returning again. :(

Cheap and decent.
I pass Vanessa’s often and it’s usually fairly busy. I wouldn’t count on having a place to sit down unless you come at a really weird time. Service is always fast, however.
I ordered boiled shrimp dumplings and fried vegetable dumplings. The boiled shrimp dumplings were quite doughy, but you get eight of them for $ 6, so whatever. The fried vegetable dumplings were surprisingly flavorful and crispy; they definitely stole the show.

This place is kind of like a hidden secret and ordering is a little weird. I couldn’t even tell you what I ordered by memory. What I do know is they were dumplings and they were spicy and they were delicious!

This was my first time visiting the store on the suggestion of my friend after a drink. I was a bit hungry and I had to make the decision between 99 cent pizza and $ 2 dumplings.
I decided on the dumplings — wow were they good. The skin was made and fried perfectly. It was crunchy and soft and hot and delicious.
The meat inside was deliciously seasoned with chives and spices.
The restaurant itself was filled on a wendesfsy night with people of all races and ages, showing me how it didn’t matter who it was, the dumplings and good everywhere.

TLDR: cheap and filling.
The dumplings aren’t amazing, but they aren’t terrible either. The main draw is that they’re cheap– you can get four pieces of decently sized pork and chive dumplings for a little over a dollar. The first time I had them they were great– juicy filling encased in a crisp, flavorful skin. The second time around, they were much too doughy, so it’s a hit or miss kind of place.
I wouldn’t comment on services here. This is the kind of place where you just order, get your food and stay in or head out with a to-​go.

I pass Vanessa’s dumplings frequently after moving to the area and since it is generally packed, I wanted to check it out and see why. I finally stopped in today and ordered chive and pork dumplings and basil and chicken dumplings. I received chive and pork dumplings and a chicken sesame pancake sandwich.
I don’t regret the mixup.
The dumplings were ok, and for a dollar and change they are a perfectly acceptable side dish.
I really liked the sesame pancake sandwich. The actual pancake was really tasty and the cucumber and carrot with the chicken was great.
This is a solid and affordable place to pick up a meal. I would definitely go back.

Heard about this spot on Buzz Feed as a part of «NYC Cheap Eats». Decided to give it a try today being the holiday weekend. Let’s just say I was not impressed with both food and service. Food was lack luster. Had the D10 and Chicken Teriyaki. Two separate orders. Everything lacked seasoning and taste. Not what dumplings are to taste like. Would not try again.
Service was horrible at best.
Will never go back there again. Thanks Buzz Feed!

This location of Vanessa’s Dumpling is like the poor stepchild, and she’s quite ugly. But wait — she has great service, amazing prices, and darn good food.
I walked in with 4 co-​workers and we expected an extravaganza. Instead, we have a non-​glam, no frills, order at the counter, cheap, no alcohol, and quick food brought to our table in «to go» boxes. Hardly the makings for something great. Does Vanessa really think it’s so unattractive that people always take the food elsewhere?
Well, friends, let me tell you. Inside the plastic tubs of dumplings in soup, styrofoam boxes of pan-​fried dumplings, and paper-​wrapped pancake sandwiches came something most delightful to our mouths, taste buds, and eventually, our bellies. Served with not beer (mmmm), but an assortment of bubble teas… it was quite fantastic, and made the work outing quite an experience, and a fun outing for my group.
Recommendations
— — — — — — — — -
1. Don’t judge a book by it’s cover.
2. Get it «to go»; get many, and get frozen dumplings (sold in packages of 30).
3. Great for students. The prices are dirt cheap.
Prices, a sampling:
— — — — — — — — -
4 pan-​fried cabbage & pork dumplings: $ 1.59
8 boiled basil & chicken dumplings in soup: $ 5.99
30 frozen chive & pork dumplings: $ 7.50

This place needs no introduction. Specializes in chinese dumplings with both fried and steamed options. Sauces are fingerlicking good. Selection is vast! After all the struggle, one place that serves some amazing vegetarian options. I am in love with this place. Bubble teas as ok. Jupioca a block down is the place for bubble teas!
If u r in the area, stop by and grab some dumplings here. I have brought 6 people to this location– none of them rated it less than a 5 star!!!

Stopped by to fulfill a dumpling craving after Pop Souk on Sunday.
Mediocre soggy dumplings, tasteless chicken and corn soup, cold kimchee pancake, apathetic staff, dingy interior.
With plenty of other places for much more delicious dumplings in NYC, I won’t be back here again.

I ordered delivery from here yesterday and I don’t know if it’s the sauce or if the ingredients werent fresh. The beef teriyaki with the lo mien tasted spoiled. The beef had a slimy coating and it was tuff to chew. The hot and sour soup was a glob that could be passed off as jelly. I usually eat at their China town location and these two stores couldn’t have been more different. I definitely won’t be ordering from here again.

Some of the best Chinese food I’ve had — at cheap places and at 5-​star expensive places. You can taste the authenticity and flavors in every bite.
I’ve been here multiple times, but I’ve never written a review. The veggie food that I get and the meat food that my friends get, we’ve always had a great food experience here. This restaurant is on a busy 14^th st, and they don’t really care much about their décor, which is fine — you’re not eating there for a nice ambiance. You walk into a small dining area, with tables on the left, and then past that is the counter where you order, with the kitchen behind that.
Hands down, the best hot and sour soup I’ve ever had. It’s warm, large, cheap, delicious, a bit spicy (we also add the watered down sriracha to it), and just hits the spot — plain and simple. It’s what all hot and sour soups should be. Their sesame pancake (with egg or tofu) is HUGE. It’s essentially a large sandwich for only a couple of bucks, and super tasty. Again, you have to add some soy sauce and sriracha sauce to it. I’m not a big fan of veggie dumplings, but these are decent. They fall apart, but it’s hard to keep those things together. If you like spicy, order them with the spicy sauce with it. Even after all that, my favorite dish here is the Szechuan Tofu Teriyaki on Lo Mein. The lo mein noodles are thick and chewy, mixed with the spicy tofu and veggies — this dish is amazing. The kimchi, which is in the fridge, is also delicious.
Overall, a solid place to get a lot of food for not a lot of money. Don’t let the ambiance/​décor fool you, you’ll notice the line at the counter and want to be in it.

Vanessa’s dumplings if a prime example, if done right even the simplest of foods can be a huge success and that good food does have to cost big. $ 3 and change can stuff you right with 8 pork and chive dumplings yes 8.
They have different option on chicken and only veggies, dumplings in soup etc. but I suggest you stick to the name sake dumplings.

I am in this area pretty often because I am always transferring in Union Square so wanted to try this spot after passing by it so many times!
FOOD:
+ CHICKEN BASIL PAN FRIED DUMPLINGS: this was my first time trying chicken dumplings… much less with basil? Two big firsts for me. The chicken was tasty, not bad, but the basil taste was strong and very prevalent throughout the dumpling so if you don’t like basil, I suggest you steer clear from this little guy. It was good and I am glad that I got to try it, but I don’t think I would order this one again. My bf actually liked this one a lot so maybe the basil flavor is what got to me so would definitely say try it for those who haven’t yet!
+ PORK CHIVE PAN FRIED DUMPLINGS: definitely a much more traditional type of asian dumpling. I think I preferred this one a lot more over the Chicken & Basil because this is what I grew up with. It was very flavorful and juicy on the inside. Both the dumplings were surprisingly big and had a great crisp to them.
SERVICE:
+ There on a Monday night, My bf and I waited about 20 min for 2 sets of 4 dumplings. It was surprisingly busy and bustling on the inside. It is very Chinese authentic in its set up and number-​yelling structure. You first purchase your order with the cashier, you get the receipt with your number, and then you wait for your number to be called and you give them your receipt.
+ We purchased the pan-​fried dumplings, which seemed to have a LONGER WAIT than some of the other things on the menu! The steamed ones were definitely getting churned out a lot faster.
+ Also, definitely ask for extra soy sauce if you’re getting a TO-​GO order! They only give you one unless you say otherwise
ALL IN ALL:
Super affordable and I was really impressed with the size and flavor of the dumplings. My bf and I honestly scarfed them down. The place is super authentic and you can see the cooks making the dumplings in the traditional style with the large circular plans. I understand why its so busy and since I love me my pork dumplings, I will definitely be coming back for those Pork & Chive ones among other things on the menu!

Looove Vanessa’s so much! The prices can’t be beaten and you get so much food.
The food is fresh and the dumplings are awesome — my favorite so far is the pan fried cabbage and pork.
I love the sesame pancake — that’s a must try. I usually go for the chicken one that has teriyaki sauce, shredded carrots and cabbage. I’d recommend adding some hot sauce to give it a kick. It’s filling and makes for a great meal. The sesame pancake is warm, fluffy and has great flavor.
Sometimes there’s a line and it gets busy but it moves quickly and you usually won’t wait more than a few minutes.

This place has nothing going for it other than being extremely cheap. Something like $ 10 to feed two people.
Dumplings/​potstickers tasted like they were frozen not freshly made. Meaty yes but flavorful no. Not even going to try compare to Japanese ramen places or dumpling food trucks. Let’s just say I could have picked up a bag of frozen dumplings from Trader Joe’s and they would have tasted 10xs better. Also the dumpling sauces are pretty half assed. Oh and the bottles looked dirty and were leaking.
Tables are dirty with leftover sauces. Staff is loud and rude. Saw some of the staff carrying out buckets to empty — looked like they’ve never been cleaned ever — have to wonder about the sanitation of the kitchen.
One of those instances where I totally regret ignoring low-​ish Unilocal rating. Lesson learned.

I don’t think this location is as great as the one in Chinatown. Not only are the dumplings more expensive but they’re also not as flavorful. Don’t get me wrong, the prices are objectively still very cheap for NYC, and these are solid dumplings. But for the relatively higher price, I don’t feel like I am paying for more delicious food. If you’re not too far away from LES /​Chinatown, you should definitely visit that location instead!
The great thing about this location is that you have a much higher chance of getting a seat. The space in general is slightly bigger and cleaner, and I don’t feel like I am eating a rushed meal.

Is this the greatest restaurant in NYC? No. Is it one of the best for the price? Absolutely. If you don’t feel like venturing all the way down to Chinatown but don’t want to pay a lot for dinner (or if you’re craving dumplings), Vanessa’s is the way to go. 4 fried dumplings are either $ 1.50 or $ 2.50 (roughly); 8 steamed are slightly more. Other food options include soups, pancakes, and some noodle dishes. They also serve bubble tea and smoothies.
Food-​wise, it’s surprisingly delicious (or unsurprisingly, considering the number of great dumpling places in NYC). I’ve never had a $ 4 meal (dumplings and soup) quite so satisfying. Another upside is that the restaurant is quick, and, having been there about 3 times as of this review, the service is decently friendly.
The only downside is the extremely limited seating.
Pro-​tip: if you like dumplings, they sell a bag of 30 frozen for your enjoyment at home!

Incredible dumplings. It’s a tiny place, but the quality food for cheap prices is what keeps me coming back. I love the pork and chive dumplings. Also, the beef noodle soup is incredible! Honestly, everything on the menu is great.
The establishment itself isn’t too big, but there are a few tables that you can sit at. Also, the one on 14^th street does take credit cards, although it is a $ 10 minimum. I’m not too sure about their other establishments.
The service isn’t friendly, but it’s not unfriendly either. Just people trying to do their job and serve as many people as possible, as quickly as possible. Great place for dumplings, I highly recommend!