Flushing Dumpling Stand

Flushing may not have the best reputation among most social circles in New York. Despite being home to the Mets, the terminus of the 7, filled with those crazy snake fish a few years ago, dirty, smelly and strange to the uninitiated; Flushing has some great food and great deals on that great food.

Chinese dumplings on 41st Avenue. Photo Credit: Ryan Gorman

Since the $5 Gourmet needs to brush up on his Chinese, we do not know the name of this place, we just know where it is. Are these the best dumplings this side of the Pacific? Head on past the break to find out.

Take the 7 train to Main Street Flushing, walk upstairs, go under the train tracks, hang a right at the library and you will find this outpost of China where no English is spoken, they make only a few things and they somehow don't have chopsticks. At $1.25 for four pork dumplings, you can't go wrong. We picked up eight of the dumplings for $2.50 and had enough pocket change left over for a small bubble tea across the street.

Walking into this tiny, out of the way dumpling stand is like being transported into another culture. The smell, intoxicating. The sight of tons of dumplings being steamed and fried, heaven sent. Make no mistake, if you want dumplings, this is the place to be.

Dumplings with Sriracha, our favorite condiment. Photo Credit: Ryan Gorman

Having lived in Asia for two years, we know our Chinese food. Quality dumplings don't go unnoticed and these are no exception. Cooked to perfection, they are moist throughout, browned and crispy on the bottom. The filling is a mixture of pork, seasoning and a small amount of broth in the Shanghai tradition.

The taste is not only what you expect,  but what you want. Over and over and over. That these dumplings are so delicious and so cheap makes them near perfect. Pro tip: sit on the steps of the Flushing Library on the corner and watch the world go by while you bask in the glory of your delicious dumplings.

Eat these treats and you my friend are most certainly winning.