Yumpling - New York City

I was initially a bit puzzled by the DIY concept of the biandang, so I decided to play it safe and order the classic lu rou fan instead. It arrived fairly quickly, and I was pleased with how appetizing it looked. The pork sauce was rich and flavorful, though perhaps a bit too salty for my liking. I also found the rice to be somewhat dry, which contrasted with the sauce's texture. However, the braised egg was delightful - perfectly cooked with a delicious yolk. Overall, the flavors were quite authentic, and I was satisfied with my meal. The portion size was reasonable; it was just enough for a light meal, without being overly filling. The price came to around $10, which seems a bit steep for a bowl of lu rou fan, but given the rising dining costs in NYC, I might need to adjust my expectations. I'm now feeling more optimistic about the quality and authenticity of Yumpling, and I would definitely consider returning to try one of the biandang options despite the make-your-own format. I noticed other diners enjoying the pork chop rice, which also looked tempting!

**Pork Chive Dumplings** I fell in love with these dumplings at first bite. There's a reason they named the restaurant Yumpling—these signature dumplings are truly delicious. A regular order comes with eight pieces, and you'll find that each one is generously filled with meat and chives. They’re perfectly golden brown and crispy on the bottom. The flavor combination of soy sauce and the spiciness of mala chili oil was amazing! **Fried Pork Chop Bian Dang with Garlicky Cucumbers** This bento box was overflowing with a substantial portion of pork chop. The crispy skin was incredibly tasty, flavored with toasted sesame, pepper, and five-spice powder. What surprised me most was the braised pork and pickled mustard greens layered over the rice, adding a delightful mix of savory and tangy flavors that really made my taste buds come alive. **Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken** This dish was well-seasoned with fried basil. I was initially unsure about dipping popcorn chicken in sauce, but the basil aioli here elevated it to another level. **Beef Noodle Soup** The richness of this soup came from the tender braised beef shanks, while the noodles were perfectly cooked and soaked up the flavors of the soy sauce-based broth. **Fried Chicken Sandwich** This American fusion burger exceeded my expectations once again. The chicken cutlet was enormous! It was nestled between a buttery brioche bun and fresh basil leaves, with a generous spread of my favorite basil aioli inside the bun. **Taiwan Beer, Apple Cider** There’s nothing quite like enjoying Taiwanese food with a cold Taiwan Beer. I'm a fan of their fruit beers and was thrilled to see many flavors available (grape, lychee, mango). Pineapple is my favorite, but unfortunately, it was out of stock. Overall, Yumpling is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Taiwanese cuisine!

**Pork Chive Dumplings** I experienced love at first bite. They named the restaurant Yumpling for a reason—these signature dumplings are absolutely delicious. A regular order (8 pieces) is quite filling, as each dumpling is generously stuffed with meat and chives. The bottoms were perfectly golden and crispy, and the combination of soy sauce and spicy mala chili oil made my taste buds tingle. **Fried Pork Chop Bian Dang with Garlicky Cucumbers** This bento was loaded with a hearty portion of pork chop. The crispy skin was delightful, coated in toasted sesame, pepper, and five-spice powder. What really surprised me was the braised pork and pickled mustard greens that topped the rice, adding a rich blend of savory and sour flavors that made my taste buds sing. **Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken** This dish was wonderfully seasoned and featured fried basil. I was initially skeptical about dipping popcorn chicken in sauce, but the basil aioli elevated it to a whole new level. **Beef Noodle Soup** The richness of this soup came from the tender, braised beef shanks, and the noodles were cooked perfectly, soaking up the delicious soy sauce-based broth. **Fried Chicken Sandwich** Once again, this American-inspired burger surprised me. The chicken cutlet was HUGE! It was nestled between a buttery brioche bun and fresh basil leaves, with a thick spread of basil aioli on the inside of the bun. **Taiwan Beer, Apple Cider** Enjoying Taiwanese food with Taiwan Beer is an unbeatable experience. I’m a huge fan of Taiwanese fruit beer and was thrilled to see various flavors (grape, lychee, mango) available. My favorite, pineapple, was unfortunately out of stock. Overall, Yumpling is a must-visit for anyone looking for authentic Taiwanese flavors in a casual setting!

Yumpling is the new hidden gem in LIC. It is an awesome addition to the neighborhood. This restaurant specialized serving classic Taiwanese comfort food. They offer many variety of menus which included fan favorite yumpling , rice bowls, noodles, sandwiches, bubble tea and dessert.We have a chance to try the Fried chicken Sandwich and it was phenomenal.The chicken is so good and crunchy. We also wanna order the Beef Noodle soup but it was sold out so we replace it with the dumpling. We get the Half and Half yumpling. It comes with half pork and half vegi. It was amazing. We also order some other stuff and we really enjoy all of them. Dont forget to get to Tofu Hua for your dessert. It is a silky pudding made from Tofu sweetened with ginger and brown sugar syrup. It is only available on winter time. Their service are excellent. Highly recommended this place if you happen to be in LIC you should check it out.

Stepping into Yumpling is like embarking on a delectable journey of flavors. Their fried chicken is nothing short of a culinary masterpiece. Each bite is a harmonious blend of seasonings that tantalize the taste buds, leaving you yearning for more. The chicken is cooked to perfection, boasting a juicy, moist, and soft texture that melds wonderfully with the crisp exterior.Their chicken sandwich is a must-try! The tender chicken encased in a soft, fresh bun makes for a sublime duo, while the accompanying sauces add a zest that elevates the experience to a whole new level. It's a meld of textures and flavors that dances gracefully on the palate.And oh, the fries! Perfectly crispy, golden, and lightly salted, they are the quintessential companion to the chicken sandwich. Every bite is a reminder of the culinary expertise that goes into creating such simple yet profoundly satisfying dishes.Yumpling is not just a restaurant; it's a haven for food enthusiasts. The ambiance is warm and inviting, making the dining experience even more enjoyable. I can't recommend Yumpling enough, especially for those with an affinity for impeccably cooked chicken dishes. It's a place where every meal is a celebration of taste and tradition.