Discovering the Authentic Flavors of King Dumplings
Nestled in the heart of the vibrant Lower East Side, King Dumplings at 74 Hester St, New York, NY 10002, stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of traditional culinary craftsmanship. In a city defined by its constant evolution and fast-paced dining culture, this establishment offers a grounded, comforting experience that centers on the art of the handmade dumpling. Visitors stepping into this space are immediately greeted by an atmosphere that prioritizes substance over spectacle, focusing on the delicate balance of textures and flavors that define classic regional cooking. It is a place where the simplicity of fresh ingredients meets the precision of time-honored techniques, creating a dining experience that feels both personal and deeply rooted in the neighborhood's rich cultural tapestry.
The philosophy behind King Dumplings is rooted in the belief that great food does not require unnecessary complexity. By focusing on the fundamentals—high-quality dough, carefully sourced fillings, and the patience required to fold each piece by hand—the kitchen maintains a standard of quality that resonates with both long-time residents and curious newcomers. Whether you are seeking a quick bite during a busy afternoon or a casual meal to share with friends, the environment is designed to be welcoming and unpretentious. The focus remains squarely on the plate, ensuring that every serving reflects the dedication of the hands that prepared it.
What Makes King Dumplings a Local Favorite
Handcrafted Excellence: Every dumpling is prepared on-site, ensuring that the dough maintains the perfect elasticity and the fillings remain succulent and flavorful. This commitment to manual preparation is the cornerstone of the restaurant's reputation.
A Focus on Freshness: By prioritizing seasonal ingredients and maintaining a streamlined menu, the kitchen ensures that every component of the meal is as fresh as possible, highlighting the natural profiles of the vegetables and proteins used.
Cultural Authenticity: The recipes served at 74 Hester St are inspired by traditional methods, offering a genuine taste of heritage cooking that honors the history of dumpling-making while fitting seamlessly into the modern New York culinary scene.
Community-Centric Atmosphere: Located in a historic part of the city, the restaurant serves as a gathering point for those who appreciate honest, straightforward food served in an environment that values community connection over formality.
The experience of dining at King Dumplings is defined by its consistency and its respect for the craft. In an area known for its diverse food offerings, this spot distinguishes itself by refusing to compromise on the basics. The texture of the wrappers, the seasoning of the savory centers, and the thoughtful preparation of every side dish all contribute to a cohesive meal that satisfies the palate without distraction. It is this dedication to the core elements of the cuisine that keeps patrons returning, finding comfort in the familiar and reliable quality that the kitchen provides day after day.
As you navigate the bustling streets of the Lower East Side, King Dumplings remains a reliable destination for those who value culinary integrity. It is more than just a place to eat; it is a reflection of the neighborhood's spirit—resilient, diverse, and always welcoming to those who appreciate a well-made meal. Whether you are a connoisseur of traditional dumplings or simply someone looking for a satisfying, authentic experience in New York City, a visit to this Hester Street location offers a moment of culinary clarity. We invite you to experience the simple pleasure of a perfectly prepared dumpling, crafted with care and served with the genuine hospitality that defines our commitment to our guests.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible seating
Service options
Onsite services
Takeout
Dine-in
Highlights
Serves local specialty
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Offerings
Comfort food
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegetarian options
Dining options
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Counter service
Table service
Amenities
Restroom
Atmosphere
Casual
Lively
Trendy
Crowd
College students
Tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Cash-only
Parking
Free street parking
Paid street parking
Usually difficult to find a space
Menus
Fried Dumplings
Chive & Pork (10pcs)$3.00
Fried Buns
Pork Fried Buns (4pcs)$2.50
Boiled Dumplings
Chive & Pork (10pcs)
Cabbage & Pork (10pcs)
Chicken (10pcs)
Vegetable (10pcs)
Shrimp &Pork (10pcs)
Beef (10pcs)
Sesame Pancakes Sandwiches
Sesame Pancake$1.50
Sesame Pancake W. Egg$3.00
Sesame Pancake W. Vegetable$2.75
Sesame Pancake W. Spicy Cabbage$2.75
Sesame Pancake W. Roast Pork$3.50
Sesame Pancake W. Beef$3.50
Sesame Pancake W. Peking Duck$3.50
Sesame Pancake W. Chicken$3.50
Special Noodle & Nood
Yellow Noodle W. Peanut Sauce$2.50
Vegetable Noodle Soup$4.00
Fish Ball Noodle Soup$5.00
Chicken Noodle Soup$6.00
Pork Wonton Noodle Soup$6.00
Shrimp & Pork Wonton Noodle Soup$6.50
Beef Stew Noodle Soup$6.00
Beef Noodle Soup$7.00
Roast Duck Noodle Soup$6.50
Dumplings Noodle Soup
Chive & Pork Dumplings Noodle Soup$5.00
Cabbage & Pork Dumplings Noodle Soup$5.00
Chicken Dumplings Noodle Soup$6.00
Beef Dumplings Noodle Soup$6.00
Vegetable Dumplings Noodle Soup$6.00
Shrimp & Pork Dumplings Noodle Soup$6.00
Tasty Soups
Hot & Sour Soup
Wonton Soup
Fuzhou Wonton Soup
Shrimp & Pork Wonton Soup
Fish Ball Soup
Drinks
Bottle Water$1.00
Soda$1.00
Green Tea$1.50
Photos
Reviews King Dumplings
Andy Liu
23-04-2026
Rating: 7.5/10
Date Last Visited: 1/24/2026
I ordered the Pork and Chive fried dumplings ($4.50). It came with 10 pieces and tasted amazing. The dumplings are crispy and the filling is a bit juicy and flavorful. For under $5, this is an amazing deal. The place is hidden away in Chinatown, but it’s worth making the trek there for some cheap yet solid dumplings. This place is cash only, so make sure you bring some extra cash with you. Overall, I would recommend this place if you want some cheap dumplings.
Order type
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Fried Pork and Chive Dumplings
Seating type
Indoor dining area
Recommendation for vegetarians
Somewhat recommend
Vegetarian offerings
Vegetarian menu or section, Clearly labeled vegetarian dishes
Parking space
Difficult to find parking
Parking options
Free street parking, Paid street parking
N. o N
23-04-2026
Fantastic food spot with great options. Can get crowded and loud when there’s a lot of order, but for the prices, you can see why. I think they took away some of their menu items (rip scallion pancakes 😢) but their dumplings are still great. … More
Tamiko Ramirez
23-04-2026
I heard about this restaurant from Instagram. I absolutely love dumplings and the primary reason I went to this specific restaurant was the price. $4.00 for 10 fried pork and chive dumplings. You absolutely can’t beat that price and the … More
John Y
23-04-2026
We went on a Monday at 2:30 and no lines. Small little spot on the corner. Cash only. You can see the mound of dumpling filling and the ladies making dumplings in front of you. Pork and chives dumplings are amazing. These dumplings are hot … More
Lori
23-04-2026
A no-frills, order at the counter eatery in Chinatown that has some of the best (and cheapest) dumplings you'll find in the area! They're best known for their pan-fried Pork & Chive dumplings, which are priced at a mere $4.50 for 10. Make … More
Joseph Sena
23-04-2026
Fantastic pork and chive dumplings, wonton and sweet & sour were also good. Took about 5 minutes to make my order. Will come back More
Joyce Go
23-04-2026
Super cheap and good. Pork and chive dumplings were fantastic. Chicken dumplings were good as well
Me…
More
Authentically Alyson
23-04-2026
King Dumplings NYC is a hidden gem that definitely has its highs and lows, but overall, it’s a solid choice for anyone craving some comforting Asian cuisine with a dash of adventure. … More
Jose Martinez
23-04-2026
Who said you can't eat cheap in NYC? King Dumplings in Chinatown proves that myth completely wrong. This place is legendary for a reason. The dumplings are absolutely bomb, fresh, flavorful, and unbelievably affordable. It's one of those … More
Florence Wen
23-04-2026
One of my favorite spots for dumplings in NYC. We used to frequent their old location and thought they closed down but was glad to hear that they just moved a few blocks away. This dumpling spot has very affordable and delicious dumplings, … More
Sonia Russi
23-04-2026
The pork and chive dumplings were definitely amazing and fresh. I had both friend and boiled. The dumpling sauce(darker color sauce) they provide on the tables is a must to pour over. It is cash only. During the time I went, the fried ones … More
Denaya Karenzi
23-04-2026
CASH ONLY PLACE
But there is an atm tho! … More
Denaya Karenzi
23-04-2026
CASH ONLY PLACE
But there is an atm tho!
Tried the fried dumplings and it was so good! Not the crispy deep fried dumplings, rather a soft steamed with crispy edges. Served hot and fast. We also got their duck noodle but honestly the broth taste so pork-y.
The ambience is pretty nice, authentic Chinese lowkey humble resto with lots of stickers on the wall.
The frozen dumplings (to take home) are far more affordable!
Order type
Dine in
Food: 5
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 3
Recommended dishes
Fried Pork and Chive Dumplings, Dumpling Noodle Soup
Group size
2 people
Seating type
Indoor dining area
James, Food Critic
23-04-2026
Best value dumplings in the entire United Stated. An order of ten fried dumplings was $4.50 and a ten piece wanton soup was $3. The food was so good, especially for the price. The food also came out relatively quickly. While seating was … More
Maceo Berg
23-04-2026
This is probably my fifth time here but I’m finally leaving a review if this is what you want it’s the perfect restaurant. If it’s not what you want don’t come here. If half the menu is not available that’s what you walked into, but the … More
Mohammad Mazhar Hussain
23-04-2026
Having heard rave reviews, I finally made my way to King Dumplings, and it quickly became one of my favorite spots for authentic, affordable dumplings in NYC. I was delighted to find they'd simply moved a few blocks from their old location, … More
Sandy P
23-04-2026
Delicious and juicy fried pork and chives dumplings. 10 pieces for only $4.50 (such an affordable and filling lunch)! I like drizzling the dumplings with white vinegar, soy sauce and sriracha, then close the box and shake it all up. A nice spot in Chinatown to sit down for a quick meal and you don’t have to pay tips. More
Angela
23-04-2026
This is one of your classic really cheap dumpling spots in nyc Chinatown. You can get lots of dumplings for really cheap here, and the dumplings are good for the price. Like a lot of places in Chinatown it’s cash only with an atm. The … More
Shalin Luitel
23-04-2026
Their $3 pork buns are mind blowing and they also have some seating arrangements too. It was not that packed compared to other places nearby. A hidden gem for sure!!! More
Mia Huynh
23-04-2026
I came here for a quick bite and it's a great cozy and affordable spot in Chinatown for some comforting food! I got their pork and chive dumplings (pan-fried is $4.50 for 10!), their pan-fried buns, and their sesame pancake with duck. … More
Andy Liu
23-04-2026
Rating: 7.5/10
Date Last Visited: 1/24/2026 … More
Jacob Cohen
23-04-2026
Very budget friendly dumpling spot. I got pork wonton noodle soup for $7 my brother got beef stew noodles for I think $8 both came with a large bowl of brother and noodle mine had like 10 wontons, greens, and a large egg In it. The broth … More
Reviews King Dumplings