Restaurant Review: Dumpling Haus

Name: Dumpling Haus

Location: 540 N Midvale Blvd, Madison, WI 53705

Ambience: Casual

Cost: $$

Best Dish: Sesame Noodle Kick with a side of Veggie Wontons

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Madison has a dearth of quality Chinese food that is accessible to vegetarians. Although the landscape has changed considerably recently, Dumpling Haus remains one of my favorite places to order Chinese food. Their location in Hilldale has been packed every time I have been, and for good reason - their food feels like it was made for a family meal at home, a part of the atmosphere they create by continuing to be a family run restaurant.

Part of what I love about Dumpling Haus is the broad variety of vegetarian options - just in the noodle dishes, they have 3-4 exceptional dishes, with additional specials on a daily basis. The Veggie Lo Mein ($8.45) is flavorful and the crunchy bok choy provide a great contrast to the noodles. But the Sesame Noodle Kick is my personal favorite, with a little more spice, topped with crunchy peanuts and lots of scallions. The sauce excels here, and although it tends to pool at the bottom, this is easily remedied by mixing the noodles. It combines the nuttiness of sesame and peanut butter to cover the noodles in a smooth, creamy layer, complemented by the subtle umami from the soy sauce. A side of veggie wontons, served with a tangy soy sauce/vinegar mix is a great addition to make it a meal. I wish there were other veggies beyond just greens inside of them, they hold up well, and don't feel soggy even though they are steamed.

Dumpling Haus also offers a vegetarian and sweet Bao Zi - I loved the nutella bao ($6.35), with the fluffy, soft outside and melty, chocolate interior. It was a great way to finish off my meal.

Although Americanized Chinese food has a reputation for being greasy, Dumpling Haus is anything but, and feels like a fresh, well-made meal. At roughly $8/noodle bowl plus an extra $3.50 for the side of wontons, it’s a little more expensive than the average fast casual dining place. However, it is well worth it - they have generous portions, and I have often taken half of my meal home to eat the next day. Even with their expansion, Dumpling Haus feels like a small, family place - and that's the best part.