Mama’s Dough

I’ve had xiao long bao at many locations on the west coast but if there is one place I’ll remember most fondly, it’s Mama Dough. Upon entering the store, you’re immediately greeted by staff and can see them crafting dishes from behind a screen. The atmosphere is comfortable and genuine, no snootiness or pretentiousness usually attributed to their counterparts. I personally ordered the pork xiao long bao, spicy pork xiao long bao, braised beef pancakes, and the boiled beef dumplings. While waiting, I had some delicious green tea while I chatted with some friends and watched the chefs prepare my meal. First came the braised beef pancakes. While greasy, it was packed full of flavor. Well seasoned and complemented by the veggies packed inside. The pork xiao long bao was delicious. Packed with meat and delicious broth. Served at the perfect temperature to immediately eat (although I like it pretty hot). The boiled beef dumplings were slightly bland compared to the rest of the food. But combined with the vinegar and soy sauce, it was nice. The spicy pork xiao long bao was my favorite part of the meal. The heat didn’t detract from the flavor in the slightest, but instead brought about a true umami. I cannot wait to come here again. Do not hesitate to make the trip if you’re in the area, you won’t regret it.

Real, authentic, and flavorful dumplings! Really, nothing on their menu is bad. Don’t even think about going to Din Tai Fung. This place is 100x’s better, trust me. I usually get their spicy beef noodle soup, but just did the shrimp dumplings in spicy sauce and their crab xiao long bao this time. It is so fresh and their broth is divine. I’m moving away, and wish I could take this place with me. Bonus: they also sell frozen dumplings too!

Favorite item: pork soup dumplings, skin was thin and delicate, soup was on the heavier savory side but perfect if you skip the dipping sauce. Pass on: beef pancake wrap, not flakey and thin as other places we've ordered this item from, also low on meat filling (definitely not the same as the menu pictured). All the other dishes were homey and delicious (braised pork belly and cold spicy peanut chicken). 4 stars because each of the main dishes we assumed would be enough to share but it's rather small portions for the price. One person could easily finish that whole braised pork dish alone and still be hungry.

saw the place while shopping in the center. So had to try it. Ambience was nice for a Chinese restaurant and the staffed were very friendly. You get to see in the kitchen and see them making the soup dumpling. we order the Pork Soup Dumpling that was hand made. Unfortunately the flavor was ok and the meat was a little hard. I think they should put more fat in to it and add some veg too. But there is soup in it so be careful when you get it. But then the dish got COLD too fast. Also we order the Pork Bum it came in 6 pack that was pretty good. Wish it had more bamboo in it so it will taste better. Green onion pancake was not so good. Some part are BURNED and some part are not COOKED and it came out so OILY. Probably will not be back.