Dumpling House

Some of the best soup dumplings around. In between Central and Harvard squares in Cambridge on Mass Ave, Dumpling House fills up quickly. You may expect a wait, but it is sure worth it. Several large family-style tables are available. The restaurant has a few separate areas and has the vibe of a Chinatown restaurant with the hustle and bustle of fast service and a loud atmosphere. Great for parties of two or ten. As one would expect (and hope), the dumplings are the star and the mini soup dumplings with pork are delightful with the chewy and slightly crusty dough of the dumpling oozing with a savory broth with a generous stuffing of ground pork. Pour the vinegar sauce slowly over the dumpling, bite a small hole, slurp, enjoy.

The menu is quite large. Depending on the size of the party, would recommend one fish, one meat, and one vegetable dish. Option for spicy Szechuan style, Taiwanese, or even "Americanized" Chinese dishes. I'm sure the "Americanized" dishes are perfectly fine but do try to branch out. Take the Szechuan dried spicy chicken - its like a simple chicken nugget but with a flash of heat, served with a heaping portion of sliced dried peppers.

The sliced fish Szechuan style is lovely. The small portion (large also available) is enough for two to share with other dishes. What is more satisfying than a bowl of spicy red pepper broth with tender white fish, bok choy, and cabbage on a cool fall evening? You may even catch a Szechuan peppercorn or two.