Best Dishes at Zhu Ji Dumpling House

Four pan-fried buns ($2.50) with soft, pillowy dough and porky, flavorful filling. Served warm. The meat is well-seasoned and moist. At this price point, this is a complete snack or side. Reviewers specifically praise the juiciness and quality of the pork inside.

Steamed pork and chive dumplings ($3.50 for an order) with tender, pleated wrappers. The chive flavor is bright against the savory pork. If these are sold out, the staff is known to make a fresh batch for you on the spot. The thickness of the dumpling skin is just right—not too thin or thick.

Eight pan-fried dumplings with pleated dumpling skin for $4—this is the value equation that defines Zhu Ji. The bottoms crisp when fried, the tops stay tender. The pork filling is porky and flavorful, with great balance. Reviewers consistently call these the best dumplings they've had for the price.

For those wanting vegetable with their protein, this order ($3.50) combines diced vegetables with seasoned pork. The balance prevents the dumplings from being too rich. Reviewers note the vegetable keeps the filling from being monotone.