MenuToEat Journal
Soup Dumpling Rainbows and Edison Adventures: Ugly Dumpling Delights
Ugly Dumpling in Edison isn't just about the name; it's a flavorful adventure that brightened up a day of exploring the area. From vibrantly colored soup dumplings to satisfying fried rice, it's a spot worth adding to your list.
Written By
Tess Rivera
A recent-grad hobby foodie who turns day trips and after-work walks into sharp, casual restaurant field notes.
Feature File
Ugly Dumpling - Edison, NJ
561 US-1, Edison, NJ 08817
From The Story
“Ugly Dumpling in Edison isn't just about the name; it's a flavorful adventure that brightened up a day of exploring the area. From vibrantly colored soup dumplings to satisfying fried rice, it's a spot worth adding to your list.”
Feature Story
A day built around one meal
I was in Edison running some errands the other day – the kind of Saturday where you're just ticking things off the list. I had a little extra time, and after a quick detour past Supercharged Entertainment (laser tag always calls my name), I decided to grab a bite. Ugly Dumpling - Edison, NJ popped up, and the name alone was enough to pique my curiosity.
Walking in, it's a casual, brightly lit space. Nothing fancy, but clean and welcoming. I immediately zeroed in on the soup dumplings. I mean, how could you not? They have a whole section dedicated to them, and the "Ugly Dumpling Sampler (5) ($11)" seemed like the perfect way to dive in. It's one of each of their signature flavors. Five colorful dumplings arrived, each a little jewel-toned parcel. The pork and crab was rich, and I was surprised by how much I liked the pork, shrimp & spinach. Next time, though, I'm going straight for the Pork & Truffle (6) ($14). It's worth the splurge.
Beyond the soup dumplings, I also tried the Pineapple Mango Buns (2) ($5). Those were fluffy, slightly sweet, and a fun change of pace. I also went for the Pork Chop Fried Rice ($14). It was a huge portion, easily enough for two people, and the pork chop was crispy and flavorful. I have a friend who eats vegan, and I noticed they have vegan dumplings on the menu for only $8. I will bring her next time!
After lunch, I took a walk through Papaianni Park. It’s a great place to stretch your legs and enjoy some greenery after a satisfying meal. Roosevelt Park is also nearby, if you’re looking for something with more space and activities.
What makes Ugly Dumpling stand out is the variety and the value. The prices are reasonable, especially considering the quality and the portion sizes. It's the kind of place where you can try a bunch of different things without breaking the bank, and everything feels fresh and homemade.
If you're ever in the Edison area and looking for a quick, tasty, and affordable meal, Ugly Dumpling is definitely worth a stop. It’s a solid, no-frills spot that delivers on flavor. I'm already planning my next visit to try the Szechuan Pork dumplings!