As winter wears on, you need a meal that’s just plain cute and cuddly. Nestled in cuisines from around the world, dumplings deliver that comfort cuisine we crave. These plump pockets of dough, sometimes filled with flavorful ground meat, herbs, vegetables, or cheese, pop up in almost every culture — from the Tibetan momo to the Polish pierogi and Italian ravioli.
That’s the beauty of dumplings. They’re familiar, yet trying different versions can feel adventurous. So go ahead and dip your chopsticks (or fork) into a dumpling style you’ve never tried. It’s a safe bet you’ll be satisfied if you sample one of our picks from across the county.
Momo
At Jewel of Himalaya in Scarsdale and Yorktown, these weighty dumplings are steamed and twisted up top for chewy enjoyment or deep-fried for a crisp crunch and filled with beef, chicken, vegetables, or a set of all three. For the full Tibetan-Nepali experience, go ahead and dip those dumplings in the spicy tomato sauce. That sauce makes these momos mouth-watering in the best way.
751 Central Park Ave, Scarsdale; 914.874.5506
34 Triangle Center, Yorktown Heights; 914.302.2886
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Khinkali
Cupping the eastern edge of the Black Sea and nestled under Russia, above Turkey, Armenia, and Azerbaijan, Georgia’s climate makes for good eating, and Mount Kisco’s outpost, Badageoni, represents that characteristic well with vibrant dishes. Your craving for dumplings can be satisfied at Badageoni in several ways, large or small. Here, the pillowy pockets are called “khinkali.” For big Georgian soup dumplings, you only need five pieces for a meal and can choose among beef and pork, cheese, or lamb. Smaller beef and pork dumplings come bathed in cream sauce, just like the potato khinkali, which are also topped with fried onions for texture and even more flavor.
26 E Main St, Mount Kisco; 914.864.1666
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Potstickers
Known for modern Chinese fare by Chef Dale Talde served in the royal digs of Tarrytown’s King Mansion, Goosefeather’s dry-aged beef potstickers pack an umami punch, and the Chinese mustard horseradish compliments that heartiness with an acidic zing. These crunchy dumplings with a soft center are meant to be eaten dim sum-style or as an appetizer.
49 E Sunnyside Ln, Tarrytown; 914.829.5454
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Notable: The potstickers and other East Asian-style steamed dumplings at Bronxville’s Dumpling + Noodle are also a must-try.
26 Palmer Ave, Bronxville; 914.779.0902
Pierogi
Sourced from Eastern European grocer Miasarnia, Yonkers Brewing Co.’s contribution to the world of dumplings are the fresh potato cheese pierogi served with beer brats, caramelized onions, sauerkraut, and sour cream. That sour cream is crucial for pierogies, and this version steps it up by seasoning the dip with lime and cilantro.
92 Main St, Yonkers; 914.226.8327
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Related: Where to Get Authentic Polish Pierogi in Westchester
Gyoza
Similar to potstickers in size and cooking method (pan-fried), gyoza are available at many local Japanese spots, often as an appetizer. At Osaka in Tarrytown, gyoza are stuffed with pork, shrimp, or vegetables. We say go for it.
134 Wildey St, Tarrytown; 914.631.8888
Editor’s Note: Dumplings comprise a broad category that could include many more varieties from many more countries.
