KC Dumplings Mini Guide
Read on for a list of some of the best little bites of dumpling love in the city!
I scream, you scream, we all scream for… dumplings! I don’t know about you but when the weather is not quite spring (or fake spring, as we like to call it) in Kansas City I still crave warm, savory bites and dumplings hit the spot every time. If you’re like me and need a refresher on the correct name, dumpling is actually a broad culinary term that encompasses any dish that includes dough turned into a packet, filled, sealed, and then cooked. Gyoza is the Japanese name for one particular type of dumpling with finely minced meat and/or vegetables and spices all wrapped in a thin wheat or rice flour wrapper. For this list we will cover both! Whether you are planning a fun date night, girls night out, or just want to cozy up at home with takeout keep reading for a roundup of delectable dumpling spots across the metro that are guaranteed to cure any cravings!
Rakar’s Dumpling House, Leawood: I had to kick off the list with this restaurant! Rakar’s Dumpling House lives up to its name with seven different types of dumplings on the menu AND the option to buy their homemade dumplings frozen in bulk to take home!
Blue Koi, Mission Farms: Blue Koi is one of the staples in the KC dumpling world offering boiled, pan fried, or wonton style dumplings. Blue Koi opened their Leawood location in 2002 and have created a cult following with their Chinese comfort food. I love their steamed vegetable dumplings made with spinach in the dough as well as their robust selection of Chinese loose-leaf tea – it doesn’t get cozier!
Chewology Gyoza Bar, Westport: Chewology is a local Taiwanese eatery located in Westport. Chewology focused on their handcrafted gyoza as the entrance into the KC food scene and you can sample pork, soup or vegan dumplings along with many other authentic and handmade delicacies.
Bo Lings, Across Metro: Bo Lings has been a Kansas City icon since 1981! With six locations across the city this locally owned restaurant continues to create handcrafted family recipes including my favorite, their Sichuan Dumplings!
Bo’s Kitchen, River Market: from this same owners of Bo Lings comes this quick and convenient spot offers dine-in or takeout ready in a flash. The Bo’s chicken dumplings for $6 are the perfect midday treat.
ABC Cafe, Overland Park: an iconic spot for dim sum, ABC Cafe ‘s is a casual spot to grab come of the best Chinese in the city– including, of course, an impressive selection of dumplings. There can be a bit of a line, but their kitchen moves quickly and it’s always worth the wait!
Kobi-Q, Crossroads: Kobi-Q, nestled in the heart of Crossroads, serves up Korean comfort foods, street food, and other Asian America dishes including both beef and veggie dumplings. Kobi-Q is open Monday – Sunday for both lunch and dinner.
Boru, Waldo: While this Waldo eatery has a robust menu, you should definitely start with the hand made dumplings and gyoza. Boru also offers daily happy hour from 3-6pm!
Chingu, Westport: Chingu means “friend” in Korean and that’s exactly what you’ll feel like when you walk through the doors. Mandu Bokkem is their homemade pork dumpling with veggies and a gochuchang garlic sauce. Chingu aims to create an experience with their Korean street food and inviting atmosphere. I also love their cocktail menu and discovered many new spirits like soju and makgeoli. A must try with friends new and old!
Buck Tui, Overland Park: Even though Buck Tui only has their Thai Sausage Dumplings in this category I had to include this restaurant due to their unique concept of Thai & BBQ fusion! A locally owned restaurant with ties to Waldo Thai, Buck Tui is a must visit!
Waldo Thai, Waldo: You’ve already most likely heard of Waldo Thai, who was voted KC’s Best Thai restaurant and was a James Beard Finalist in 2023, so it’s only fitting their handcrafted dumplings made this list! Their steamed dumplings are the perfect app before trying many of their other traditional handcrafted dishes.
Jun’s, Prairie Village: A local sushi joint with 46 years of KC history and counting! While Jun’s sushi might steal the spotlight their gyoza and wasabi pork dumplings are the perfect starter.
Princess Gardens, Waldo: Come for the excellent food, stay for the impressive ambiance: dining in here feels cozy, colorful and and as comforting as the dumplings themselves!
888 Food Market, Overland Park: The move here is to order some dumplings in the food court, and then start making your rounds through the many aisles of one of the most impressive international grocery stores you’ll ever set foot in. Circle back and chow down when they’re ready!
This list is definitely not exhaustive, but we hope it kicks off your dumpling discovery tour of the city while visiting new or old favorites along the way! Let us know if we missed your go-to spot and happy exploring!
