Ugly Dumpling

- 661 W Edgar Rd, Linden, NJ 07036

For New Jersey residents craving authentic, high-quality Chinese cuisine, especially specialized items like dim sum and soup dumplings, **Ugly Dumpling** in Linden is a must-visit destination. Located conveniently in Union County, this restaurant is much more than just a Chinese takeaway; it’s a dedicated **Dim sum restaurant**, **Dumpling restaurant**, and **Chinese noodle restaurant** all rolled into one. The name itself suggests a focus on rustic, homemade appeal over mere aesthetics, promising robust and genuine flavors.

Ugly Dumpling has built a reputation on its extensive menu that spans traditional dim sum, inventive appetizers, and satisfying main dishes cooked fresh in the wok. It perfectly serves the local need for a quick, quality lunch spot, a cozy dinner venue, or a place to grab late-night comfort food. The restaurant successfully combines a casual, welcoming atmosphere with an ambitious menu that includes options for every taste, from meat lovers to those seeking **Vegetarian options** and even **Healthy options**.

Location and Accessibility

Ugly Dumpling is easily accessible, situated at a major thoroughfare in Linden, New Jersey. The address is:

661 W Edgar Rd, Linden, NJ 07036, USA

Its strategic placement makes it a convenient stop for locals and those passing through the area. The restaurant is well-equipped to welcome all guests with a high level of accessibility and necessary amenities:

• **Parking:** Guests benefit from a dedicated **Free parking lot**, ensuring easy access directly to the establishment. There is also **Wheelchair accessible parking lot** space available.
• **Accessibility Features:** The venue is fully equipped with a **Wheelchair accessible entrance**, **Wheelchair accessible seating**, and a **Wheelchair accessible restroom**, providing a comfortable and accommodating dining experience for everyone.
• **Atmosphere:** The environment is described as **Casual, Cozy, and Quiet**, making it suitable for solo dining, a relaxed meal with friends, or a date night. It’s a good spot for both **Groups** and **Tourists** visiting the area.

Services Offered

The range of services at Ugly Dumpling is designed for maximum customer convenience, catering to both dine-in guests and those preferring to enjoy their meal at home or on the go:

• **Dining Options:** Customers can enjoy **Dine-in** service with comfortable **Seating** and full **Table service** for **Lunch, Dinner,** and even **Brunch** or **Dessert**. They also offer a **Private dining room** for special occasions or larger gatherings.
• **Off-Premise Options:** The restaurant operates as a high-quality **Chinese takeaway**, offering easy **Takeout**, **Curbside pickup**, and **Delivery** options. This ensures that their delicious food is readily available to the wider New Jersey community.
• **Full Bar Service:** A **Bar onsite** serves a range of **Alcohol**, including **Beer, Cocktails,** and **Wine**. This feature elevates the dining experience beyond typical Chinese restaurants, making it a great place to socialize.
• **Value and Convenience:** **Happy hour drinks** and **Happy hour food** are offered, though customers should be aware of the need to ask for details, as this information may not be automatically provided by all service staff. The restaurant is also a reliable source for **Late-night food**.
• **Payment and Amenities:** Accepts major **Credit cards, Debit cards,** and **NFC mobile payments**. Free **Wi-Fi** and a clean **Restroom** are available for all guests.
• **Catering:** **Catering** services are available for those looking to bring the full dim sum and noodle experience to their events.
• **Family Friendly:** The restaurant is noted as **Good for kids**, offering a welcoming environment for family meals.

Features / Highlights

Ugly Dumpling’s menu is packed with authentic, exciting features that set it apart in the local Chinese restaurant scene:

• **Signature Soup Dumplings:** The selection of *Soup Dumplings* is a major draw. Highlights include the classic **Pork Soup Dumplings (6 for $9.00)** and the luxurious **Pork & Truffle Soup Dumplings (6 for $14.00)**. They also offer adventurous options like **Szechuan Pork Soup Dumplings** and the **Ugly Dumpling Sampler (5 for $11.00)** for first-timers.
• **Extensive Dim Sum Menu:** Beyond soup dumplings, the restaurant excels as a dim sum spot, with traditional items like **Steamed BBQ Pork Buns (3 for $6.00)**, **Pork & Shrimp Shumai (8 for $9.00)**, **Crystal Shrimp Dumplings (6 for $10.00)**, and the unique **Red Bean Paste Piglet Buns**.
• **Fresh, Bouncy Noodles:** The noodle dishes are a highlight, praised by reviewers for their **"nice bouncy texture."** Options range from the satisfying **Noodles w. Spicy Sauce ($9.00)** and its variation, the **Green Tea Noodles w. Spicy Sauce**, to heartier meals like **Braised Beef Noodle Soup ($14.00)** and **Fried Pork Chop Noodle Soup ($12.00)**.
• **Creative Comfort Food Appetizers:** The appetizer list offers great variety, featuring **Comfort food** staples like **Salt & Pepper Popcorn Chicken ($7.00)** and **Soy Garlic Wings (6 for $11.00)**, alongside **Healthy options** like **Cucumber Salad ($7.00)** and **Edamame ($6.00)**. The **Braised Baby Back Ribs** are a popular, albeit potentially "tough" but flavorful, choice.
• **Variety of Wok-Fried Dishes:** The **FROM THE WOK** section provides full entrees, including various fried rice and stir-fried noodle combinations, such as **Pork Chop Fried Rice ($14.00)** and **Orange Chicken ($13.00)**.
• **Fast and Professional Service:** The restaurant is highlighted for its **Fast service**, making it an excellent option for a quick and satisfying meal during a lunch break or before an evening engagement.
• **Bubble Tea:** As an integrated **Bubble tea store**, it offers a great pairing with any meal, adding a sweet, trendy finish to the dining experience.

Contact Information

To place an order, make a reservation, or inquire about catering and the happy hour specials, please use the contact details below:

Address: 661 W Edgar Rd, Linden, NJ 07036, USA

Phone: (908) 257-0802

Mobile Phone: +1 908-257-0802

What is Worth Choosing

Ugly Dumpling is a compelling choice for New Jersey diners seeking a superior Chinese food experience, especially given its focus on specialty items that are often hard to find outside of major cities. It's worth choosing for the following reasons:

• **Unmatched Dumpling and Noodle Quality:** The restaurant excels in its namesake dishes. The sheer variety and quality of the soup dumplings (especially the Pork & Truffle) and the texturally perfect noodles are the primary reason to visit. These are gourmet-level comfort foods offered at accessible prices.
• **The Ideal Multi-Purpose Venue:** Whether you need a **Quick bite**, a spot for a relaxed dinner with **Small plates**, a fully accommodated lunch, or even a late-night fix, Ugly Dumpling fits the bill. The inclusion of a full bar and **Happy hour** makes it a versatile social spot as well.
• **High Potential for Great Service:** While one review mentioned an inconsistent experience with a particular server who was not fully attentive or informative about the **Happy hour** or menu, another review specifically praised an **"amazing waitress," Sara**. This suggests the restaurant's potential for excellent service is high, and management is attentive to the customer experience. First-time visitors are encouraged to politely inquire about daily specials and happy hour times upon seating.
• **Accessibility and Atmosphere:** The combination of **Free parking** and full **Wheelchair accessibility** removes logistical barriers, and the **Casual, Cozy, Quiet** atmosphere is perfect for concentrating on the conversation and the flavorful food without excessive noise or distraction.
• **Menu Depth:** From the lighter **Cucumber Salad** to the rich **Braised Baby Back Ribs** and the numerous protein options for fried rice and stir-fried noodles, the menu offers a depth that goes far beyond standard Chinese American fare, ensuring there is always something new and authentic to try on subsequent visits.

Ugly Dumpling

661 W Edgar Rd, Linden, NJ 07036, USA