Laoban Dumplings

The dumplings were pretty good--we had the ginger chicken and beef ones. Unfortunately, they were out of the pork & chive. Prices were super reasonable, especially for Union Market. Service was also quick, even on a busy Friday night!

TLDR stick to the dumplings.So I love dumplings and have been on a bit of a dumpling kick lately so of course I ordered the pork soup dumplings. And they were alright (and more reasonably priced than some others I tried) but they were just alright. A bit doughier than I usually prefer, but at least that had the benefit of keeping the soup actually inside the dumpling. I probably would've liked them more if I hadn't also ordered the chilled sesame noodles which were a definite miss. The sauce was weirdly clumpy, maybe in part because they were prepared in advanced and kept in the fridge. Whatever the reason, they weren't doing it for me especially not for $9+!

Yeah, it's dumplings. Try a variety. Nothing too crazy but delivers substantially in a sea of overpriced food stalls

As I mentioned not too long ago, I haven't been in Union Market in years... and even so, there was never a time when I was really exploring freely since I've always had a mission. I stumbled upon this place, and I wanted a light snack. And the dumpling prices were really... affordable for the market (and DC in general) so I was intrigued! I got the ginger chicken dumplings and really enjoyed them! I was surprised that they didn't give any chopsticks with my order -- I had to come back in and grab some from the table a bunch of folks were sitting at. I'd be down to return and explore their other dumplings. Looks like their products can be purchased frozen and in stores. I've never seen them before, but this is all good to know!

Service was awesome. Don is knowledgeable and answered all my son's questions. The ambiance was super cute just like the dumplings.

I was so excited to try this place out. I was craving some dumplings bad! My friends and I had just finished going to the Coffee Festival around the corner and were hopped up on caffeine and needed food! I ordered the pork soup dumplings and pork fried dumplings. While I know the soup dumplings would take a bit longer, even the guy working there apologized twice for how long it was taking. My friends had already gotten their food and were outside, halfway done with their meals before I ever came out. He said he'd throw in some freebies for the long wait, but that didn't happen. And despite the long wait, I really hoped it would have been worth it. Unfortunately, they were just ok, and somehow, after all that time, not even fully cooked. They were still quite doughy. So, sadly, I think I'll try somewhere else for my next meal at Union Market.

Such simple food but disappointing. I ordered 6 pork and chive dumplings. They came out sticking together like crazy and mushy -- an unappetizing texture altogether. I got the cold sesame noodles, and I felt like they were clearly prepackaged and sitting in the fridge all day. I was craving dumplings, and my craving wasn't totally satisfied :/

Not how I'd typically want my dumplings to be. I'm giving more than 1 star specially for 2 reasons: The one person working the kitchen and cash register was so nice and the dumpling filing for the chicken and pork dumplings were good. Now the reason for a not so great review from me was the sad attempt to make beyond meat dumplings in chili oil. Wontons or dumplings in chili oil are a dish I take seriously as I know every restaurant makes it differently. However we could not finish the container as the skin of the dumpling was not even properly cooked and the chili oil was heavily lacking in character. I hope they can revamp that dish.

This spot was OK. One of the few food places that were pretty quick and easy on a late (9pm) Friday night. I ordered chicken dumplings but they asked if I could do 1 pork otherwise it would take longer. I'm glad they asked because I was in a rush, but at the same time I'm like why were the chicken ones already ready lol. The spring roll was good but lacked the firmness that I'm used to. It was a bit hard to hold and eat because it was flimsy and I definitely couldn't dip it without dropping everything everywhere. Overall food flavor and sauces were good but I'd probably only come back if I were in a similar grab and go situation again.

Dumplings tasted fine, service was quick, and cute little place in DC's Union Market. Maybe I just don't appreciate dumplings as much as the next guy, but these didn't taste anything notably memorable for the price I paid for them. And the dumplings each weren't that big and stuffed either.