Vanessa's Dumpling House

Business Hours:: Mon.-Sun.:07:30am-10:30pm

Restaurant Location: Small city, town, or suburb

Number of Employees: 10+

Number of Seats: 50

Average Price: Less than $5.99

Restaurant Type: Full service

Cuisine: American-Chinese

Customer Base: Main Stream Americans

Offers

Dinner Average Price: $5.00-$10.00

Awards and Honors

Top 100 local Favorite (2010)

Vote and Comments

food:

AVG:(NaN)

services:

AVG:(NaN)

sanitation:

AVG:(NaN)

decor:

AVG:(NaN)

Number of voting: 0 people have voted

	Reviewed by : Pamela B. On: 3/27/2013 3:29:00 PM I came here kicking and screaming, because my dumpling loyalty belongs to Prosperity. No sooner did my husband and I polish off our respective 4-dumplings-for-a-dollar (ahem, it's 5-for-a-dollar at Prosperity), than I promptly got a stomachache. Later that night, my husband vomited. Over the course of the next day, our bathroom was scarcely unoccupied. The punishment was deserved. Prosperity Dumpling, I will never choose another over you again!
	Reviewed by : Syddie P. On: 3/26/2013 2:57:00 AM Pretty good dumplings. I like the skins thinner but these are pretty tasty, hearty thick-skinned tasty dumplings. And at 4 for $1 - no complaints!
	Reviewed by : Laurie W. On: 3/24/2013 3:19:00 PM It is not in the main part of Chinatown!It's not hidden but its kinda in a quiet alley section, but it's pretty spacious inside so COME ON IN!When you think Chinatown and restaraunt...you have a pretty grungy image..dirty, scowl face ladies, random funny doesnt-make-sense menus. Well here, it's not quite thatIt has seating, it has a pretty self-explanatory menu, the ladies...well they still have a scowl face, but it aint that bad. And dumplings for a price of under $5....i'll take the mean face and the dirty table!You can kind of see them working on your order, depending on what you get. I got chili-oil wonton, fried pork and chives dumpling and the interesting chicken and basil. All for under $10, split between me and the baby TALLER brother. I believe we got 6-8 dumplings per order, and we almost didn't finish....its quite filling.Chicken and basil..how would you say it...not that great. You like the smell of basil and chicken can never be wrong, but they just don' go together inside a dumpling. The won ton, its spicy and you know they just got it out of the water, its hot! The shrimp, perfect! And fried food cant be wrong, so no need to go more into that...as i am quite hungry right now.We went back the second time, and got the ever popular sesame sandwiches, which we saw a lot of locals getting and we can see why. $2.5 for two GOOD SIZE portion of sesame seed bread, meat, cucumber and sauce...IN NEW YORK CITY?!?! yea, i'll be going here too if i lived hereOh and i believe its CASH ONLY
	Reviewed by : Minnie N. On: 3/24/2013 11:42:00 AM The dumplings this establishment are named after are coarse and peasanty, really just ok. I go for the sesame pancakes, all of the flavors of which are dirt cheap and amazingly delicious. No atmosphere, brusque staff, limitedseating.
	Reviewed by : Misha T. On: 3/24/2013 8:32:00 AM I think I might like the dumplings here better than prosperity but the flip side is my beef seasame pancake dealie was simply not very good. But yea, v cheap. can't knock the hustle.
	Reviewed by : Marisol J. On: 3/23/2013 3:14:00 AM very nice place. Food was great and loved how fast it was. I had my first bubble tea there and it was delicious.
	Reviewed by : Liana L. On: 3/21/2013 9:52:00 PM To my astonishment, Prosperity Dumplings was closed - on Lunar New Year. Whoops, guess I shouldn't have been surprised after all. I took the opportunity to venture over to Vanessa's down the street, since I've heard so much about it as Prosperity's rival. Some of my friends insist that Vanessa's was better, which I highly doubted. I was right.That said, I do have to give credit where it's due. Vanessa's clearly deserves 4 stars (at least); the ambiance is much more conducive to groups. I would also not feel sheepish bringing non-close friends here (as I would with Prosperity's). Similarly cheap prices (4 dumplings for $1), actual seating, laid-back (though very busy) ambiance makes Vanessa's a clear winner for quick, delicious, cheap meals. That said, I could not help but compare every bite to Prosperity's; I thought that the dumplings were comparable, and the sesame pancake was a little disappointing. Prices are cheaper at Prosperity's, but then again, everything is really cheap even here.
	Reviewed by : Diana D. On: 3/19/2013 10:06:00 AM You get what you pay for. The dumpling skin is too thick, little flavor, and they don't seem interested in serving you if you don't speak the language.
	Reviewed by : dave w. On: 3/15/2013 10:42:00 PM wow, 1010 reviews. the dumplings aren't as good as the ones my mother-in-law makes (i understand there's a bit of a question mark around whether one prefers their dumplings doughier or not) but a solid place to grab a quick bite, especially after a beer or five
	Reviewed by : Winston G. On: 3/11/2013 6:19:00 AM I thought the dumplings here were average (skin too thick, not enough veggies in the dumplings), but for the cost, definitely worth trying. 4 fried dumplings for $1 is really cheap, and 8 boiled ones for about $2.50. You can basically get away eating dinner here for under $4 bucks.My favorite thing here are not the dumplings, but the sesame pancakes (which you can get with duck or pork sandwiched between them). Those are really great. Worth trying, but thought Prosperity Dumplings (only a few blocks away) were far superior.
	Reviewed by : J L. On: 3/9/2013 11:35:00 PM I love dumplings. Steamed, fried, whatever, as long as the skin is chewy and thick. Crusty bottom preferred. My father wanted some one day while we were in chinatown. Surprised to find that this is a popular place. Waited endless minutes to get the order of dumplings and soup.... And was TOTALLY DISAPPOINTED at how flavorLESS it was. Ugh. Why is this place that great anyway? Where is the full yummy flavor I was expecting?
	Reviewed by : Kristin L. On: 3/9/2013 10:57:00 PM Yes, it's a small place, borderline sketchy looking, but if a cheap meal is what you're looking for then you MUST come here.Personally, I think the dumplings are great, and of course very inexpensive. I haven't experienced the rest of the menu yet, but my friends who have said it's awesome. It's pretty packed in there, and you might not get a table, but try not to go during prime eating times.You're going to have to wait about 20 minutes or so before you're order is ready, but it's worth it. I went with 2 of my guy friends, the 3 of us spent $11 total, and all left full.
	Reviewed by : Nancy N. On: 3/9/2013 3:23:00 PM The dumplings are good, it's super cheap. Most importantly, the health code and the state sanitary code is graded A. I don't understand why it's SO packed all the time and the crowd keeps coming.The food is good, but it's not superb. Dumplings are made fresh from what I can tell through the kitchen window. I don't get why it's so consistency busy with just dumplings but good for them.
	Reviewed by : Kristina L. On: 2/22/2013 7:16:00 PM So worth the money!!Setting: quite spacious, however since its super busy, it does get crammed in here. The wait it not too bad, but like any other chinese restaurant, lack of customer service.Sesame Pecking duck sandwich- This is delicious! I Didn't know what to expect but for $2.5 its great! They give you plenty of meat and the duck is fat and oily just how I like it! (this is saying a lot because I don't even like fat on steaks) They also add veggies in there as well, makes me feel better.50 pork dumplings: $9! super cheap easy to make at home...that is if you get the timing right..still working on that.Overall: FINALLY a place that has the right chinatown prices im used too (ie cali) other places are way to expensive for damn chinese food and I am glad this place is cheap and you get more than you bargen for.
	Reviewed by : Oblomova P. On: 2/21/2013 11:19:00 PM The beef sandwich is my old time favorite! The dumplings are great and can't beat the price!! Noodles just ok.
	Reviewed by : Aleks K. On: 2/21/2013 3:53:00 PM I wish I had this down in Charleston b/c they're just so good! I agree with other posters about lack of seating space and the longish wait. I am willing to trade wait and standing for glorious little pockets of spicy wonton! Get an order of the fried pork and chive dumplings and the spicy won tons. They come 8 to an order, soft, filled with shrimp and pork and topped with garlic and cilantro for a surprising change.The prices are awesome and the dumplings are tasty. We saw quite a few people walk in then out b/c they did not want to wait. I would be willing to make the trip next time I'm in Nyc.
	Reviewed by : Kristin C. On: 2/17/2013 3:42:00 PM This place was highlighted on a Food Network show and looked pretty amazing so I had to try!I went on a Sunday, so my advice to anyone going on a weekend: wear your patience panties. It was very crowded with quite the wait to order and then another long wait for your food.But it's totally worth it! The veggie dumplings were perfectly plump and delicious. They have that handmade taste - no sign of freezer burn or sogginess. My favorite thing was the sesame pancake with Vegs. You can even watch the giant pancake being made...all part of the experience to make your mouth water prior to taking that first bite.Almost everything on the menu is $1-$4... Really unbeatable for the quality!I will be back!PS don't expect to find a table, they are few and far between, you may have to take home or find a spot to picnic.
	Reviewed by : Cecilia F. On: 2/17/2013 3:12:00 PM CHEAP AND DELICIOUS. Yes, these are the key words.A couple of friends and I came here after being extremely disappointed in a Dim Sum place that was nearby. The service was fast, but keep in mind that it was on a Sunday at 11am.I had the pork-chive fried dumplings (4 for $1) and spicy dry noodles ($4).The dumplings were delicious! As for the noodles, well I simply wasn't a fan, but now I know for next time!Definitely recommend!Cash Only!
	Reviewed by : Carmen C. On: 2/17/2013 2:51:00 PM I don't understand why this place gets so many and such high reviews. The dumplings are not that great and their salmon sandwhich (which my hubby likes to get) isn't that tasty either. The salmon is very tough, which to me is like salmon sinning.Definitely CHEAP & CONVENIENT if you are in the neighborhood but I wouldn't come here if you are a picky eater.
	Reviewed by : Danielle W. On: 2/10/2013 9:42:00 PM Cheap and bangin.
	Reviewed by : Robyn L. On: 2/4/2013 9:07:00 PM I'm so glad I have NYC friends in the know about the BEST places to eat. This place is tasty and cheap. Cash only.We went to the Chinatown location on a Saturday night and it wasn't too crowded. We ordered and found a seat.The prices are awesome - 4 dumplings for $1 or 8 for $4. All drinks are $1. Most of the pancakes around $1 - $2.50 depending on if they are stuffed with something.I had the pork fried dumplings and the chicken/basil boiled. Preferred the chicken but both were delicious as I dipped them in a soy sauce and sriacha mix.I walked by the location near NYU and it's definitely bigger and probably not as drafty (the other location was quite cold with the door opening and closing).In closing, I can't wait to go again next time I am in NYC!!!
	Reviewed by : Jonathan S. On: 2/3/2013 8:38:00 AM Another C Town institution (Food gets a 3.75 stars).There are few places in the city where you'll find skater punks, hipsters, yuppies, tourists and ladies in full on fur coats on the same line.The dumplings (4 for a dollar) here are just the start of it. There noodles and soups are solid options but the thing that keeps me coming back is the Sesame Pancake Roast Pork sandwich. The pancake they use as bread is crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside, the meat is salty and fatty and all the flavors from the shredded veggies in between are better than any other sandwich you can get for even double the $2.25 price tag.This spot is a straight value play and would get a a higher rating however the service, cleanliness and crowding definitely takes a certain frame of mind to enjoy. So expect good food on the cheap, understand what your getting into and you will not be disappointed.
	Reviewed by : Jim B. On: 2/2/2013 9:50:00 PM Honestly I don't care if the dumplings are cheap - which they are. The place is a dive. About twelve two tops against one wall and a few seats by the front window. Order at the counter and wait for your number to be called - which can be exciting in a way - as the Chinese counter help can't even pronouce English numbers all that well. What number did she just call???It was comical - I thought that I was ordering two chicken dumplings and two shrimp dumplings. No - I had ordered four servings or about two dozen dumplings in all. Luckily I was joining two friends who shared.I would rather eat at McDonalds.
	Reviewed by : Robert N. On: 1/26/2013 6:37:00 AM Great value! There's a reason why this place is always crowded. After their renovation, this place has become very clean and spacious.The dumplings are good, but what I come here for are their sesame pancakes. Best thing here in my opinion.I usually get the pancakes with tuna, beef or duck, and an egg. With the cilantro and other veggies in the sandwich and their sauce really makes this the pancakes flavorful.Even with a lot of customers, you can expect to be served quickly.
	Reviewed by : Aaron V. On: 1/23/2013 9:24:00 PM WOW. These dumplings are incredible! Somehow magic happens, between me ordering my friend pork dumplings and the friendly staff calling my number. Not very much seating, but 9 times out of 10 a seat opens up by the time the order is ready.Highly recommend!
	Reviewed by : Bakchun K. On: 1/22/2013 3:38:00 AM if you are poor...come hereif you want delicious food...come hereif u want dumplings...come hereif you don't eat meat...come hereif you can't pay with cash...don't come herethis is the place to be for college kids on a budget, if you are traveling and visiting new york and looking for cheap eats, this is one of themthe decor outside makes the place "look" a bit expensive, but it is not expensive at all, just for a few bucks, you can fill your stomach up and have room for dessert elsewhere for all under $10, offers a large variety of dumplings...pork, veggie etc. and they even have noodle soup at a very affordable price, can't go wrong with this place, not sure how this place has so many reviews, but must be all the non chinese people hyping it up...but its all good, definitely would come back here again because it is cheap and fills ya up
	Reviewed by : Janice D. On: 1/18/2013 1:15:00 AM Really good dumplings at a super economical price. For $12, we got 16 boiled dumplings, 8 fried dumplings, a generous plate of bok choy, and 2 red bean buns. It was an absolute feast for a great price. Great value for good dumplings (I wouldn't say these were exceptional dumplings, but they definitely satiate you!)I will be back!
	Reviewed by : Laura R. On: 1/13/2013 8:46:00 AM My first fried dumplings! Really good. I'm not a new yorker but 12 for $3.50 seems like a steal. I will try to go back before my trip ends but I have a lot of food to try.Down side: small space and a little slow on the order. The guy making the sandwiches was also eating them as he went.
	Reviewed by : Evan H. On: 1/10/2013 11:29:00 PM Two Words: Cheap Chinese.If you want a cheap, awesome, delicious, best deal in town, come to Vanessa's and snag a peking duck sesame pancake sandwich for $2.50. Don't have $2, you can get the fried egg version for only $1.50. Feeling dumpling? 5 pork and chive dumplings for $1.Basically, for a few bucks, you can be pretty full. I got mine to go, but you can sit in one of the tables and crush your late night (or regular dinner time) meal with some sriracha sauce. Either way, you get cheap and quality chinese.
	Reviewed by : Kevin W. On: 1/7/2013 6:15:00 PM There's like 9.000,000 other reviews here so I'll keep this simple:1. Cheap as fuck food. $1 for dumplings? Go for it2. The taste is decent. After all it's a cheap hole in the wall, so what do you expect?3. Go for the boiled pork dumplings with chives. It's a fine deal and tastes good.4. Fried pork dumplings are decent too.5. Avoid red bean buns. Dessert is not their forte. Not unless you like leathery skin for your buns.6. You'll smell like shit if you eat there, since it's essentially a giant kitchen with a few seats. Wear crappy clothes, or get take out.7. The 50 frozen dumplings for $9 dollars is a great deal ($14 for vegetarian dumplings). Take it home and make the shit yourself. You'll still enjoy your meal and you'll save $$That is all
	Reviewed by : Meana K. On: 1/6/2013 5:09:00 AM This joint is dirty. I stopped in to get some food and the tables had not been bussed, there was trash and food on the floors, the condiments containers on the tables were covered with nasty crusty sauce and hand prints. Yuck.The food I got was only okay. I asked if they had soup dumplings, and I got dumplings in soup. That's fine, no biggie. But it wasn't really that special either.
	Reviewed by : Charlie Z. On: 1/3/2013 10:33:00 AM If I live next to this place I pretty sure I would die of a heart attack.This is mass produced dumpling so don't expect the best dumplings you ever tasted. Sometimes you get good dumplings and other times you get so-so dumplings.However you are only paying a dollar for the fried dumplings so don't complain!
	Reviewed by : Sean M. On: 12/31/2012 8:40:00 AM 4.00 starsThis is a decent Dim Sum substitute without the fuss. The dumplings are decent nothing blew me away. I was in for breakfast on Saturday. The person taking my order was overly unfriendly but I never mark down for service in Chinatown. The congee was subpar but the egg sandwich was superlative. I would go here once a week for breakfast just for the sesame bread/pancake egg sammie if, I lived in the neighborhood! I got a ton of food and a soda for $9.50 so the value is there.* egg sandwich!* seating fills up single stools* parking? uh no.* bang for your buck
	Reviewed by : Irina L. On: 12/30/2012 5:25:00 AM One can say this is a hole in a wall - but one MUST say the food is absolutely amazing! All dumplings are made on premises, and the choice of flavors makes it difficult to reach a decision.Don't come here for the ambience: come here for true-to-goodness delicious, authentic food. Everything is served in plastic / disposable containers & plates, and it's hard to find a spot to sit - this place seems to be always busy. But focus on aromas, savor the abundance of herbs and seasonings in your dish.We ordered shrimp dumplings with broth, and spicy pork dumplings - amazing, fantastic, incredibly delicious. So good, we ordered more to go, for the train ride home.
	Reviewed by : Monique S. On: 12/23/2012 7:12:00 PM I love this place. Where else can you spend three dollars and get STUFFED on good food??The pork dumplings with cabbage or chives are delicious. They're fried, but they're not greasy and soggy at the bottom like at a lot of dumpling places.The Wonton Soup is delicious, and the scallion pancake is a steal, full of veggies and wonderfully seasoned.The Sriracha is watered down, but It's okay. You just can't beat the deal here. I love it!
	Reviewed by : Pallabi G. On: 12/19/2012 5:02:00 AM Made my way back here sooner than expected. The Peking Duck Sesame Pancake is just as good as I remember it... in fact I think it was better this time. Also, tried the spicy wontons and the pork and chive dumplings. The former was really delicious - basically shrimp and scallion filling topped with a sauce similar with what you would find on top of Dan Dan noodles.However, the pork and chive dumplings were pretty disappointing -- the wrapper was pretty hard and chewy. It also seemed like it had been sitting out for a while and it was a little greasy.Overall, good place for cheap eats with a couple of winners.
	Reviewed by : Josh H. On: 12/17/2012 6:51:00 PM This place is just the best. I didn't know what I was getting myself into when I walked in here. I went with a friend and we spent a total of $14 and ended up with 3x as much food as we needed. Keep in mind, I eat a ton and I was starving when I sat down. On top of the fact that you get the most for your money, the food is delicious! We got beef and duck soups, 8 steamed dumplings, a pork sesame pancake (which is a sandwich btw), and kimchi. All of which couldn't have satisfied me any more than they did.Highly recommend, go here, eat a lot, leave happy!
	Reviewed by : Jae C. On: 12/4/2012 3:49:00 PM Rude, quick, efficient, delicious, cheapJust the way I enjoy my dumplings and scallion pancakes
	Reviewed by : W V. On: 11/30/2012 5:37:00 PM I had been to this place so many time even when they had a little tiny place in the wall with no seats. I think the dumplings were much better before. I visited the place last month and tried the dumplings again (fried and boiled). I wasn't able to tell what kind of meat that they put in there. I can make much better and taster dumplings at home.Staffs were pretty mean. We asked for another fork. She gave us a mean look.
	Reviewed by : Phil H. On: 11/20/2012 6:02:00 PM Super duper cheap dumpling hole in the wall!Probably one of the cheapest spots to eat in all of Manhattan.Two people can eat for around $8-$9 combined total and have both bellies filled.If you come here and spend $10-$12 on yourself alone you will have be carried out in a wheelbarrow.Perfect spot for those on a budget, satisfying the munchies after happy hour, or grabbing some tasty grub before heading out for late night bar hopping in the area.Sesame pancakes, edamame, dumplings, and pork buns. With a bottle of water this was all less than $10. Good deal!Not that many tables and chairs and gets crowded so you end up doing the hover like a senior citizen in Atlantic City by the penny machines.Decent enough dumplings and the place has an assembly line feel, but this is the kind of joint to eat a cheap quick meal and not dilly dally. That, or just get take out. Plus, the bathroom is covered in graffiti like a dive bar and not all that clean. In fact, the whole place has a worn grungy kind of look and feel, but that is the charm of it.Vanessa is a cheap little thing and she will help you chow down without breaking the bank.
	Reviewed by : Musclebwnd On: 2010-10-11 I eat here DAILY!!!! Food is delicious, cheap, and everything is simply yum yum!!!!!! You can't go wrong with anything you order.
	Reviewed by : Moonlightlily4444 On: 2010-07-06 Very cheap and utterly delicious food!
	Reviewed by : Louieman23 On: 2010-06-20 I jizzed my pants the first time I tried this place...to this day I don't last more than 4 secs... But seriously...always worth it! -LC

Reviewed by : Pamela B. On: 3/27/2013 3:29:00 PM

Reviewed by : Syddie P. On: 3/26/2013 2:57:00 AM

Reviewed by : Laurie W. On: 3/24/2013 3:19:00 PM

Reviewed by : Minnie N. On: 3/24/2013 11:42:00 AM

Reviewed by : Misha T. On: 3/24/2013 8:32:00 AM

Reviewed by : Marisol J. On: 3/23/2013 3:14:00 AM

Reviewed by : Liana L. On: 3/21/2013 9:52:00 PM

Reviewed by : Diana D. On: 3/19/2013 10:06:00 AM

Reviewed by : dave w. On: 3/15/2013 10:42:00 PM

Reviewed by : Winston G. On: 3/11/2013 6:19:00 AM

Reviewed by : J L. On: 3/9/2013 11:35:00 PM

Reviewed by : Kristin L. On: 3/9/2013 10:57:00 PM

Reviewed by : Nancy N. On: 3/9/2013 3:23:00 PM

Reviewed by : Kristina L. On: 2/22/2013 7:16:00 PM

Reviewed by : Oblomova P. On: 2/21/2013 11:19:00 PM

Reviewed by : Aleks K. On: 2/21/2013 3:53:00 PM

Reviewed by : Kristin C. On: 2/17/2013 3:42:00 PM

Reviewed by : Cecilia F. On: 2/17/2013 3:12:00 PM

Reviewed by : Carmen C. On: 2/17/2013 2:51:00 PM

Reviewed by : Danielle W. On: 2/10/2013 9:42:00 PM

Reviewed by : Robyn L. On: 2/4/2013 9:07:00 PM

Reviewed by : Jonathan S. On: 2/3/2013 8:38:00 AM

Reviewed by : Jim B. On: 2/2/2013 9:50:00 PM

Reviewed by : Robert N. On: 1/26/2013 6:37:00 AM

Reviewed by : Aaron V. On: 1/23/2013 9:24:00 PM

Reviewed by : Bakchun K. On: 1/22/2013 3:38:00 AM

Reviewed by : Janice D. On: 1/18/2013 1:15:00 AM

Reviewed by : Laura R. On: 1/13/2013 8:46:00 AM

Reviewed by : Evan H. On: 1/10/2013 11:29:00 PM

Reviewed by : Kevin W. On: 1/7/2013 6:15:00 PM

Reviewed by : Meana K. On: 1/6/2013 5:09:00 AM

Reviewed by : Charlie Z. On: 1/3/2013 10:33:00 AM

Reviewed by : Sean M. On: 12/31/2012 8:40:00 AM

Reviewed by : Irina L. On: 12/30/2012 5:25:00 AM

Reviewed by : Monique S. On: 12/23/2012 7:12:00 PM

Reviewed by : Pallabi G. On: 12/19/2012 5:02:00 AM

Reviewed by : Josh H. On: 12/17/2012 6:51:00 PM

Reviewed by : Jae C. On: 12/4/2012 3:49:00 PM

Reviewed by : W V. On: 11/30/2012 5:37:00 PM

Reviewed by : Phil H. On: 11/20/2012 6:02:00 PM

Reviewed by : Musclebwnd On: 2010-10-11

Reviewed by : Moonlightlily4444 On: 2010-07-06

Reviewed by : Louieman23 On: 2010-06-20