Dumplings in Los Angeles are as prevalent as tacos, and just about as easy to eat. There are so many kinds of dumplings to choose from in this city (think pelmeni, pierogi, kreplach) so we focused on the Asian dumpling varieties (shao mai, har gow, xiao long bao, wonton). The range of choices, from swanky dumpling houses like Din Tai Fung to humble little hole-in-the-wall shops, makes for quite a dumpling crawl.
We searched the city for perfectly plump pouches full of the juiciest fillings. Of course, when you want truly authentic dumplings, you seek them within the sprawl of Chinese neighborhoods in the San Gabriel Valley. And if you don't mind trekking into Koreatown ? as well as a few farmers markets in Atwater Village and Studio City ? you can try some juicy mandoo (Korean dumplings) or vegan mushroom tofu dumplings, or, for some Taiwanese-style eats, dart into Chinatown where you'll find spicy wonton dumplings sauced in chili oil and scallions served along with your beef ban mian.
There's a veritable myriad of Asian dumplings to be had: pan-fried, steamed, soupy xiao long bao, giant tang bao, wontons, hefty mandoo and more ? you'll want to slurp up every unctuous bite of these plump pleasure packages.
Here are some of the juiciest dumplings you'll find without taking a flight out of LAX to Asia.