New restaurant in Edison adds modern twist to Shanghai street food

Brad Wadlow, MyCentralJersey.com
·3 min read

Ugly Dumpling, which pays homage to the centuries-old cooking techniques of Shanghai, announced Tuesday, Aug. 1, will be the grand opening of its Edison restaurant.

The Edison location, at 561 Route 1, will be the first in New Jersey and the first for the concept overall, according to Margaret M. Farrell, head of marketing for New York-based Vertex Hospitality Group.

"When we created Ugly Dumpling, we wanted to tap into the historical Shanghai street food movement but do so in a way that caters to the modern palette,” Farrell said. “Our menu respects Shanghai's centuries-old cooking techniques while cultivating an exciting experience for today's restaurant-goer."

The inside of Ugly Dumpling in Edison.
The inside of Ugly Dumpling in Edison.

Farrell said Edison was chosen because the demographics surrounding the restaurant, as well as the younger target demographic around Rutgers in Middlesex County, is a great opportunity to introduce a fun concept as well as a modern twist on that Shanghaianese street food movement.

Ugly Dumpling's signature dish is Xiao Long Bao, a Chinese dumpling hailing from Shanghai filled with soup broth.

"The pork is one of our signatures, but we also have a variety order which includes one of each of our XLB, and that's just short for Xiao Long Bao," Farrell said. "Our dim sum and our wontons are also house-made, so they're made daily. We also have pork chop fried rice, the cold cucumber salad, the scallion pancakes, you can't go wrong. The menu items are absolutely incredible. We have a variety of wok favorites, as well as traditional Chinese beverages such as bubble tea, milk tea, lattes and more."

Xiao Long Bao, or soup dumplings, from Ugly Dumpling.
Xiao Long Bao, or soup dumplings, from Ugly Dumpling.

Ugly Dumpling's menu also features an array of traditional noodle and wok dishes with a spin, accompanied by traditional Shanghai appetizers and greens like Spicy Beef & Tripe, Scallion Pancake, and Bok Choy with Scallion-Infused Oil.

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Among the offerings:

  • Dim Sum (dumplings and buns): Chicken Dumplings, Vegan Dumplings, Pork & Shrimp Dumplings, Pan Fried Pork Buns and Pork & Sticky Rice in Lotus Wrap.

  • Appetizers: Cucumber Salad, Sweet & Sour Baby Back Ribs, Soy Garlic Wings, Scallion Pancakes, and Hot & Sour Soup.

  • Xiao Long Bao: Kurobuta Pork XLB, Kurobuta Pork, Shrimp & Cucumber XLB, Kurobuta Pork & Truffle XLB, and Chicken XLB.

  • Wontons: Spicy Pork & Shrimp Wontons, Spicy Vegan Wontons, Pork & Shrimp Wonton Soup, and Vegan Wonton Soup.

Ugly Dumpling's Sweet & Sour Baby Back Ribs.
Ugly Dumpling's Sweet & Sour Baby Back Ribs.

Farrell said the Bao Lab, a feature of the restaurant, is essentially an open concept where patrons can watch and see how the dumplings, the wonton, and the dim sum are being made.

"We believe that the American palate really seeks and demands more interesting dining options," she said. "So, what we're looking to do at Ugly Dumpling is really just invigorate and excite all of the senses. So, as soon as you walk in, you're greeted with just this beautiful and historic-that-meets-modern atmosphere, as well as our Bao Lab, where you can actually watch our chefs and our kitchen team creating the dishes."

Farrell said the restaurant has plans to grow nationwide. Ugly Dumpling Express, which will be opening in the New York City and New Jersey metro area beginning in fall 2023, has plans to continue to expand in the Washington, D.C. and Maryland market as well.

Brad Wadlow is a staff writer for MyCentralJersey.com

This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Ugly Dumpling restaurant in Edison NJ: Shanghai street food with twist