Since the “coming soon” signs were placed on the building at 140 East Main Street, Newark residents and students alike have eagerly awaited the arrival of Ugly Dumpling. Now the wait is over, and the restaurant is open for business.
As the name suggests, the Newark eatery features plenty of dumplings. But the menu is also full of surprises—from “ugly” dishes to boozy boba.
@delawaretodaymagazine We stopped by @Ugly Dumpling in Newark to see what they were cooking up, and it did not disappoint! #uglydumpling #universityofdelaware #udel #newarkde
♬ Gentle and Brave Western Instrumental Loop 2(1387537) – Leano
The Menu
The menu is inspired by the bustling streets of Shanghai, with an emphasis on dumplings and dim sum. Front and center are the soup dumplings. Along with traditional flavors like pork and chicken, Ugly Dumpling serves up innovative flavor combinations like pork and truffle or pork and crab. If you like your dumplings on the spicy side, the Szechuan pork dumpling offers a satisfying kick.
Soup dumplings are just the start of the dim sum and dumpling journey. The menu also includes a variety of wontons, vegan dumplings, pork and shrimp shumai, mouthwatering steamed barbecue pork buns, and much more. Along with a variety of dim sum options, enjoy elevated takes on Chinese takeout staples like orange chicken, sesame noodles, crab Rangoon, and much more.
For many of the items on the menu, you can request to “make it ugly,” which means sautéing the food in a pan with a flavorful compound butter. The compound butter elevates the flavors of items like edamame or chicken wings.
To complement the food, indulge in specialty cocktails, boba tea, and even boozy boba. Don’t forget to save room for mochi ice cream or lava cake for dessert.
The Vibe
Along with mouthwatering Chinese-inspired bites, Ugly Dumpling brings a new vibe to Main Street. The decor fuses traditional Chinese aesthetics with a modern look. As soon as you walk in, you’re greeted with a host counter and bar area. Before you reach the dining room, you’ll pass an open glass window that allows you to see staff hard at work in the kitchen crafting dumplings and wontons.
The modern touches mixed with traditional design elements create a space that is representative of the food served at the restaurant—traditional Chinese flavors with a modern twist. Whether you’re a dumpling enthusiast, a Chinese takeout aficionado, or just want to try something new, the Ugly Dumpling is a must-visit on Newark’s Main Street.
Ugly Dumpling | 140 East Main Street, Newark | Website
