la.foodblogging

After a week of bed confinement, I am back on the mend. I’d like to take this opportunity to send a quick “thank you” out to the friends and family who made sure I ate well even though I was sick. I am probably one of the few people who actually gains weight while ill instead of losing a few pounds. After a week of homemade chicken soup with mashed potatoes, chicken enchiladas, sticky rice in bamboo leaves, turnip cakes, inaniwa (refined udon) noodles at Mishimas, etc. I’m doing much better. The road to recovery though still leaves me desiring particular comfort foods - soup and dumplings. While usually this means a trip to Din Tai Fung, I’ve really missed Dumpling 10053.

To satisfy my soup craving, I usually opt for the Fish Balls Soup (for 2 persons but really enough for 4). It may be a bit bland for some people, but I find it very refreshing. The fish balls are made from rock cod and are very delicate. They are the source of the flavor of the soup, intermixed with some cilantro. Especially for people who are trying to rebuild their immune system, this soup is for you.

One of Dumpling 10053’s signature dishes has nothing to do with dumplings whatsoever, the Steamed Pork Spare Rib with Rice Powder. Buried underneath the ribs are some yams for people who can’t eat meat without potatoes. Although overall delicious, this can be hit or miss depending upon the quality of the ribs. Unfortunately for me, today was kind of a miss, with the ribs being mostly fat and bones. The flavor of this dish though is always on mark. Just be prepared that it can be a little spicy for some people.

One of the reasons why I like the dumplings here is because they are beautifully plump and stuffed. The dumpling wrappers are just thin enough to hold the large amount of stuffing in each dumpling. Today I had the shrimp with tender leeks boiled dumplings, the pork, crab & sea cucumber boiled dumplings, and the vegetable steamed dumplings.

The shrimp with leeks dumplings are so good that I actually enjoy them more than any shrimp dumpling I’ve had at dim sum places. The pork, crab & sea cucumber boiled dumplings are the most flavorful ones on the menu. Other dumpling selections include rock cod, scallop, sole fish with leeks, squid with leeks, salmon, and beef. I haven’t tried them all, but the fish dumplings in general are good except for the salmon. I know some critics have really enjoyed them, but I found them to be extremely dry and flavorless.

One thing I prefer about dining at Dumpling 10053 over Din Tai Fung is the general atmosphere and comfort level. At Din Tai Fung, it is always very loud and busy, and although the service is always exceptional there, I sometimes feel a little pressured by the staff to eat and get out fast because other diners want my table. At Dumpling 10053, there is a line as well, but the staff never brings you your bill unless you are finished eating or specifically ask for it. I have never felt like the staff is trying to rush me out the door. The tables are also spaced apart nicely so it does not feel so overcrowded dining there. I like the fact that, especially with a recovering throat, I don’t need to shout to have a conversation at my own table. Food at both restaurants are quite good, but I definitely feel more relaxed dining at Dumpling 10053.

Additional Tips:

1) Do not wear white… I have 2 soy sauce splatter stains on me right now.

2) Though there is a parking lot, try parking on the side streets instead. The spaces in the parking lot is pretty tight.

Dumpling 10053
10053 Valley Blvd., #2 (2 blocks east of Baldwin Ave.)
El Monte, CA 91731
(626) 350-0188

Closed on Tuesdays, open rest of the week 11:30am-9:30pm

By Pauline (see more of her posts).