Dumpling King in Rockledge Delivers Delightful Soup Dumplings

ROCKLEDGE, Fla. — Soup dumplings, a rare find of consistent quality, have become a favorite of mine. Upon hearing that Dumpling King recently opened in Rockledge, I was eager to experience it, especially after discovering their South Florida locations during my search for exceptional soup dumplings.

My first visit to Dumpling King was memorable. We tried the Braised Pork Chop Noodle Soup, which was flavorful but lacked depth. The components—noodles, pork, and bok choy—tasted good but didn’t offer a variety of flavors, resulting in a somewhat flat overall dish.

However, the dumplings, my main reason for visiting, did not disappoint. We ordered the Chive, Shrimp & Pork Fried Dumplings alongside the Shanghai Soup Dumplings. The fried dumplings were large, packed with flavor, and perfectly complemented by the dipping sauce. They had a nice pan-fried crisp, keeping the dough soft but not overly crispy. The shrimp and scallion flavors were prominent, which might not suit everyone’s taste.

The dumpling sauce itself deserves special mention. It had the perfect balance of salty, tangy, sour, and a hint of sweetness, enhancing the savory dumplings. Their hot chili oil, when mixed with the sauce, added a strong kick, but I recommend adding it gradually to avoid overpowering the flavors.

Now, for the star of the show: the Shanghai Soup Dumplings, traditionally known as Xiao Long Bao (XLB). These dumplings are a delightful blend of savory Asian soup and dumplings. Making XLB requires skill and craft, as the dumplings are filled with congealed broth and meat, which melts into a delicious soup when steamed. The dumplings are served in a steam basket, and eating them requires a bit of technique to fully enjoy the experience.

I suggest poking or biting a small hole in the dumpling to let some steam escape and to sip the broth. This method prevents burns and allows you to enjoy the savory broth, which is not overly fatty and could be enjoyed on its own. After sipping some broth, pour the dumpling sauce and chili oil mixture into the hole, then eat the dumpling in one bite. This gives you the full experience of the soft yet firm dough, the flavorful broth, and the meat filling combined with the dumpling sauce and chili’s kick.

Overall, my experience at Dumpling King was excellent, especially for the dumplings. While they don’t serve alcohol, they offer a wide selection of teas and bubble teas, aligning with Dumpling King’s brand image. The service was great, with hot and timely food served with a smile. Despite signs indicating a soft opening, I enjoyed my visit and will definitely return for the dumplings.

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Dumpling King Rockledge is located at 3826 Murrell Rd, Rockledge, FL 32955. According to their Google My Business page, they appear to close for a lunch break and to switch over from lunch to dinner service every day they are open.

Dumpling King Hours:

• Monday: 10:30 AM–2:30 PM, 3:30–9 PM
• Tuesday: Closed
• Wednesday: 10:30 AM–2:30 PM, 3:30–9 PM
• Thursday: 10:30 AM–2:30 PM, 3:30–9 PM
• Friday: 10:30 AM–2:30 PM, 3:30–9:30 PM
• Saturday: 10:30 AM–9:30 PM
• Sunday: 11 AM–8 PM

From Dumpling King’s website:

“At Dumpling King, we bring the rich culinary heritage of Northern China to your plate through the skill and passion that drive our authentic dumpling-making experience and culture. Every dumpling and Shanghai-style steamed soup dumpling we serve is a labor of love, handcrafted with care and precision. Our skilled chefs, trained in the art of Northern Chinese dumpling making, pour their hearts into every single dumpling they create. From the perfectly folded edges to the mouthwatering fillings, you can taste the dedication and authenticity in each bite. Our commitment to preserving the traditions and flavors of Northern China is what sets Dumpling King apart. When you dine with us, you’re not just enjoying a meal; you’re experiencing a piece of Northern Chinese culture, one dumpling at a time. Join us at Dumpling King and savor the genuine taste of Northern-style handmade dumplings and Shanghai-style steamed soup dumplings, where every dumpling carries a piece of our heartfelt journey from the North to here.”