Rickshaw Dumpling
Address:
61 West 23rd Street
City:
New York, NY
Zip:
10010
Phone:
(212) 924-9220
Site:
Visit the restaurant site
Map:
Map
Cuisine:
Asian
2nd Cuisine:
Dumplings
Area:
Flatiron District
Review:
It's not often that a dumpling shop generates this much buzz, but then again it's not every day that one moves into the Flatiron District.
The anticipation over Rickshaw Dumpling has been building after the opening was delayed several months. Chef Anita Lo, who gained her reputation at Anissa, making her first attempt at what amounts to gourmet Chinese fast-food.
We paid our visit opening day, and to be fair, things were still be a bit rough around the edges. Now, I don't want to burst your dumpling but these are our first impressions.
The restaurant itself is long and narrow and lacks a formal dining area. Tables are scattered in the front, followed by a long wooden dumpling bar, an open area for cooking (that's the real cool part) and more tables along the side and back.
The design is rather Ikea-esce with its modern light fixtures hanging from thin wires and somewhat sterile tables and chairs. I guess I was hoping for something with a bit more warmth, instead we got industrial.
The dumplings come in five varieties and are served six ($4.95) to nine ($6.95) per box. You can get them steamed or fried, or mixed in a variety of soups or salad.
I went for the Classic Pork and Chive, which were good, but no better than dumplings I've had in Chinatown. The Chicken & Thai Basil were a bit more flavorful and the spicy peanut dipping sauce added an extra kick. My friend ordered the Wasabi Shrimp dumplings served in a miso soup with nori and fresh Shanghai noodles ($3 extra), which he found a little dull and in need or some soy sauce.
For dessert, Chef Lo offers Chocolate Soup Dumplings ($3), melted chocolate in a sesame mochi wrapper that the folks around us seemed to be enjoying.
We plan to try them on a return visit, along with the Peking Duck dumplings, which were sold out.
So is Rickshaw worth all the hype?
We're not sure yet.
But, we do plan to give it a bit more time to grow.
Review By: Sam Sayegh
I don't understand all the negative reviews. I loved it! The dumplings are delicious, the green tea milkshake is yummy, and the chocolate dumpling is completely original and to die for!
March 13, 2005, 8:03.46 pm ET
good value - fee
This may not be politically correct in NYC, but eating in Chinatown scares me. Rickshaw is the first "economy" place I had dumplings I could trust- and they were good. Definitely best value in that part of town.
"banker with no time to enjoy the decor"
March 11, 2005, 10:57.59 am ET
NYC-ers beware
This place offers nothing that isn't already done better in NYC - overpriced, bland, and tourist-trappish. Avoid
March 3, 2005, 11:34.11 am ET
Excellent dumpli
Really delicious food. Beats the heck out of the boring pork dumplings that you get in Chinatown. I went there at peak hour and they seemed to manage OK (got my order in less than 10 min). Personally, don't care that much about ambiance because I always take my lunch back to work, but color scheme inside is rather pleasing. As for value, yes, leans toward the high side, but lunch usually costs about 9 bucks in Manhattan anyway. Their food is quality stuff, so it is worth it.
Comfortably Numb
February 21, 2005, 8:04.18 am ET
Pretty Darn Good
I've been to Rickshaw twice and have loved it both times. There was a bit of a line, but it went fast. The fried pork dumplings in noodle soup were super tasty and surprisingly filling. They packed a bunch of noodles in there. I cannot wait to try the duck. As for the decor, there's lots of seating in the back but I snagged a seat in the front, which is airy and open--and a perfect place to people-watch the crowds on 23rd street.
Yo Yo
February 21, 2005, 7:30.18 am ET
Nothing special
Went on opening night, so I guess I should cut them some slack, but: Decor is not slick enough to be chic, and definitely not warm, so you're left with kind of sparse industrial. Layout for seating is bad, seemed like an afterthought, jumbled wherever it would fit. But it is kind of cool to have the kitchen in full view. Worst part is that the dumplings were just not that good. We had three kinds and all were mediocre at best. I guess it's only the first night, but it was a disappointing opening.
Max Taster
February 18, 2005, 5:10.11 am ET