Chef Lee Wolen Finds Comfort in Dumplings All Over Chicago

I think they have the best soup dumplings in Chicago, and you can watch them make them fresh. They’re filled with pork. They also do a cabbage, chicken, and pork dumpling noodle soup. That’s my favorite.

It’s some of the best in Chicago. They have a million different dumplings. They’re boiled dumplings. I like the shrimp dumplings (with Kurobuta pork and leeks). It’s just delish.

Szechuan chili dumplings that are not that spicy. They have chili oil with a sweet garlic sauce beneath that, with chili vinegar and sweet that’s perfect. It hits all of it.

This Korean grocery has a little restaurant outside that makes dumplings, and they have a pork and kimchi bun that is just incredible. It’s a dumpling. It’s closed and it’s not a sandwich. More of a big steamed bun. They don’t have a lot of options—just like three things. You just get them.

Four Seasons Dumplings also have pork potstickers that are perfectly crispy and juicy, and the dough is perfect.