(13) Soup Dumplings @ Kingdom of Dumpling

NO. WHY. This does not make the cut. This is a newcomer to the list and I highly disagree. I do hold newcomers to a higher caliber because they are booting something delicious to take it's place, and this dish is an epic fail. First things first, they misspelled dumplings as dumping. Plus points for authenticity - is it just me or does it seem like establishments are more authentic when they misspell words in English? Minus points for conjuring up images of bowel movements.

Menu @ Kingdom of Dumpling. Photo credit: Kendra Aronson.

I appreciate hole-in-walls. And that is what this place is. What I don't appreciate is hole-in-the-walls that don't have ventilation. It felt like I was sitting in a sauna, I nearly passed out. No exaggeration. I felt like I was a dumpling myself, being steamed and sweaty in that stupid hole-in-the-wall. Seriously, look at this image, this is how steamy it was in the place. At some points I couldn't even see out the window, I felt trapped and was convinced I was going to die a slow dumpling death.

Stupid sweaty sauna @ Kingdom of Dumpling. Photo credit: Kendra Aronson.

Reasons I didn't like this soup: the vegetables were waxy, what a disgrace. The mushrooms were tough and rubbery. The noodles were slimy and weird. The broth was tasteless. The dumpings - well, those were alright actually. But overall, I do not recommend this dish and think it should be booted off the list. Sorrrrry Kingdom of Dumpling.

Soup Dumplings @ Kingdom of Dumpling. Photo credit: Kendra Aronson.

Trekking out to the Sunset was annoying too, but in the end, totally worth it because it's not every day that you get see a Vet Hospital called Especially Cats. God Bless the Sunset district.

Especially Cats @ Veterinary Hospital. Photo credit: Kendra Aronson.

Soup Dumplings @ Kingdom of Dumpling ($6.95)
1713 Taraval
San Francisco, CA 94116
415.566.6143
Tuesday - Saturday 11:30 - 10 p.m.
Sunday 9 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.