Many cultures around the world have a dumpling of some sort. 

Japan has Gyoza, Korea has Mandu, and many regions have Samosas. For Chinese people, the dumpling is more than a food item, especially at Lunar New Year celebrations. 

The dumplings come out of the pot exactly at midnight and are immediately followed by fireworks. Chinese lore is that dumplings symbolize money, wealth, and prosperity for the coming year. Lucky for us in the West, we can have dumplings any day of the year.

Hi! Dumplings is a new restaurant in Mission Gorge. Tina Bai, co-owner, moved to San Diego from Los Angeles and opened this restaurant in early 2024.

“We moved to an area of town that doesn’t have a lot of Chinese clientele,” Bai commented. “We have tailored our food to the American palate. Many Chinese people like extremely hot food that numbs your mouth. Do you want to try some?” Ah no.

These dumplings, made by Tina’s mother, are soft and squishy, scored with a large X on top, and filled with a variety of foods. The dumplings are either steamed, boiled, or pan-fried. They offer Pork and Cabbage Dumplings, Beef and Onion Dumplings, Pork and Shrimp Dumplings, or Vegetable Dumplings. If you prefer steamed there are three choices: BBQ Port Bun, Creamy Custard Bun, and Sweet Bean Bun.

The menu is extensive and offers Xiao Long Bao which are steamed buns that are similar to dumplings but more like a wonton. 

Noodles, Egg, Chicken, Beef, and Shrimp or Vegetarian Chow Mein with Fried Rice fill out the menu. The Chef’s Specials are familiar to the Western palate with favorites such as Orange Chicken, Kung Pao Shrimp, Mongolian Beef, and Honey Walnut Shrimp.

Hi! Dumplings, located at 6618 Mission Gorge Road, is open daily from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Their phone number is (619) 788-9995 for to-go orders. 

To see their menu go to www.hidumplingsca.com.