Yumpling

Yumpling isn’t lying to you. As their name suggests, this casual Taiwanese counter-service spot—originally a food truck—does, in fact, make yummy dumplings. But what you should actually come here for is the fried chicken. It’s incredibly moist on the inside, but so crispy-crunchy on the outside that the sound of every bite reverberates inside your skull.

There are a few small tables inside, but most people take their generously portioned food to go (or get it delivered, if the frequent comings and goings of e-bikes are any indication), with a healthy lunchtime turnout from folks who’ve realized their workday would be considerably improved by chicken. Yumpling also serves boba, beer, Lunar hard seltzer, apple and hibiscus rose sodas, and other interesting drink options, as well as shaved ice in the spring through fall.

Food Rundown

Popcorn Chicken

Yumpling’s juicy popcorn chicken, scattered with fried basil leaves, should probably be categorized as a controlled substance. You can order four or eight pieces, though you should almost certainly spring for all eight. You’ll also have your choice of dips, including the signature basil aioli.

Fried Chicken Sandwich

Our favorite menu item at Yumpling. As much as we’re charmed by the way this oversized piece of chicken sticks dramatically out of both sides of its potato roll, you’ll want to get a little of every component for the perfect bite: fried basil leaves, basil aioli, and what seems like it should be an excess of scallions, but is in fact the perfect amount of scallions. Pay a few extra bucks to get your sandwich with crunchy lotus root chips.

Crispy Chicken Bian Dang

Yumpling’s rice bowls come with a protein—the other options are battered cod, fried pork chop, or basil eggplant—white or brown rice, your choice of veg (we like the garlicky cucumbers), a soy egg, and shredded mustard greens that contribute an enjoyable bite. Order this when you want to eat fried chicken, but you also want to consume some colorful nutrients alongside it.

Yumplings

Yumpling makes two kinds of dumplings: pork and chive or veggie, or you can always order half and half (that’s what we recommend—they’re both good). The robust, satisfying dumplings have a lovely brown crust from the pan, and the homemade chili oil lends them a nice tingle.

Beef Noodle Soup

The meat is very tender and the noodles have great texture, but the broth tastes the slightest bit muted. The addition of their Mala Hot Oil for an extra 75 cents helps, and we’d consider ordering this again to satisfy a cold-weather craving.