Fat Dumpling is the latest addition to Chinatown’s selection of scrumptious little eateries that stay open late, offering a lot of stuff for such a small place. There’s an impressive array of teas, smoothies and boba drinks, Vietnamese standards like crunchy cha gio rolls ($5.99) and pho beef noodle soups, addictive appetizers from chicken wings to lamb kebabs, and filling, full-on rice plates with fried chicken or pork chops ($8.75).
But of course, dumplings are the thing here. Order eight ($5.75-$7) or 14 ($8.75-$11.95), and add a buck fifty to float your faves in savory beef broth. The dumpling wrappers are of the soft, thicker, doughy variety, so focus on fillings with a flavorful punch, like the combo of pork, shrimp and Chinese chives, or lamb with cabbage and carrot. Tack on an order of fried squid balls ($5.50) for textural variety and you’re set. For those who like to dip their dumplings after midnight, welcome to your new spot.
Fat Dumpling 3959 W. Spring Mountain Road, 702-220-5214. Daily, 10 a.m.-2 a.m.