The Best Chinese Dishes to Try if You’re New to the Cuisine

There’s a quiet kind of joy in watching someone try their very first dumpling—eyes wide, steam rising, laughter at the little splash of soup from a bite that was just too eager. At United Dumplings, I see it often: families discovering new favorites, kids tasting flavors that remind parents of home. If you’re new to Chinese cuisine, we’re here to guide you—one warm, handmade bite at a time. Here are some of the best Chinese dishes from our menu that are flavorful and lovingly made for all generations.

Read More: Sichuan Chicken With Red Pepper 辣子鸡 – One of the Best Chinese Dishes at United Dumplings!

🥟 Pork Soup XLB (Xiao Long Bao)

Let’s start with a true Chinese treasure. Our Pork Soup XLB is a delicate steamed dumpling filled with savory pork and a spoonful of hot, flavorful broth. It’s one of the most iconic and popular Chinese recipes, and for good reason.

This classic is often named among the best Chinese dishes for its delicate flavor and comforting warmth. We hand-fold each dumpling with care and serve it steaming in a bamboo basket. It's perfect for dipping gently in vinegar and ginger before taking that first magical bite. If you’re new to Chinese food, this is a dish you must try. And don’t worry, we’ll show you how to eat them properly—it’s part of the fun!

🔥 Korean BBQ Dumplings

Our Korean BBQ Dumplings are where comfort food meets a little edge. Stuffed with sweet and savory bulgogi-style beef, these dumplings are bold, satisfying, and just a little addictive. We pan-sear them to a golden crisp, so every bite brings a balance of juicy filling and crunchy wrapper.

These are one of our most popular Chinese recipes with a Korean twist—perfect for anyone who loves familiar flavors with a hint of something new. They’re also considered one of the best Chinese dishes with a fusion flair, making them a favorite among older kids and teens who enjoy that smoky, umami-rich taste.

🐓 Mission Chicken Potstickers

Inspired by the vibrant, diverse flavors of San Francisco’s Mission District, our Mission Chicken Potstickers are comforting and universally loved. We fill them with chicken, green onion, and napa cabbage, and season them just enough to be flavorful—but never overwhelming.

They’re among the best Chinese dishes for kids, especially when dipped in a little light soy or vinegar. Parents love them too—for their clean ingredients, satisfying texture, and how easy they are to pack in a lunchbox.

Of all our dumplings, these potstickers continue to stand out as one of the best Chinese dishes for families.

🥬 A Simple Side of Greens

Every great meal deserves balance. We recommend pairing any dumpling dish with a side of steamed edamame, pickled cucumbers, or a small helping of brown rice. These gentle sides round out the plate and support healthy eating habits, especially when you’re building the best Chinese dishes for kids and families.

Even our sides are chosen to complement the best Chinese dishes, bringing harmony and nutrition to every plate.

Read More: A Revolutionary Take On a Classic: The Game-Changing Vegetarian Soup Dumpling

United Dumplings’ Take on Popular Chinese Recipes

Chinese cuisine is as rich in tradition as it is in flavor—but that doesn’t mean it has to be intimidating. Whether it’s your first time trying soup dumplings or your hundredth time ordering potstickers for your little one, we’re grateful to be part of your journey. And for those cozy nights at home, you can also enjoy our handcrafted flavors by ordering from our frozen dumpling collection.

We craft every dish with care—rooting our recipes in the classics and preparing each meal to welcome you home.

Warmly,
Julia Zhu
Founder, United Dumplings