It’s hard to argue the comforting power of the humble dumpling, especially during a pandemic. Nearly every culture has some version of a filled, unleavened parcel, whether it’s one of many regional Chinese styles, Japanese gyoza, Russian pelmeni, or Nepalese momos. With a sizable Eastern European population and a growing Asian American population, Portland’s dumpling game has gotten stronger than ever, with several global variations represented within city limits.
While dumplings come in many shapes and sizes, nobody can truly define the boundaries of what is and is not considered a dumpling; it’s as futile as definitively deciding whether a hot dog is a sandwich. This map includes a plethora of different types, but does not delve into dumplings like tamales, empanadas, or ravioli; this map also sticks to filled dumplings, not solid ones that might appear in dishes like chicken and dumplings. Finally, map points are not ranked; rather, they’re organized geographically.
A number of Portland restaurants have resumed dine-in service. The level of service offered is indicated on each map point. However, this should not be taken as endorsement for dining in, as there are still safety concerns. For updated information on coronavirus cases in your area, please visit the Oregon Health Authority’s COVID update page. Studies indicate that there is a lower exposure risk when outdoors, but the level of risk involved with patio dining is contingent on restaurants following strict social distancing and other safety guidelines.
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