Vegan Restaurant

Journey To The Dumpling

0 (0 reviews) · $$$$ · elkGrove · Strict-vegan verified
Fully vegan
Directions
Editor synopsis · 0 reviews
Diners overwhelmingly call out the signature dish as the must-order. The vibe reads as vegan restaurant — service is consistently described as warm and unhurried. Common gotcha: queues form at peak times — go early or late.

Excerpts

It’s been a while since I had some quality Chinese food and Journey to the Dumpling lived up to the hype. The dishes we ordered included Green Beans in garlic sauce, Siu Mai, Honey Walnut Shrimp, Chicken and Cilantro Soup Dumplings, and Steak and Potatoes. Each dish was excellent. The shrimp had a crispy exterior and sweet coating that wasn’t too sweet. The Steak and Potatoes were excellent since the steak was very tender and the black bean sauce and chilis added great flavor. A heads up: the soup dumplings have…soup in them. If you bite into them, they will leak soup. Do not attempt big bites otherwise you will squirt soup out. While I would have enjoyed trying more food, my stomach and the person footing the bill would have definitely protested. Also, I found the service to be great. Our waitress was very nice and attentive. She did a good job. If I’m ever in the area again, I would definitely want to head to Journey of the Dumpling again.

It’s been a while since I had some quality Chinese food and Journey to the Dumpling lived up to the hype. The dishes we ordered included Green Beans in garlic sauce, Siu Mai, Honey Walnut Shrimp, Chicken and Cilantro Soup Dumplings, and Steak and Potatoes. Each dish was excellent. The shrimp had a crispy exterior and sweet coating that wasn’t too sweet. The Steak and Potatoes were excellent since the steak was very tender and the black bean sauce and chilis added great flavor. A heads up: the soup dumplings have…soup in them. If you bite into them, they will leak soup. Do not attempt big bites otherwise you will squirt soup out. While I would have enjoyed trying more food, my stomach and the person footing the bill would have definitely protested. Also, I found the service to be great. Our waitress was very nice and attentive. She did a good job. If I’m ever in the area again, I would definitely want to head to Journey of the Dumpling again.

A true destination for dumpling lovers. Journey to the Dumpling lives up to its name in every way. From the moment you walk in, you can feel the travel-inspired energy—almost Silk Road–like—with a sense that this place is about craftsmanship, culture, and intention, not just food. We started with the crab and pork xiao long bao, and they were outstanding. The broth was rich and silky, the wrapper delicate, and what really set the experience apart was that our server took the time to give our table a quick tutorial on how to properly enjoy them—how to lift, dip, and savor without losing the broth. That small moment elevated the entire meal and showed how much pride they take in the experience. The pan-fried pork buns were crispy on the bottom, juicy inside, and generously filled. The shu mai—with pork, shrimp, mushrooms, and egg roe on top—was absolutely lavish, both in flavor and presentation. The wontons in chili oil, topped with peanuts and green onions, struck that perfect balance of heat, richness, and texture. The garlic green beans were simple but executed perfectly, and the bao (both pork and mushroom) were soft, flavorful, and beautifully done—the mushroom bao even looked like a mushroom, which was a fun touch. We finished with egg tarts, which were light, flaky, and the perfect sweet ending. Seeing the awards on the wall and knowing they’ve expanded into Midtown Sacramento—with another location on the way—makes complete sense after eating here. This is a restaurant built on passion, technique, and consistency. If you’re anywhere near Elk Grove—or even making the drive—Journey to the Dumpling is absolutely worth it. One of the best dumpling experiences in the region.

A true destination for dumpling lovers. Journey to the Dumpling lives up to its name in every way. From the moment you walk in, you can feel the travel-inspired energy—almost Silk Road–like—with a sense that this place is about craftsmanship, culture, and intention, not just food. We started with the crab and pork xiao long bao, and they were outstanding. The broth was rich and silky, the wrapper delicate, and what really set the experience apart was that our server took the time to give our table a quick tutorial on how to properly enjoy them—how to lift, dip, and savor without losing the broth. That small moment elevated the entire meal and showed how much pride they take in the experience. The pan-fried pork buns were crispy on the bottom, juicy inside, and generously filled. The shu mai—with pork, shrimp, mushrooms, and egg roe on top—was absolutely lavish, both in flavor and presentation. The wontons in chili oil, topped with peanuts and green onions, struck that perfect balance of heat, richness, and texture. The garlic green beans were simple but executed perfectly, and the bao (both pork and mushroom) were soft, flavorful, and beautifully done—the mushroom bao even looked like a mushroom, which was a fun touch. We finished with egg tarts, which were light, flaky, and the perfect sweet ending. Seeing the awards on the wall and knowing they’ve expanded into Midtown Sacramento—with another location on the way—makes complete sense after eating here. This is a restaurant built on passion, technique, and consistency. If you’re anywhere near Elk Grove—or even making the drive—Journey to the Dumpling is absolutely worth it. One of the best dumpling experiences in the region.

Journey to the Dumpling was such a great experience. The dumplings were fresh, flavorful, and perfectly cooked, with a good variety to choose from. Everything tasted homemade and comforting. The service was friendly and welcoming, and the atmosphere was cozy and inviting. Definitely a spot worth coming back to for delicious dumplings and a satisfying meal. 🥟✨