Guide to Dumplings in Tucson

Bamboo Noodle House serves noodle soups, dumplings, and dishes drawn from generations of family cooking by owners Lenny and Blanca Mark. The concept grew out of the Mark family’s long history in local Chinese dining, including Bamboo Terrace and past ties to China Palace, with a menu shaped by home recipes and customer favorites.

Noodle soups anchor the menu with offerings like shrimp and pork won ton, lo mein, chow fun, and house-made dumplings alongside ribs and chef’s specials. The dining space reflects Chinese American heritage and Tucson roots.

View video of our visit here.

Brother’s Noodles offers a casual Chinese dining experience in a modest space centered on handmade noodle dishes.

Regulars go for the noodles and house-made cabbage & pork dumplings, steamed or fried.

The massive menu features an extensive list of regional dishes from areas such as Sichuan, Dongbei, and Xinjiang. Sichuan cuisine is most famous for its fiery numbing cuisine. The northeastern region of Dongbei is known for its pickled cabbage akin to sauerkraut. The northwestern region of Xinjiang is famous for its flatbreads and use of lamb and cumin. Avoid the Americanized dishes here; stick to the regional Chinese specialties for the best experience.

China Pasta House offers a humble and unassuming interior with some of the most affordable food in Tucson. This restaurant is best known for its authentic Northern Chinese “pasta,” specifically dumplings and hand-pulled noodles.

While China Pasta House offers several varieties of dumplings, shrimp or leeks & pork are safe bets. Shrimp has a sweet, snappy bite, while the leeks & pork offer a simple oniony flavor with a touch of ginger.

The Pork Steamed Buns are not actually buns — they’re soup dumplings. Let them cool down just a bit, then pop the whole thing in your mouth for an explosion of gelatinous porky broth.

Jo Jo Chan, the owner of Go Dim Sum, is also one of the creative forces behind Jun Dynasty and Noodleholics. At Go Dim Sum, they've streamlining service by moving away from traditional steaming carts in favor of a more fast casual experience with a to-go form factor.

Jewel’s Noodle Kitchen offers an unpretentious atmosphere with its simple décor. Don't expect the saucy Americanized Chinese dishes here — this barebones eatery showcases hearty Northern Chinese meat pies and buns. Popular dishes included hand-pulled noodle soups like the Tomato Egg Noodle and Noodle with Pork Bean Sauce. Other favorites are the Pork & Scallion Pie, Triple Dumplings filled with pork, shrimp, and chives, and the Cold Cucumber Salad.

While you should really visit for the Northern China-influenced specialties such as the Chinese Beef Burrito (beef slices and herbs wrapped in a scallion pancake) and Jingdong Meat Pie (think a savory empanada, but Chinese Muslim-style and with chopped meat), they also offer a selection of Sichuan dishes. The house-made noodles and dumplings are the main selling point.

Noodleholics offers authentic Chinese noodle dishes in a casual, contemporary space on East Grant Road. The dining room features simple modern design with counter ordering and comfortable seating for small groups. Natural light from street-facing windows brightens the clean interior and highlights house-made noodle bowls. The menu centers on house-made wheat noodles and regional Guilin rice noodles. Signature bowls include the Sizzling Garlic Noodles and the Guilin Spicy & Sour with choice of meats and tangy broth. Garlic cucumbers and salt and pepper fried wings complete popular orders. If you enjoy pork, order the Chaoshou Dumplings in a vinegary chili oil with garlic and scallions. View footage of our visit here.

Polish Cottage offers a warm, rustic interior that blends the feel of a countryside home with traditional Eastern European charm. Natural wood ceilings, vintage-style chandeliers, and antique hutches line the dining area, while shelves and walls are adorned with Polish ceramics and folk art. Soft lighting, cozy booths, and lace-trimmed curtains complete the inviting, homestyle setting. The private party room is also available for booking. The restaurant is beloved for its authentic Polish cuisine, especially the pierogi stuffed with fillings like potato and cheese or sauerkraut and mushroom. Other popular dishes include the crispy potato pancakes, kielbasa with sauerkraut, and hearty hunter’s stew.

Sushi Lounge, located near the rodeo grounds, features wooden furnishings and a sushi bar. However, they've developed a reputation for their house-made dim sum. While they don't use dim sum carts, the food is instead cooked to order. Come on the weekends when they also have the rice rolls available.