Full Steam Dumpling

Name: Full Steam Dumpling
Address: 1001 Center St, Santa Cruz, California, 95060, US
Telephone: (831) 252-4176
Price range: $$
Rating: 4.1

$$ • Asian, Ramen

Hours:
1001 Center St, Santa Cruz
(831) 252-4176

Menu Order Online

About Full Steam Dumpling

Full Steam Dumpling is a restaurant that serves delicious Asian food with top-notch, homemade ingredients. The menu includes vegan options, such as the tasty vegan ramen and gyoza, which comes with plenty of sauce. The restaurant has a back patio for outdoor dining, although it could use some improvement. Located in a lively area, the restaurant is a great spot for events like trivia night. Prices are on the higher side, but the taste and quality of the food make it worth it. The owner, Chef Andy, is known for his friendly demeanor and willingness to share his knowledge of dumpling-making.

Customers appreciate the use of high-quality ingredients, produce, and meat from local farms, and everything is made from scratch. Many reviews mention the variety of fried chicken apps, especially Taiwanese popcorn chicken and general tso’s chicken, which are always delicious and addictive. The restaurant's ramen dishes are consistently enjoyed, with the mushroom shoyu ramen praised for its flavorful broth, noodles, tofu, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots. Some diners note that the broth can have an oil sheen, which may affect their choice to order it again.

Dumplings are a highlight, with options like chicken and leek sausage dumplings, pork belly paired with mandarin orange wedges and fennel, and mushroom and yam pan-fried dumplings, all praised for their flavors and textures. The restaurant offers a good selection of dishes, though some customers miss certain items like crystal dumplings, especially those with dietary restrictions.

The staff works hard to provide quick service, even during busy times, and the food portions are generous, often surprising customers with the filling in each dumpling. Overall, Full Steam Dumpling remains a favorite in the community, valued for its quality ingredients, welcoming atmosphere, and innovative dishes.