Restaurant Review: Dumpling King – A Surprising Gem in Centreville
I’ve had Chinese food in cities around the world — from upscale restaurants to hole-in-the-wall spots — and Dumpling King in Centreville genuinely surprised me. Tucked away in a modest strip mall, it would be easy to overlook. But don’t.
What stood out most wasn’t actually the dumplings (though they were solid) — it was Lily’s fried rice. Complex, balanced, and far more interesting than what you’ll find at most places, it had that elusive “wok hei” quality that gives great Chinese cooking its soul. Every bite felt intentional and well-crafted.
The food here punches far above its weight class, both in quality and value. It’s the kind of place that quietly delivers an experience well beyond expectations — and that’s what makes it worth talking about. Did I mention we were a party of 11?
George Stephens, Jr.
Best chinese food this side of the ocean.
Josie McKnight
The food was delicious! Especially the soup dumplings and beef and onion dumplings. Service was quick and super speedy and the people were very kind. Will definitely be coming back!
SJ Yoon
More like 3.5 stars Decent dumplings. We got the special dumplings that had shrimp pork and veggies. Couldn't taste much of shrimp. Dan dan noodles was just ok. Too sweet. Fish with hot chili was good but wished it was spicier and had more flavor to it. Portions are great. Good chinese place.
Kenny Franklin
I came here after having oral surgery next door. The food was outstanding. The server was quick and she always smiled.
Rebecca G
Delicious dumplings and other dishes. Their service is always friendly. The garlic cucumbers are yummy and their prices are very reasonable.
Kristin Lewis
I love this place!! The food is always amazing!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sam Garvey
Excellent dumplings, but a little pricy for the portions. Don't get me wrong, I'll still come back and eat more because it's hard to find such varieties of dumpling flavors. I just wish the dumplings were a little bigger or came with maybe 2 or 3 more on a plate. I ate them all so fast though that I didn't get a chance to take a picture ?
The server was very kind and friendly. She was quick to ensure we had everything we needed and was mindful of all her other customers too.
Hey, if my only complaint is that I want more, that's gotta be a good sign right?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fried and Steamed Dumplings
j k
Disgusting very dirty. I dont know how they pass inspections.
The soup dumplings (from the appetizer menu) were okay. The soy sauce was watered down, which was weird. We found a small bug in the lettuce the dumplings sat on.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Soup Dumplings
XiuQin Saunders
Soup dumplings are a must and were very flavorful. Definitely want to come back to have other dumpling options
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fried and Steamed Dumplings, Soup Dumplings
Nikesh Maharjan
Waiter is very rude. If possible 1 star is also more.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Recommended dishes: Fried and Steamed Dumplings
Dana Cekosh
Crab Rangoon filling was SO good. Soup dumplings and special dumplings were also delicious.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Soup Dumplings
L
Good Chinese food at a reasonable price in a fabulous atmosphere. Our waitress was also so sweet!
The Dumplings are so good here
Restaurant Review: Dumpling King – A Surprising Gem in Centreville
I’ve had Chinese food in cities around the world — from upscale restaurants to hole-in-the-wall spots — and Dumpling King in Centreville genuinely surprised me. Tucked away in a modest strip mall, it would be easy to overlook. But don’t.
What stood out most wasn’t actually the dumplings (though they were solid) — it was Lily’s fried rice. Complex, balanced, and far more interesting than what you’ll find at most places, it had that elusive “wok hei” quality that gives great Chinese cooking its soul. Every bite felt intentional and well-crafted.
The food here punches far above its weight class, both in quality and value. It’s the kind of place that quietly delivers an experience well beyond expectations — and that’s what makes it worth talking about. Did I mention we were a party of 11?
Best chinese food this side of the ocean.
The food was delicious! Especially the soup dumplings and beef and onion dumplings. Service was quick and super speedy and the people were very kind. Will definitely be coming back!
More like 3.5 stars
Decent dumplings. We got the special dumplings that had shrimp pork and veggies. Couldn't taste much of shrimp. Dan dan noodles was just ok. Too sweet. Fish with hot chili was good but wished it was spicier and had more flavor to it. Portions are great. Good chinese place.
I came here after having oral surgery next door. The food was outstanding. The server was quick and she always smiled.
Delicious dumplings and other dishes. Their service is always friendly. The garlic cucumbers are yummy and their prices are very reasonable.
I love this place!! The food is always amazing!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Excellent dumplings, but a little pricy for the portions. Don't get me wrong, I'll still come back and eat more because it's hard to find such varieties of dumpling flavors. I just wish the dumplings were a little bigger or came with maybe 2 or 3 more on a plate. I ate them all so fast though that I didn't get a chance to take a picture ?
The server was very kind and friendly. She was quick to ensure we had everything we needed and was mindful of all her other customers too.
Hey, if my only complaint is that I want more, that's gotta be a good sign right?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fried and Steamed Dumplings
Disgusting very dirty. I dont know how they pass inspections.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Restaurantji Recommends
The soup dumplings (from the appetizer menu) were okay. The soy sauce was watered down, which was weird. We found a small bug in the lettuce the dumplings sat on.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Soup Dumplings
Soup dumplings are a must and were very flavorful. Definitely want to come back to have other dumpling options
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fried and Steamed Dumplings, Soup Dumplings
Waiter is very rude. If possible 1 star is also more.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Recommended dishes: Fried and Steamed Dumplings
Crab Rangoon filling was SO good. Soup dumplings and special dumplings were also delicious.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Soup Dumplings
Good Chinese food at a reasonable price in a fabulous atmosphere. Our waitress was also so sweet!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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