At the beginning of 2011, it was announced that the owners of the recently moved Cascabel Taqueria were opening a dumpling shop in the original space called Mahjong Dumplings. They would be offering a large variety of uniquely flavored dumplings. This sounded very intriguing, yet strange to me considering when I ate at Cascabel they serve very traditional and some of the best tacos in New York City.
Although the menu sounded delicious, our enticement to head to the Upper East Side was a Gilt City deal CT purchased. For $43, you get a platter of 30 various dumplings and 4 cocktails of your choice. Almost all of the dumplings are 3 for $4.25(lobster only has 2 dumplings in a serving) and cocktails are $9 a la carte. Therefore, the deal was a little less than 50% off, not too shabby. They currently have 10 different dumpling flavors on the menu, so we had a chance to try them all. CT’s best friend, Texas, was able to join us to help conquer the menu.
CT says: This was also a big THANK YOU to Texas for helping me during my recent move; she had the tough job of not only lifting boxes, but keeping the peace and sanity among everyone.
While we waited for Texas, we decided to start with our first two cocktails. The friendly waitress told us we could switch out the cocktails for wine or beer if we wanted. The cocktail menu looked interesting so we both started with one. CT chose the “Calamansi Sour” with sake, vodka, calamansi, ginger, jasmine tea and honey. I went with the “Shiso Julep” with 12 year old Yamazaki, shiso, yuzu bitters, aloe vera, lime and honey. Neither drink was very picturesque and they actually looked very similar as you can see. I have recently begun to appreciate Japanese whisky and am impressed how they stand up to Scotch. The bartender was not light in the pour for this cocktail. The strong whisky flavor worked perfectly with the citrus mixers. One was enough for me though, I moved onto beer after. They have quite of good selection of drafts, bottles and cans. I am sure even the Beer Boor would find a satisfactory brew.
CT says: I learned that calamansi is citrus fruit – yum! I’m usually not a fan of ginger-flavor and had asked if it could be excluded, but was informed with it’s already mixed in. Hmm… well I tried it anyways and happily discovered the ginger taste was extremely subtle. The drink was light and very refreshing for a Spring evening. It was only slightly sweet and didn’t overpower any flavors of the meal.
For those that have been to the original Cascabel know that the space is very small. They added a few Asian decorations and changed the tables around, but otherwise it is still the quaint, casual place it was before. The tables have little boxes filled with chopsticks and napkins, also regular silverware if you are so inclined. There was also a small bottle of hot sauce. Although I like my spice, I decided to eat the dumplings as the chef intended.
Although we had 10 orders of dumplings on the way, we ordered two appetizers.
We saw Lady Ramen($4) listed under Appetizers and not Soups with the other ramen available, so we were intrigued. It turned out that it was a salad with toasted ramen noodles on top. It also had bok choy, water chestnuts and sesame seeds. It was dressed perfectly; the fresh veggies were allowed to shine. This was a unique salad that is worth a try.
Steamed Pork Buns ($6)- crispy Berkshire pork, hoison, watermelon radish and cucumber. Since there were only two buns per order, we went ahead and got two orders for the 3 of us. These were fantastic! The pork was perfectly cooked and tasted great with the hoison. I liked these a lot better than the duck buns we got at Mad. Sq. Eats.
CT says: Both excellent appetizers. I’ve read about crunchy ramen, but never actually had it. I really enjoyed the texture against the softer greens. I could have used this salad as a palate cleanser between each dumpling, but I was too hungry and gobbled it up right away. The buns were also fantastic. But I’m a bun-fiend, so I happily gobble down one and a half of these.
Since we already notified the waitress of the deal for all of the dumplings on the menu, we didn’t have to wait long for them to come out. In fact, we were barraged with them almost all at once the same time our appetizers came out. This made picture taking a bit frenzied to minimize the cooling off time, but wasn’t a big deal. The only issue with the service was that one of the servers spoke in a very quiet tone with a heavy accent so we basically had to figure out what each dumpling was from the description the menu.
CT says: My only major complaint would be that I wished they had spaced these out more so we could fully enjoy the unique flavoring of each one. Also, if/when I go back, I’d ask for them to be provided in a more specific order, as clarified below, so no flavor gets lost in the mix. Neither are the restaurant’s fault, but something to remember for the next time.
The Italian Job with chicken, basil, scallions, and nut-free pesto. This was a good one to start with. The flavors were delicate so I am sure it would have tasted bland if we started with some of the stronger flavored dumplings. I don’t think you can call a sauce a pesto if it doesn’t have pine nuts in it or at least some form of nut.
CT says: I was surprised to find the chicken was quite flavorful and enjoyed these more than expected. They were just a tad on the oily side, but I would happily order them again.
Mom’s Style with braised pulled beef and balsamic caramelized onion. The onions were the star of the show. The balsamic flavor strong without being too acidic. A recurring problem with all of the dumplings was that the filling easily got lost with the strongly flavored toppings. Therefore, I don’t remember anything about the pulled beef.
CT says: I actually remember liking the beef a lot and wishing I’d picked up little less onion on my bite. If you get these, don’t feel obligated to take a large chunk of onions. Enjoy the beef!
Run Forrest with shrimp, carrot, ginger, scallion and Panang curry sauce. The curry sauce was delicious with its creamy and peanuty flavors. It complemented the shrimp perfectly. I would definitely order this again.
CT says: I liked the curry sauce a lot. However, as it was a stronger flavor than the others, it felt a little out of place. This is where the salad or better pacing of dishes would have really helped. I would definitely order these again, but ask for them to be brought out last.
Traditional Monkey with pork, chive, tofu, ginger and sweet Thai chili sauce. As indicated by the name, these were Mahjong’s interpretation of one of the most traditional Chinese dumplings. It was good but not better than what you can get in Chinatown for a whole lot cheaper.
CT says: Meh – pass on these for the more unique flavors.
The Fresh Prince with grilled beef short rib, pepper, onion and aged provolone cheese. As you can see, these were spring rolls, not dumplings, strange. The flavor was spot on and had the “essense” of Philly cheesesteak although dumpling it was not.
CT says: Again, I liked this but it didn’t “pair” with the rest of the meal. It had a nice crunch and very much a gourmet Philly cheesesteak feel. However, I would recommend trying these as an appetizer before the other dumplings come out.
Maine Event with lobster, chive, clam chowder sauce and oyster crackers. As mentioned above, since there was a fair amount of lobster used, only two dumplings came in an order. We made do between the three of us. The lobster was perfectly cooked and reminded me of a lobster chowder. The crackers were a nice touch.
CT says: YUM! The chowder was creamy but not too heavy. Get these at whatever “course” you want.
The Big Easy with wild mushroom, lotus root, carrot, scallion and cilantro. This was the first of the veggie dumplings we had. The sweet/spicy dipping sauce made the dumplings a little more palatable, but I needed a little more protein in it. Just veggies did not do it for me.
CT says: I actually rather liked these. I didn’t find myself missing the meat, although I’m a bigger fan of mushrooms than TT. Plus is came with crunchy lotus root chips –bonus!
Boardwalk Crab with crispy Maryland-style peekytoe crab and light mustard aioli. True deep fried dumplings, not like The Fresh Prince. Unfortunately, I think the crab got a little lost in such a “hard” fry. Maybe it would have been better simply pan fried? The aioli was indeed light and balanced out the heaviness of the dumpling.
CT says: I liked them enough, but I agree that the actual crab flavor was lost. If you feel obliged, order these as an appetizer too and eat it before The Fresh Prince. Otherwise the flavors will get lost.
Red Lantern with chorizo, paprika, sweet roasted yellow pepper sauce and charred corn salsa. This was better than the Boardwalk Crab since the ingredients could take a fry better and the wrapper was smaller. Charring the corn was good idea as it added so much more flavor.
CT says: I liked the Mexi-flavors here. I felt like I was eating an empanada! Definitely my favorite about the fried dumplings.
The last dumpling was almost forgotten, but the waitress quickly remedied that.
A La Farm with spinach, mushroom, eggplant, sundried tomatoes, ricotta, truffle oil and parmesan. Maybe it would have been better if we didn’t ask about this last one. The ladies were already pretty full and I was getting close. Although waste not want not, so I ended up having two of these. Like the other vegetable dumpling, it was just ok. The flavor of the innards just melded into something indiscernible.
CT says: I was stuffed, but opted to try one bite. I actually like the veggies here again, and thought it would have provided a nice break from the meatier dumplings, if it had come out on time. It was much lighter than the others and, although I’m not a huge truffle oil fan anymore since I think it has been overused recently, I thought it had a nice blend of flavors. I would probably order this again.
Since I wasn’t quite full yet and one of the nightly specials sounded too good to pass up, I also had an order of one fried oyster with seaweed salad($2.50). The oyster was pretty small but a great crunchy briny bite. I love seaweed salad and enjoyed it with the oyster.
I read a couple weeks back that the original chef of Cascabel and Mahjong left. It makes sense because when I re-read a review of the newly opened Mahjong at PHUDE-nyc, I noticed that the dumplings look a lot differently. I wonder if that is due to the change in chef or simply a recipe tweak??
Although they had some interesting sounding desserts, we passed. Maybe it was because we all read the Urban Daddy email last week about the tequila snow cones that were just introduced at Cascabel? We headed down the block so the ladies could have their treat. It was $2 for the snow cone plus another $2 for tequila on top. I believe they offered vanilla, chocolate, or blueberry. CT & Texas both got blueberry. It was served a very large shot glass. They also have small plastic cones for take-out. I had a taste of CT’s. It was good, but got pretty soupy once the tequila was poured in. It wasn’t as solid as the snow cone you get from your ice cream man. Also the first couple of spoonfuls were pure tequila, so make to sure to mix it first.
CT says: This may be the best idea I’ve come across in a long time! Somehow they got these to be sidewalk friendly, so you can walk down 2nd Avenue with (essentially) a mini-margarita! It was pretty yummy, although a good mixing was definitely in order. However, I did notice some other gentlemen in the bar with the take-out version and they looked about half the size. If they had the same about of tequila in there, I’m not sure how much “snow cone” you’d actually get. It definitely worth stopping in and trying at least once!
All in all, Mahjong Dumplings was great for some very unique dumplings. The deal from Gilt City allowed us to sample all of the flavors to figure out what we liked best. I think the Maine Event was mine. While the food and service was good, I don’t see myself returning all that often. Perhaps if I lived in the neighborhood? Otherwise it was good to try and maybe head back to if they change dumpling flavors on a regular basis.
Feisty Foodie says
I literally stopped reading after “$43 for 30 dumplings and 4 cocktails” – I can’t read anything else about this place. That is just offensive.
Although I guess if I look at it as you paid for four cocktails and got free dumplings, it’s not that bad.
CT says
That seems like an offensive thing to say.
TT says
well this was the Upper East Side, not Chinatown. Considering the ingredients and ingenuity I think the price was more than fair. Mahjong isn’t going to be my go-to dumpling place for a cheap meal. Sometimes it is not just about the price, but the experience.
BeerBoor says
You’ve invaded my ‘hood! Ruffians! At least now I know what I’m in for when I make it here. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that the Cascabel folks can prepare good (and expensive!) dumplings, though.
T.C. says
Fancy dumpling place…or cheap fried dumplings…Hmmm.
At least the $43 dollar deal and variety seems like a better idea than Rickshaw could ever fathom.
As long as they don’t start rolling out a dumpling truck and taking up valuable parking space on the streets too.
skippymom says
Not to disagree with Yvo, [’cause she knows where I live] but I was absolutely mesmerized by the food. I don’t think $43 for 30 dumplings and 4 cocktails is too much to ask especially when the food is so gorgeous – both in presentation and from the wonderful review [I really enjoyed it] it seems every bit worth the price.
The only thing I can think of, in analogy, is a friend of mine complaining that his crab cake cost 18 dollars, but he could buy crab for 20 dollars a pound and should not be charged such an exhorbinant price for a 1/2 crab cake in a restaurant. My response was “Well, stay home and make your own.”
Everything was so beautiful – and looks/sounds so delicious. Worth the price imo.
skippymom says
That should say 1/2 POUND crab cake – he didn’t get a half of a crab cake, oops.
chakrateeze says
I’ve plunked down $40 on dim sum for ten, tiny plates and a round of congee. Although that included the best lobster ha gaau I’ve ever tasted, I don’t really see the difference between that and a dumpling house.
I was explaining to my son the outbreak of meatball-only restaurants in NY and Chicago and trying to talk into us developing our own recipes and buying a food truck. He subsequently insisted that raviolo, ones the size of your out-stretched fist, would make us millionaires. Why’d I have to tell him about your dumpling house blog? The chorus of “I told you so” has been deafening.
Tracie
BTW, CT, a friend of mine sent me this heads up about a great Bengali place http://www.tucsonweekly.com/tucson/govindas-natural-foods-buffet-and-boutique/Location?oid=1101316. It’s a bit of a drive (Tucson, Arizona), but if you’re ever in the neighborhood, you might want to check it out. Although, I’d seriously avoid the vegan night. Veg Indian cooking is straight up delicious; no mishti doi (sweet yogurt) or barfi for dessert seems like a crying shame.
CT says
Thanks!! I’ll definitely keep it on file for if I head down that direction.
Btw – I’m a dumpling fiend and never believe there can be too many! So… let me know when your truck is up and running! 🙂
Hungry says
Oh CT, I wish you were around to tell me about my dumplings this past weekend.
Anyway, those are some fancy dumplings.
TT says
I was around and loved your dumplings. They could give any restaurant a run for their money.
Yum!
CT says
Aww… me too!! You’ll just have to make them again for me!! 😀
BeerBoor says
Would you believe they closed as a dumpling place on the 12th? They reopened as the Cascabel Cantina (yes, a bar, mainly) this weekend.
TT says
Aww too bad. Thanks for the update!
Guess the UES wasn’t ready for “unique” dumplings.
BeerBoor says
Too expensive! Too expensive!
While I doubt I’ll ever go to the Cantina, I’m overdue for another Cascabel visit. I appreciate that Pig Heaven stood its ground and separates Cascabel from its Cantina.