Appetizers · Vegan · Gluten-Free
Classic crispy french fries, $6. The universal crowd-pleaser for picky eaters, kids, or anyone who wants something familiar alongside the more adventurous menu items.
French fries on a Chinese-Taiwanese dumpling menu might look out of place at first glance. They're not. They serve a specific and valuable function: every table has at least one person who is less adventurous, younger, or simply wants something familiar alongside the xiaolongbao and wok dishes. French fries solve that problem cleanly and cheaply.
The fries at Ugly Dumpling are cut, fried until crispy, and salted. The preparation is intentionally simple — this is not a gourmet loaded fry situation, and it doesn't need to be. Their value is in what they are: reliable, universally appealing, and ready fast. They land on the table early and buy time for the more complex dishes to arrive.
At $6, the fries are also the most affordable way to add bulk to a shared table spread. For families with children, adding a round of fries costs less than any other item on the menu and guarantees the youngest members of the table are covered. For larger groups, fries fill gaps between courses without requiring anyone to commit to a whole additional dish. Practical, not flashy — and that's the point.
Per full order. Figures are estimates based on standard recipe; actual values may vary.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Carbohydrates | 44 g |
| Sodium | 560 mg |
No notable allergens in the fries themselves (potato, vegetable oil, salt). Confirm with staff regarding shared fryer oil if you have severe cross-contact sensitivities.
Wheat, soy, dairy, egg, shellfish, pork, chicken, or tree nuts. Fully vegan and gluten-free. The broadest dietary accommodation on the appetizer menu — suitable for nearly every dietary restriction.
When ordering for a family or a mixed group, the french fries are the item that takes the pressure off everyone. Younger or pickier diners have something they recognize and enjoy, which makes the rest of the table free to order the XLB, wok dishes, and noodles without compromise.
Sweet chili sauce turns the fries from a neutral side into something more interesting. The soy dipping sauce also works. If you're going for a full contrast, dip the fries in the black vinegar — surprising, but it works because vinegar and potato are a classic combination under a different name (salt and vinegar chips).
Order fries as a gap-filler rather than a centerpiece. When you have four or more people and you've ordered your dumplings and a couple of wok dishes, adding fries at $6 rounds out the table without adding a meaningful cost. They're also the safest add-on for takeout orders when you don't know who will be eating.
