Soup Dumplings · Signature · #1 First-Timer Order
Five flavors, one steamer. The Sampler delivers one each of pork, chicken, pork & crab, pork & truffle, and pork-shrimp-spinach XLB for $15 — the same price as 6 pork & truffle alone. The definitive first-timer order and the most efficient way to understand the full lineup.
The Sampler exists to solve a specific problem: Ugly Dumpling's XLB lineup has six varieties and no obvious way to choose between them on a first visit. The Sampler removes that decision entirely. One basket, five dumplings, five distinct flavor profiles side by side — all steamed to order at the same time so you're comparing them fresh and hot.
The green pork-shrimp-spinach piece is visually impossible to miss — the spinach-tinted wrapper stands out against the plain white and dot-marked others. That's a useful starting reference: if you work from left to right — pork, chicken, pork & crab, pork & truffle, green — you can track the flavor progression from the mildest (chicken) to the most complex (truffle) with the most visually distinctive (green) as the finale.
At $3 per piece the Sampler is not the cheapest per-dumpling price on the menu (the pork basket at $2/piece wins there), but the knowledge you get is worth the premium on your first visit. Regulars who did the Sampler first consistently report that they order more confidently on every subsequent visit because they've already mapped their preferences.
Each variety in Ugly Dumpling's color-coded system is identifiable by its wrapper dot or tint. Use this guide to tell them apart in the basket.
| Flavor | Color Marker | Price (solo) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pork | White dot | $12 / 6 pcs | The classic baseline; bestseller |
| Chicken | Orange dot | $12 / 6 pcs | Pork-free; lighter and leaner broth |
| Pork & Crab | Yellow dot | $13 / 6 pcs | Sweeter broth; most popular upgrade |
| Pork & Truffle | Black dot | $15 / 6 pcs | Earthy, aromatic; most premium XLB |
| Pork, Shrimp & Spinach | Green wrapper | $12 / 6 pcs | Triple filling; most visually distinct |
Per 5-piece order. Figures are approximate averages across all five varieties.
| Nutrient | Approx. Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~385 |
| Protein | ~19 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~41 g |
| Fat | ~16 g |
| Allergen | Present |
|---|---|
| Wheat (gluten) | Yes — all pieces |
| Soy | Yes — all pieces |
| Pork | Yes — 4 of 5 pieces (not chicken) |
| Chicken | Yes — chicken piece |
| Shellfish (Crab) | Yes — pork & crab piece |
| Shellfish (Shrimp) | Yes — pork-shrimp-spinach piece |
| Truffle (fungus) | Yes — pork & truffle piece |
| Dairy | No |
| Tree Nuts | No |
Each dumpling in the Sampler is identical to its solo-order counterpart — same filling, same aspic broth, same 18-fold pleated wrapper, same steam-to-order preparation. There's no compromise on quality because it's in a Sampler. The difference is only quantity: one of each instead of six of one.
First-timers at Ugly Dumpling — unambiguously. Also good for: groups where people have different preferences and want to share, returning diners who haven't tried all five varieties yet, and anyone taking a guest who's new to XLB. Not necessary for regulars who already know their preferred variety.
Eat them in order to fully appreciate each flavor profile before moving to the next.
Use the color guide above: white dot = pork, orange dot = chicken, yellow dot = pork & crab, black dot = pork & truffle, green wrapper = pork-shrimp-spinach. Knowing what you're eating sharpens the tasting experience.
Begin with the mildest varieties so your palate isn't saturated before you reach the more complex ones. Chicken first, then pork, gives you a clean baseline. Save truffle and crab for the middle; end with the green piece.
Lift by the knot, rest on a spoon, vent a small hole, sip the broth, then dip lightly in black vinegar and ginger before eating the whole piece in one bite. Consistency in technique helps you isolate what changes across varieties.
The Sampler's job is to help you decide. When you finish, you should know your go-to variety. On your next visit, order a full basket of that one plus one other you want to explore further.
