6 great dumplings

It’s said that every cuisine around the world has a dumpling, and Chicago must have a version of most of them — from pierogi to kreplach to gyoza — scattered throughout its many neighborhoods.

1 Combination xiaolongbao at Imperial Lamian

The combination xiaolongbao show beauty that’s more than skin deep. Each dumpling is flavorfully filled: green is duck, orange is crab, natural has Shanghai pork, yellow is Gruyere, black has truffle and red is spicy Szechuan pork. $7 to $12 for three pieces, $18 for a six-piece combination, lunch and brunch; $5 for three pieces original pork only, weekday happy hour; $18 for six-piece combination, dinner.

6 W. Hubbard St., 312-595-9440, www.imperial-lamian.com

— Louisa Chu

2 Pierogi at Kasia’s Deli

Despite the designation as one of Martha Stewart’s go-to stops when she’s in Chicago, Kasia’s Deli is decidedly a neighborhood spot: Take a number, order everything — deli or dining menu — from the same counter, take a seat (hopefully, at least; there are only six of them). The pierogi are the popular kids in the case, with different flavors every day. I got four: sweet cheese, sauerkraut, potato-and-cheese and beef. While the former pair were more interesting — creamy, sweet-but-not-too-sweet cheese and tender, tangy kraut — than the latter pair, all four reminded me of my late grandmother’s comforting creations: soft, buttery and perfectly simple. 50 cents apiece

2101 W. Chicago Ave., 773-486-7500, www.kasiasdeli.com

— Adam Lukach

3 Yam dumplings at Little Unicoco

The lightly fried yam dumplings served at Little Unicoco in Rogers Park were my first foray into Nigerian cuisine — though this is one of the few items on the menu that isn’t traditional, a colleague said. Each delicately fried ball has a crisp, slightly salty outside that gives way to a creamy middle. They’re mild in flavor, perfect for dipping into rich stew. $6 for five

1631 W. Howard St., 773-764-2626, www.littleunicoco.com

— Grace Wong

4 Yaki-gyoza at Mitsuwa Marketplace

The food court at the Mitsuwa Marketplace, the giant Japanese grocery store in suburban Arlington Heights, is home to one of the best bowls of ramen in the Chicago area, thanks to the Santouka food stall. Turns out, at the market you can also find some of the best gyoza, or Japanese potstickers. At the Sutadonya stall, each dumpling has a gorgeously browned bottom, which remains crispy long after you get your order. In contrast, the other sides are extra soft, delicately holding the juicy pork filling. $4.50 for seven

100 E. Algonquin Road, Arlington Heights, 847-956-6699, www.mitsuwa.com/locations/chicago

— Nick Kindelsperger

5 Kreplach at Manny’s Deli

Make no mistake: The kreplach at Manny’s are gnarled, rumpled-looking things. Squint and you could mistake each one for wadded-up sock. Fortunately, you’re in for some supremely delicate dumplings. Each one — individually called a krepel — is filled with minced meat. They bob up and down in a bright yellow chicken broth, as satisfying as everything from Manny’s always is. I’m guessing the matzo balls get the most play here, but give the kreplach a chance. $4

1141 S. Jefferson St., 312-939-2855, www.mannysdeli.com

— Nick Kindelsperger

6 Gnocchi Bolognese at Il Porcellino

Il Porcellino in River North is justifiably popular for its pastas, especially the feather-light dumplings that go into the menu’s gnocchi Bolognese. The gnocchi would star in any context, but the contrast between the delicate dumplings and the rustic, meat-rich Bolognese sauce makes the dish especially memorable. $17

59 W. Hubbard St., 312-595-0800, www.ilporcellinochicago.com

— Phil Vettel

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