sometimes i just can't deal with the bustle of mott street - especially on chinese new year's eve! - so i headed to grand street between bowery and chrystie... it's sill pretty crowded, but you can get pretty much everything you need on that little block. there are multiple vegetable/fruit stands, fish markets and even small chinese markets for meat and pantry staples!
but my really huge discovery was Hua Du Dumpling Shop. this little dumpling counter sits immediately inside the entrance of Tan MyMy Market, and they have an assortment of frozen dumplings for sale. i LOVE dumplings, and my absolute favorite are steamed pork & chive dumplings. for a bag of 50, it was $8. this is a little bit more than some of the other dumpling places in the neighborhood, but after cooking some up as soon as i got home, i understand why: these are MUCH BETTER. the skins are thinner and less doughy, and the flavor of the dumpling is delicious, with pronounced pork AND chive flavor. it doesn't taste greasy nor dirty, which some dumplings have a tendency towards. i didn't even need the soy/vinegar dipper! i also purchased pork soup dumplings (50 for $8.50) which i've yet to try, but i hope will be delicious!
Hua Du Dumpling Shop
249 grand street between chrystie and bowery (closer to chrystie, almost on the SW corner of chrystie and grand)
new york, ny 10002
212.965.9663
