China Bistro - Rockville

I have been coming here for at least 10 years. Every single time I order scallion/chive pancakes (as I do wherever they’re on the menu and these are by far the best I’ve ever had perfect balance of doughy and crispy), fish cilantro dumplings, and mama’s special dumplings (regular steamed, not pan fried). I cannot speak to the rest of their menu necessarily, but this alone is the perfect meal. I will come back for the rest of my life. Everyone I know who has moved away from the area makes this a necessary stop whenever they’re back in town. This would be my last meal on earth if I were in a rare situation where I’d have the wherewithal to choose one. Thank you, Mama Dumpling! Oh, PS, you gotta mix the red pepper chili oil and soy sauce with vinegar. That’s gonna be the essential bath for the above food. Enjoy!

Pass by this place all the time, decided to try today, ordered mama special dumpling and beef celery dumpling, they are good. Definitely going back try different things on the menu.

Just moved to town and were so happy to find excellent homemade dumplings at a good price. Absolutely delicious (we had a variety of pork, shrimp and chicken dumplings), we'll be back for sure.

It was good. Needs a little bit work with the food. You can tell you can tell the soup dumplings were frozen.

My favorite spot for dumplings. The cilantro fish cannot be beat. The fish is soft but holds its shape, and the cilantro has just the peppery finish you need. Smothered in black vinegar and chili oil and you are in heaven. I have occasionally tried other dishes, but often can’t help but stuff myself with dumplings, leaving no room for exploration. A reviewer here complained about the dumpling shape, but come on. If the shape is bothering you enough to not enjoy this magic, then you don’t deserve the bliss. Ever tried to make dumplings? It’s hard. and much more important than shape is wrap to filling ratio, dough consistency, and flavor, which Bistro nails. Don’t skip this place.