Who makes them
Lao Ma Dumplings was started by sisters Xiu and Sherry, who grew up in Fuzhou, a port city on China's southeast coast. Their father, Yeye, often helps fold the dumplings by hand. Because they're folded to order, expect about 15 to 20 minutes when it's busy.
The dumplings
Wontons, buns and sides
Only at Lao Ma
Three dumplings on the menu are Lao Ma originals you won't find anywhere else:
- Special Pan-Fried Dumplings: ten pork and shrimp dumplings, pan-fried crisp ($16.99).
- Open-Top Crawfish Dumplings: pan-fried pork dumplings topped with savory crawfish ($16.99).
- Open-Top Sweet Corn & Pork Dumplings: topped with sweet corn, with a crispy golden bottom ($14.99).
What to order first
- Sharing: the 24-piece Dumpling Combo, so everyone tries every filling.
- Crispy: the Special Pan-Fried or the open-top dumplings, for the golden bottom.
- Spicy: pork and shrimp wontons in chili oil, with a cucumber salad on the side.
Want Korean dumplings too? Kimchi Xpress, two counters over, makes mandoo (Korean pork dumplings, 6 for $7) and a dumpling and rice cake soup.
Questions people ask
Where can I get handmade dumplings in Glendale, AZ?
At Lao Ma Dumplings inside Niu Mama Kitchens, 4339 W Glendale Ave, Glendale, AZ 85301, open daily 11 AM to 9 PM.
Are the dumplings made fresh?
Yes. They're folded by hand and cooked to order.
How long do the dumplings take?
About 15 to 20 minutes when it's busy, because every order is made fresh.
What dumpling fillings do you have?
Pork and cabbage, pork and chives, beef, teriyaki chicken, and our Signature dumpling with egg, pork, shrimp and chive, plus pan-fried pork and shrimp dumplings and open-top dumplings with crawfish or sweet corn and pork.
What dumplings can I only get at Lao Ma?
The Special Pan-Fried Dumplings (pork and shrimp), the Open-Top Crawfish Dumplings and the Open-Top Sweet Corn & Pork Dumplings are Lao Ma originals you won't find anywhere else.
Do you have vegetarian dumplings?
Yes. Mama's Potsticker is vegetarian, with an egg, chive, noodle and mushroom filling. The other handmade dumpling fillings all contain meat. Cucumber salad and golden fried buns are other meat-free picks.
What is the difference between dumplings, wontons and potstickers?
Dumplings have a thicker wrapper and are usually steamed, boiled or pan-fried. Wontons have a thin, silky wrapper and are served in soup or tossed in chili oil. Potstickers are pan-fried so the bottom turns crisp.
Can I buy your chili oil to take home?
Yes. Lao Ma sells its chili oil in a large container for $10.
Can I order dumplings for a party?
Yes. Tell us about your event on the catering page and we'll put something together.