Where to Get Vegan Dumplings in Seattle
Written by Martha Gavinski
It seems like every cuisine has its own spin on the dumpling.
From Chinese Xiao Long Bao (pronounced shao-long-bao) to the Nepalese Momo, there is something so magical about these delightful, pillowy pockets.
In order to give you the best vegan-friendly options in town, we’re taking the broad view of “dumpling” here - considering any savory dough with a filling fair game. And while dumplings are the main event, we chose restaurants that offer other vegan dishes on their menu to satisfy the hungriest among us.
Here’s our comprehensive list of Seattle dumplings - and their delicious culinary cousins - that are perfect for vegan diners.
Top Spots For Vegan Dumplings in Seattle
Pan-fried Potstickers
Araya’s Place - Multiple Locations
Potstickers are a type of steam-fried dumpling that are lightly browned in oil. The result is an irresistible crispy texture that makes Araya’s Thai sesame and mushroom potstickers addictive. They’re served with a citrus-based ponzu sauce that balances between bright acidity, mild sweetness, and umami flavor.
Araya’s fully vegan menu and three locations (University District, Madison Valley, Bellevue) means plenty more dishes to choose from while you’re there, but if you decide to fill up on only these potstickers, we really can’t blame you. Visit Araya’s Place
Spinach Momo
Annapurna Cafe - Capitol Hill
These super-satisfying, Tibetan-style dumplings called momos are wonderfully aromatic and flavorful on their own. However, what makes Annapurna’s Spinach Momos truly special are the three sauces - peanut, tomato, and sesame - that come with the dumplings.
These sauces complement the gentle spices of the momo and enhance each flavorful, tangy bite. While you’re at it, enjoy an order of their Maharaja samosas for double the dumpling fun. Visit Annapurna
Vegan Potstickers
Uptown China - Queen Anne
Hitting 30 years in business in 2022, Uptown China just launched a fully vegan menu which includes a joyful plate of vegan potstickers and sauce. They’re filled with glass noodles, veggies, and tofu, and they disappear quickly.
Don’t be surprises if owner Yu-Mei also makes you something off the menu for you to enjoy, too. And if you order 2 or more plates of these dumplings, we aren’t judging. Visit Uptown China
More Vegan Dumplings in Seattle and Surrounding Areas
There are plenty more places to visit in the greater Seattle area for awesome vegan dumplings! Check out the lists below.
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International District
Vegetable Dumpling with Spicy Sauce from Szechuan Noodle Bowl
Tucked away in a nondescript building in the ID, Szechuan Noodle Bowl offers an expansive menu and dedicated fan base. They offer two vegan dumplings: vegetable and tofu, and a vegetable with hot and spicy sauce. We recommend both, but the veggie with spicy sauce is not to be missed.
Hum Bao from ChuMinh Tofu & Vegan Deli
As part of a fully vegan menu, the hum bao from Chu Minh Tofu is an excellent starter choice. Filled with shiitake, peas, and carrots, the bao is both substantial and flavorful.
Vegetable Steamed Dumplings from Shanghai Garden
Choose from either a steamed or pan-fried dumpling with a slightly crunchy carrot + cabbage filling. Paired with their hand-shaven noodles (a Shanghai Garden specialty!) these are a heavenly starter option.
Eight-piece Dumpling from Loving Hut
Part of another fully vegan menu, the dumplings from Loving Hut are made with a delicate blend of species, vegetables, and soy protein. Enjoy with their jicama summer rolls for a balance of fresh and savory.
Capitol Hill
Deep-fried Potstickers from Wedgewood II Thai | The deep fry on these potstickers makes them ultra-crispy and ultra-addictive. If deep-fried is your thing, Wedgewood’s tempura vegetables and complementary plum peanut sauce are a great addition.
South Lake Union
House-made Potstickers from Kati Vegan Thai | Kati’s vegan potstickers are filled with cabbage, carrots, mushroom, and sesame, and their house-made chili oil is an excellent pairing. And with a fully vegan menu, there’s plenty of other delightful dishes to explore at this SLU spot.
Wallingford
Organic Vegan Dumplings from Dumpling the Noodle
True to its name, Dumpling the Noodle offers a broad selection of vegan and vegetarian food. Their vegan dumplings offer a classic carrot/cabbage combo, as well as crispy vegan wontons and shiitake steamed buns.
Star Potato Puff from Jhanjay Vegetarian Thai | Seriously - is there any better combination of words than potato and puff? This Star Potato Puff features a mashed potato, pea, and onion filing pan-fried between two roti (flatbread) pancakes.
West Seattle
Garlic Mushroom Dumplings from Dumplings Of Fury | This new West Seattle hot-spot has a few vegan options on their menu, including a 3-piece mushroom dumpling made with Shitaki, Crimini and Button mushrooms, along with Chinese broccoli, tofu, and then pan fried to perfection.
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Eastside
Northern Chinese Dim-Sum from Teapot Vegetarian House
When in Redmond, a stop at Teapot Vegetarian is a must. Their Northern Chinese steamed dumplings are perfectly soft and chewy, complemented by their fried vegan wontons or Bo Bo Platter. Everything here is 100% vegan, so there’s lots of room to experiment. Find Teapot in Redmond.
Soy Buns from Cafe Happy
Cafe Happy offers two steamed dumpling options: a soy-based bun and a vegetable-based bun. Both are sized generously and are super-satisfying additions to their curated vegetarian menu. Find Cafe Happy in Kirkland.
House-made Potstickers from Kati Vegan Thai
Kati’s vegan potstickers are filled with cabbage, carrots, mushroom, and sesame, and their house-made chili oil is an excellent pairing. And with a fully vegan menu, there’s plenty of other delightful dishes to explore at this Kirkland spot.
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Vegetable Steamed Dumplings from Dough Zone
With a name like Dough Zone Dumpling House you know you’re in for excellent comfort food. Since opening in 2014 and expanding to seven locations (with three more on the way), clearly, they’ve found a hungry audience. Their vegan options are limited; however, they do offer supple, steamed vegan dumplings amidst their considerable menu. Hungry vegans can pair dumplings with their onion soy sauce noodles or vegetable dishes to round out a meal. Locations in Bellevue, Redmond, Renton, Issaquah, Capitol Hill, and the International District.
The Classic Dumpling (made DF/EF) from Dumpling Tzar
Dumpling Tzar specializes in Pel Meni dumplings from the Russian Siberia tradition. Admirably, you can order a wide selection of their offerings with a “dairy free + egg free” option (DF/EF), opening up this traditionally meat-heavy food to the plant-based diners among us. Their classic dumpling is made with curry, cilantro, and red chili sauce - deeply flavorful and oh, so satisfying. Locations in Capitol Hill, Fremont, and a mobile food truck.
Vegetable + Mushroom Steamed Dumplings from Din Tai Fung
Anyone who’s dined in at Din Tai Fung in the past is familiar with their large, laminated, and bound menus with what feels like endless offerings. Among their hundreds of menu items is their vegetarian steamed dumplings. These are always reliable and can be complemented with one of their sweeter vegan dumplings like their sweet taro or red bean xiao long bao. Locations in Pacific Place, University Village, Bellevue, and Tukwila.
Full Vegan Momocha from Kathmandu Momocha
Kathmandu Momocha specializes in scratch-made Nepalese dumplings. Their generous 10-piece vegan momocha features green onions, herbs, and seasonal vegetables. Check out their pop-up calendar online to find them at various breweries, farmers’ markets, and taprooms around town. Based in Shoreline.
Carrot Tofu Steamed Dumpling from Little Tings Dumplings
Among a slew of vegan offerings, the steamed dumpling at Little Tings is juicy, tender, and fresh. Their vegan onion pancake makes a wonderful, aromatic addition to your meal as well. Locations in Greenwood and Bellevue.
Gyoza from Kizuki Ramen
Japanese franchise Kizuki Ramen has popular locations spanning across Western Washington - and for good reason. While ramen is the star (their vegan ramen is great!), they offer a full vegetarian menu including sumptuous vegetable gyoza with soy-vinegar dipping sauce. Locations in Bellevue, Capitol Hill, Northgate, Tukwila, Renton, Tacoma, and West Seattle.
Lentil Ozaku Pan from Umami Kushi
Chef Harold Fields translated years in the restaurant world and training under a Yakitori master chef into this intensely flavorful, mouth-watering okazu pan. But what exactly is okazu pan?
“In Japan, okazu pans are known as small grab and go bread that consists of a savory filling, the most popular being curry beef. All of our okazu pans are made using locally sourced seasonal ingredients including our dough that we make from scratch,” says Umami Kushi’s website.
Each bite of their vegan okazu pan is incredibly tender and luscious, with an earthy, zesty lentil filling. These could easily be enjoyed plated as part of a formal meal, or eaten on their own as a late-night bite.
Umami Kushi operates out of a production kitchen in Rainier Beach and carried in a variety of local cafes, restaurants, and grocery stores. You can also order directly from their website for in-person pickups. Find Umami Kushi Pans, or Order Online
What’s your favorite place for vegan dumplings or dumplings, momos, or potstickers in Seattle? Let me know in the comments!
