What an awesome restaurant. I visited here for date night. There was about a 30 minute wait and they texted me when the table was ready. The decor of the restaurant very much embodies the name. It gives all the zen vibes. I love that you can see through the glass the chefs making the soup dumplings. The service was spectacular. We were walked through the menu and everything was thoroughly explained. I started with a glass of the house pinot grigio which was crisp. We ordered several things so we could try an assortment of menu options. The beef pancake roll was yummy. The sampler of the soup dumplings is the way to go. It gives you option to try 6 flavors. My favorites were pork and chicken. They were so fresh and beyond flavorful. Also, we ordered the Mongolian Beef plate that comes over rice. So much meat and very good. The bao bites were yummy. This was more than enough food for 2 people plus plenty of leftovers. I thought the whole experience of dinner was fantastic. read more

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I finally checked out Zen Dumpling in Waterford Lakes. When you first walk in there's a kiosk where you can join the waitlist. The estimated time was around 20-25 min and we got seated fairly quickly. A few minutes later the wait time increased to 45 min, luck was on our side. We ordered soup dumplings to start and for entrees we got the noodles and fried rice to share. The soup dumplings were delicious and even more with the sauce. The noodles were tasty but the rice was okay. Everything came out fairly quickly. I'm definitely coming back to enjoy other items. I liked the experience and the place, it was pretty chill. read more

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Food is great. Service is good as well, servers are pleasant. Lot's of choices Wait times are long during peak hours especially on weekends No reservations though Ambience is okay. Overall very good experience!!! read more

I will agree as many have already stated that we needed a spot like this in Waterford Lakes to cut through the ho-hum chain restaurants and bring some mom n pop goodness into our lives. I love that you can see the people making the dumplings through the glass pane, reminds me of the dumpling places in Montreal. They've got a solid variety of dumplings, and other dishes. I kind of wish they had more soups other than just the hot and sour soup, which was very good; wish it would come with fried wontons on the side or crunchy noodles to top it off with. You can actually ask for the crunchy noodles as I did but they don't bring it with the soup automatically. Food was good, service was good, dishes come out fast. All in all, nice addition to the Waterford Lakes area. read more

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Grabbed lunch with a friend here and I'd definitely recommend this place if you're looking for a quick and easy spot for xiao long baos! There was no wait for a table and our server was also really quick to tend to us. We were able to order and our food came out shortly after. Our cucumber salad had a good spice to them and the karaage was pretty juicy. Although, I wish there was a bit more soup and seasoning in the XLBs, they were still good. Overall, I'd come back try more of their menu. read more

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Zen Dumpling in Waterford Lakes is one of those places I keep coming back to. I've been multiple times, and the only time I didn't have to wait was when I got there right when they opened, so definitely expect a line. Luckily, there's a fun bakery with teas next door, so I usually pop in there and grab something for later while I wait. Inside, it's super cute, and I love that there's a window where you can watch them preparing the dumplings. They also have a QR code that lets you see photos of all the menu items, which I personally love. Ordering is easy too, they give you a paper menu where you mark off what you want, and they bring dishes out as they're ready. I've tried a lot here, and there are a few things I consider must-orders every time. The chicken karaage is always delicious, and I love the sauce it comes with, it's simple, but so good. My favorite soup dumplings are the pork soup dumplings, and the beef pancake roll is another standout. Other dishes I've had and would happily order again are the cabbage and pork dumplings, chili wontons, Mongolian beef, beef pan-fried dumplings, sweet and sour baby rib, and the pan-fried bao bites. The only thing I wasn't impressed by was the fried rice, which I thought lacked flavor the one time I tried it. They also have chili crisp, black vinegar and soy sauce on each table, and will bring you some fresh ginger in a bowl that you can combine with ingredients on the table to make a dumpling sauce. Portions are good and definitely shareable, service has always been great, and the prices are pretty decent for how much food you get. Overall, this is a spot I come back to a lot, and for good reason read more

Zen Dumpling - Bao bites - Soup Near Me - Orlando, Florida

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Been wanting to try out this place a for a while and finally made it happen. Came here on a Sunday night at 6pm and we were quoted 20-30 minutes on the waitlist, ended up being closer to 40 minutes. Small space so probably to be expected to have to wait a bit Both Xiao long bao's we ordered (truffle and pork) were delicious. The zen chili wontons were a hit too. The braised beef noodle soup was lacking in beef, and the stir fried chicken noodle was a bit bland for my liking but would definitely return for the XLB during a weekday lunch so the wait isn't as bad. Service and vibes were A plus, and the clear window to watch them make the XLB is a nice touch too. read more

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We came here for dinner for the first time with friends and the soup dumplings were excellent! The black truffle broth is incredible, especially when paired with the meat from the shrimp and pork dumplings--it's a perfect combination. It's also fascinating to watch the kitchen through the window; you can see the staff hand-making the dumplings, which is a really impressive process. read more

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Very surprisingly good! My family and I ate a lot here and all enjoyed it, We had 3 sets on dumlings, Beef lo mein, beef scallions and a bunch of other shit. You can watch the people make the dumplings in the glass window. We pretty much were talking about the decorations and materials the whole time but the food was great and def recommend in the waterford area. read more

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The decor and overall vibe was so aesthetic and clean. It was our first time eating here AND eating soup dumplings. Our waitress made sure we were aware of the caution needed when eating soup dumplings (my daughter had already done some research and told me about it). The food was delicious and freshly made to order. We would go here again and again!!! A definite must if you are in the area! read more

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Such good dumplings and LOTS of choices. We checked in and we were able to get seated in about 10 minutes. It was lunchtime on Valentine's day so impressed with how quick we were able to get a table. We were greeted right away and we put our order in on the paper list. We both had a beer and they brought cold glasses with the bottles. We both had the sampler soup dumplings. All were full of flavor and super good. My favorite was the pork truffle one! I also tried the chicken and mushroom dumplings and the pan friend pork bao buns. Again all was super flavorful and came out cooked perfectly (and very hot). The location has a few tables, but they can be a little close together so be sure you know at some of the tables they can hear your conversations. It did not bother us, but just something to be aware of. read more

Zen Dumpling - pan fried pork bao buns - Soup Near Me - Orlando, Florida

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A friend raved about this place, so we went together. Overall, I'd say she's right. Most of the things we ordered were awesome. I loved the Dan Dan Noodles. They were too spicy for my friend, though. The Stir-fried Green Beans and the Braised Pork Belly Buns are also delicious. The Signature Boa Steam is good, as well. However, by comparison, the Chicken & Mushroom Steamed Dumplings weren't anything special. I wouldn't order those again. My favorite among the soup dumplings is the truffle pork. Our service was okay. My friend prefers a different server, whom she had in the past. He was there and we could definitely see the difference in how he engaged with the guests. We had to ask for an explanation of the Signature Xlb Sampler. It was dropped off without one, so we asked the nearest available employee afterward. The interior is modern. Wish it was a bit bigger. The owner is sweet and definitely cares about the patrons. It gets busy here, so plan accordingly. I'll definitely be back, as I'm still learning what's best on the menu. read more

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This place came highly recommended from a friend. I live in Waterford lakes and was not aware of its opening early last year. This place was more popular than I realized. The wait was an hour for 2 people and so worth it. It's conveniently in the shopping center with more than enough to pass that time. Once seated, service was amazing. It's a simple clean aesthetic. You can see the chefs working from your seats. It was obviously busy but didn't mind waiting for the dumpling perfection. We also ordered to go plates after. The portions were perfect and our dumplings, both steamed and fried were quite tasty and done just right. It is a louder restaurant with large groups and families. However, it is just that good and definitely explains why after almost a year the wait is still that long. read more

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Zen dumpling is an impressive local 'chain' restaurant in Florida (Brandon, Orlando and Jax). It's the closest soup dumplings place in Florida to the famous Din Tai Fung restaurant, which started in Taiwan. The appetizers including ribs, cucumbers, and green beans tasted amazing. The soup dumplings do not disappoint, especially the truffle soup dumpling. I was disappointed not having a dessert dumpling option but the menu overall was impressive. The service was quick and friendly, and the decor matched the amazing flavors of the authentic Asian soup dumplings. Highly recommended. read more

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Zen Dumpling is one of those places I always come back to! The soup dumplings here are not only amazing but they are freshly made too! I also love the fried rice & baby spear ribs! This place is definitely worth checking out. From the friendly staff to the bustling atmosphere, I recommend it! read more

Zen Dumpling - Soup Near Me - Orlando, Florida

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Literally the most delicious dumplings (and other foods). Sooo good plus you can see them make it. The service was good and our waiter answered all of our questions! I've seen some people say the wait can be long but we didn't have to wait at all. Def good for a special occasion place read more

First visit, after hearing great reviews. Stopped in for a take-out order since I was in the area. Dumplings were flavorful, but menu was more suited for sharing. There was no option for a side of fried rice, so had lots of left overs. I'd go back with friends next time. read more

Zen Dumpling - First visit - Soup Near Me - Orlando, Florida

Place is not too big and not too small-- busy during both times that I've been. Waited a while for a table the first time (there are tables/chairs right outside so we just hung out there while waiting), then luckily they had one vacant table when we walked in the second time. Place is clean. Kitchen has a portion with a glass wall so you can watch the chefs make the dumplings. Staff were on it both times-- got us what we needed promptly, checked up on us, and offered to answer any questions we might have. There was a good balance of "heat" in both temperature and spice.... and I LOVE food that stays warm while I eat. My favorites are: signature bao pan fried, truffle pork soup dumpling, hot & sour soup, dan dan noodle, and thai milk tea with boba. Fried rice was also delicious. Husby LOVES the scallion pancake, but this one I'm just OK with-- I'm a sauce girly so I need to dip it in the sauces from other dishes like the dan dan noodle/cucumber salad. The QR code on the top right corner of the menu is SUPER helpful with pictures next to each menu item. I also appreciate the cute insulated to go bags. Menu: https://qrcode.chowbus.com/browsing?code=FVVZ7v read more

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I am in love with this restaurant! It's a cool, chill vibe with delicious food! I crave the hot & sour soup weekly, the Mongolian beef is the best I've ever had, and the orange chicken is delicious. You obviously can't forget about the soup dumplings and I love that they have a variety of flavors. My tip is to arrive before you're starving bc there's typically a wait, but usually not too long. I can't wait to return. read more

If you love din tai fung, this is a decent replacement. Xiao long bao was a hit with the kids...and they love seeing how the bao is made thru the glass. Just like at din tai fung! We went on the weekend during lunch time and the wait was around 20 minutes. Not bad at all. You can walk around the shopping mall while waiting the table. The restaurant is fairly small, but nicely decorated. The Dan Dan noodles were amazing! But, I'm not a big fan of their beef pancake roll. Well come back for xiao long bao read more

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My husband and I love soup dumplings, so we decided to try this restaurant on a Wednesday night. It was fairly busy, but we only waited about 10-15 minutes to be seated. The restaurant was clean and the decor created a nice and welcoming atmosphere. Once we sat down, our server quickly brought water to the table. The service was friendly, and our food arrived faster than expected considering how full the restaurant was. We ordered Thai tea, veggie rolls, beef soup dumplings, and strawberry mochi ice cream. Everything was delicious! The dumplings were incredibly savory and we're already planning to come back soon to try more dishes from the menu! read more

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I cannot say enough good things about Zen Dumpling. Everything on their menu is absolutely amazing. I've tried almost everything at this point, and every single visit I tell myself I'll stick to my favorites... but I always end up ordering something new because it's impossible not to. This is easily one of my favorite spots for dumplings and small plates. It's the perfect place if you're in the mood for dim sum-style bites and want to try a little bit of everything. Every dish feels thoughtfully made and consistently delicious. If you haven't been yet, go. And go hungry. Trust me. read more

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Zen Dumpling did NOT miss. From perfectly seasoned greens to beautifully plated bites, every dish was fresh, flavorful, and seriously crave worthy. You know it's good when the table goes quiet for a minute... If you're looking for comfort food with bold flavor and major presentation points, this spot is a must-visit. Trust us!!!!!! your taste buds will thank you. Come hungry. Leave happy read more

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This place is absolutely fabulous! Zen Dumpling delivers an experience where everything is not only delicious but visually beautiful as well. From presentation to flavor, every dish feels thoughtfully prepared. The food is served family-style, which makes the meal even more enjoyable because everyone gets to taste a little of everything -- honestly, the best way to experience their menu. The Mongolian beef is outstanding. The beef is incredibly tender, the vegetables are fresh, and the flavors are perfectly balanced. The chicken fried rice is comfort food at its finest, and the pork soup is warm, rich, and deeply satisfying. After eating here, I can honestly say the quality has ruined my taste buds for many other Asian restaurants it's that good. The atmosphere is quiet, clean, and welcoming, and the servers are attentive without being intrusive. A small detail I loved: they serve water in metal cups, which somehow keeps it extra cold and refreshing a simple but thoughtful touch. And then there are the soup dumplings -- absolutely amazing. Just be careful: the broth inside is piping hot (and incredibly delicious!). They are completely addictive; I genuinely couldn't stop eating them. Zen Dumpling is a must-visit in Orlando. Exceptional food, relaxing atmosphere, and an experience that will keep you coming back again and again. read more

The food was sooooo good. I ate here with my new foodie friend and we both were really excited to try the soup dumplings Zen did not disappoint. The cucumber salad was crunchy and cold and delish!! The stir fry and the soup dumplings were hot and good!! The only thing we didn't like was the scallion pancake and we think we probably didn't enjoy it because we just dont understand it lol I've been seeing other restaurants serve the scallion pancake but it comes with a filling of some sort. This one didn't have anything in the middle so it tasted plain to us. I like that you can watch the chefs make the dumplings behind a glass window. They were playing good music. There was a short wait to get inside so they assigned a beeper. This place was clean and organized. I can't wait to go back for more soup dumplings! **Waterford Lakes location** read more

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This was our first trip and we're going back on the 19th so I'll continue the review with that evening's events. We tried the XLB (soup dumpling) w crabmeat and pork, w shrimp and pork, truffle pork dumplings and signature bao steam. The truffle dumpling was my only dislike, but apparently it was just me. My friends loved them. I'm just not a "truffle girl". Staff were attentive and nice. Helped when we needed it. It was busy so there was a bit of a wait for food but once they started coming, it was nonstop until we were done. I would highly recommend this place but open your minds to the other options i.e. tapas and wok options read more

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Desperate for Asian food we were so surprised to find this gem offering yummy Asian dishes. Lotsa free parking as it's located in an outdoor mall. The interior is bright and welcoming. Order through the QR code or menu. Service is very good and staff are so friendly. The Xiao Long Bao ( soup dumpling) is like the staple and one of the most delicious cherished items on a menu. If on a menu it is a must order. This dumpling did not disappoint. The steamed basket came out with fresh dumplings. The first bite filled with soup and meat sooo good that you need to savor each taste and bite. The noodle dish with fresh cucumber, meat and cilantro was enjoyable to the taste. The scallion pancake fried to perfection and each layered bite did not need words to taste. Green beans with XO sauce slightly spicy with just a little kick...yummy! Everything was so good! Oh and brown sugar bubble tea...just order it. If ever back in area we will return! read more

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I was excited that I was able to finally try out this place on my list. It took a while to be seated, even more than the time they originally gave us. You also can't make reservations and can only put your name on the waitlist once you arrive. We all knew what we wanted by the time we sat down and once we ordered everything came out very fast as soon as it was ready. Our server was nice and attentive. Inside you can also see people making the dumplings through a window. My friend allowed me to try the spring rolls (excuse the bite) and it was good. The edamame were great and tender. I really enjoyed the beef soup dumplings and the flavor inside. The passion fruit tea might just be my favorite thing on the menu because it was absolutely delicious. I can't wait to go back and try more menu items! read more

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Amazing Soul dumplings and great quick service. We ordered pork soup dumpling, Dan Dan noodles, and general Tso's. Dan Dan noodles can be a bit spicy so avoid adding chili oil before tasting. read more

Zen Dumpling - Pork soup dumpling - Soup Near Me - Orlando, Florida

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This place was an event within itself. It is so fun to be able to pick out all the different dumplings, sides, and bao from their menu that you want. The restaurant itself is gorgeous inside. We stumbled upon this place for a quick dinner. My only complaint was that our server was a bit difficult to reach at times. The food was incredible! Probably the best soup dumplings I've ever had. The green beans were a must as well! I would recommend this place to anyone in the Orlando area. read more

Zen Dumpling - Green Beans - Soup Near Me - Orlando, Florida

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First experience here and having dumplings. Everything was made fresh to order you can tell by the textures and flavor. I enjoyed everything but what I definitely would come back for is the egg rolls and Dan Dan noodles. The dumplings have so many options and fun to eat. Nice clean and inviting on the inside customer service was attentive and professional. It can get very busy so I would advise to go early to experience and not feel rushed. read more

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Since they opened, we've never had a bad experience at Zen Dumpling. Service is always quick, and the servers are incredibly kind. It's very close to home, so although we could easily get the food to-go, we always choose to dine in to fully enjoy the experience--especially because the food is so amazing. Our favorites are the truffle and pork soup dumplings, hot and sour soup, and chicken and mushroom dumplings, but honestly, you can't go wrong with anything. We've tried nearly every dish on the menu and have yet to be disappointed. read more

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3 friends stopped in around 1230 pm for lunch. The restaurant was busy but we got seated in a few minutes. The food and our server was fabulous. The sauted green beans were cooked with garlic and sesame oil . Delicious Really enjoyed the Mongolian beef with steamed rice. Soup dumplings were great. Speaking of dumplings there's a window in the restaurant and on the kitchen side of the glass you can see the dumplings being made. read more

Zen Dumpling - Pork belly bao bun - Soup Near Me - Orlando, Florida

Loved our meal here! The food is delicious, the place is nicely decorated, and the servers are super knowledgeable. They have a lot of options on the menu but the green beans were a standout for us, as well as the soup dumplings. We did have to wait about 25 min, but thankfully there were lots of shops and things to do in the area while waiting. Highly recommend trying this out! read more

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Okay, this might just be my new favorite spot on the east side of Orlando! I've been wanting to try Zen Dumpling for quite some time now, but I don't find myself in the Waterford area too often. I met a friend for lunch the other day and I was blown away by the food & service! First off, I'm so glad Orlando has gained more options for soup dumplings. Just a few years ago, you couldn't find them anywhere. We tried the truffle pork soup dumplings here and they are by far the best ones I've ever had! We also ordered the spicy cucumber salad, zen chili wontons, and the pan fried bao bites. Everything was phenomenal and I would order this exact meal all over again. It was also the perfect amount of food for 2 people. The cucumbers were so crisp & refreshing with a good kick. I was super impressed by the bao bites which my friend recommended. I was surprised to find that they also have a juicy broth inside - yum! These are a MUST. I already can't wait to go back again. I also heard they're opening an Altamonte Springs location soon - yay! read more

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This was a delicious meal. I tried a few items from the menu and really enjoyed the vegetable fried rice and the beef soup dumplings. One thing I appreciated about the bao at this location was the filling to breading ratio. Many times I feel there is too much bread, but that was not the case here. The hot and sour soup was flavorful with a subtle kick that tickled the throat. The cucumber salad was just alright. I have had it at similar restaurants and liked it more elsewhere since the cucumbers here were not as crisp as I would have preferred. I arrived around 7 pm on a Sunday evening and waited about twenty minutes for a table for two. Since the restaurant is located in a plaza, we walked around until we received a text that our table was ready. The service was friendly, and once the food started coming out it was served quickly and close together. I really enjoyed this meal and would recommend Zen Dumpling to anyone interested in trying it. read more

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Everything was delicious! The soup dumplings were flavorful and perfectly cooked, the ribs were tender and packed with flavor, and the fried rice was so good too. Great food all around. Definitely coming back! read more

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We stopped in here while shopping for a break and what a beautiful break it was. It's a cute little restaurant tucked away in Waterford Lakes. We're greeted with the most amazing server and some of the most tasty wonderful treats. The ribs were scrumptious in the Thai tea was beyond expectations and that's all before we get to the dumplings which were just the star of the show. It would definitely come back and visit time and time again! Most definitely an absolutely wonderful experience. read more

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I tried Zen Dumplings first the first time and it was amazing! I wanted to try everything on their menu! The restaurant is small but modern and cute. I love how you can see the cooks making the dumplings from scratch. Everything is so fresh and delicious. I took my order to go but service was great during pick up and you can order on their website if you are on lunch break. I can't wait to go back and try more menu items! read more

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I visit this place often and it has become a favorite. The food quality is consistent and satisfying. Staff is welcoming and makes you feel comfortable. Service is fast and dependable. It is a great spot to relax and enjoy a meal. I will keep coming back. read more