Dodo Dumpling Is Coming to NW Portland

A new dumping shop is coming to Northwest Portland: Dodo Dumpling. Looks like it’s opening in the former Black Star Grill location, which has relocated to the Pearl District. This dumpling shop seems to focus on the health and nutrition that the dumplings offer, due to the quality of their ingredients, natural flavors, and balanced nutrition. Their Instagram bio states they are “too good to be true.”

Who Is Behind Dodo Dumpling?

The person behind Dodo Dumpling is Harrison Mal, who I contacted for more details about the shop. He directed me to the website for information about Dodo, but he also said, “At this time we are still getting ready to open.” I checked the website and it states “Our location will be opening next month.” Update 8/19/24: That message is now gone, but I called them up and was told they will open September 1.

Harrison Mal is also associated with Being Wellness, LLC, based in Wyoming. The company’s trademark report indicates that company focuses on “categories of juice base concentrates” mostly having to do with fruits and vegetables (but also coconut and sugarcane). It would not surprise me if the had a juicing/smoothie element to their menu.

What You’ll Find There

Their menu tab originally showed some interesting photos of dumplings and their interiors, with the global description of “Delicious and nutritionally balanced dumplings. Inspired by a perfect blend of family recipes and modern healthy living.” I was curious to see what the different dumplings were called, but each image file was in Chinese. I’ve done some translating.

A selection of dumplings from Dodo Dumpling in Portland, OR. — Dumpling possibilities. Click to enlarge. Photo credit: Dodo Dumpling

Top row (l-r): chive, shrimp and egg dumplings; beef and green onion dumplings; corn, ham, and cheese dumplings
Bottom row (l-r): mushroom and vegetable (bok choy) dumplings; black truffle dumplings; breakfast dumplings

I love the idea of breakfast dumplings! They also indicate that they are sourcing their beef from Painted Hills Farm and pork from Carlton Farms, both based in Oregon. “Supporting local farms and choosing fresh, healthy ingredients are the core principles behind every decision we make.”

You can see the current dumpling offerings—which differ slightly from the ones pictured above—are on their “dumpling” page. They are either $14.99 or $15.99 for a 10-count order, though online payment processing is not set up yet.

And be sure to check out their Membership page. For September 2024 they are offering a monthly membership for $29.99 and a yearly membership for $199. Perks include half-price dumplings, free drinks, and free dumplings. There’s a disclaimer posted, too. Dumpling wrappers can be made either gluten-free (“offer[s] a satisfying chewiness without compromising on texture, or deliciousness”) or with unbleached wheat flour (“utterly scrumptious”). Interestingly enough, they are offering a chocolate chip cookie on their menu along with the healthy dumplings. Perhaps they’ve figured out a way to make chocolate chip cookies healthy.

The Instagram has also shown some of the drinks they are offering: iced matcha, iced latte, and iced cold brew with a sweet cream topping. They will offer dairy and plant-based milk options.

Core Ideas at Dodo Dumpling

But going back to the concept of wellness, here are some of the core ideas behind their food:

Organic
Natural healing properties
Well-balanced and nutritious
Health and efficiency
Freshest local farm vegetables
Balanced nutritional content
Meticulously crafted with the freshest and cleanest ingredients
Carefully crafted with our health in mind
No complicated chemical flavors added

They also applied for a limited on-premises liquor license. This means they will be able to offer glasses of beer, wine, and cider to drink there, but no hard booze.

You’ll be able to stop in at Dodo Dumpling daily from 10am to 9pm for your dumpling fix. I love dumplings, so I’m very curious about this place. I look forward to stopping in when they open.

Dodo Dumpling [projected opening TBD]
1902 NW 24th Avenue, Portland
https://www.dododumpling.com | Instagram

Updated August 19, 2024.