When I say Jinlan Dumplings is a find, you should probably listen. This isn’t a place that shouts for your attention. Tucked away near the Grosvenor-Strathmore Metro station (a pleasant 36-minute walk , for those of you looking to earn your dumplings or about a mile and half by car), it's a quiet gem that feels a lot more personal than your average restaurant.
The space is unassuming but inviting. It’s clean, bright, and has a hand-painted mural that’s, frankly, far better than anything I could ever hope to draw. It's the kind of place where you feel like you've stumbled into a friend's dining room. The owner, a genuine and welcoming presence, makes sure of that.
As for the food, this is where Jinlan sets itself apart. The menu boasts a solid variety, but the real star is the freshness. I’ve had my share of tired, flavorless dumplings, but these are clearly made with a level of care that’s becoming a rarity. The standouts for me were:
Shrimp Dumplings: I’m a bit of a shrimp dumpling aficionado, and these were fantastic. Tender and perfectly seasoned, they were exactly what a good dumpling should be.
Chicken & Basil: A surprisingly delicious combo that was both fresh and comforting. It’s the kind of dish that makes you think, “Why didn’t I think of that?”
Beyond the dumplings, the scallion pancakes were perfectly crisp, and the cold, crisp Asahi beer was the ideal counterpoint to all that savory goodness.
Another reviewer was spot-on when they said, "The dumplings were incredible—so many unique options! My favorite was the chicken and basil, but the pork and chive and crystal shrimp dumplings were also packed with flavor and super fresh. Don’t miss the scallion pancakes either—crispy, savory, and delicious." I’ll raise a glass to that.
Ultimately, Jinlan Dumplings offers a beautiful blend of authentic Chinese cuisine and modern, creative flavors in a truly personal setting. It's a testament to the fact that you don't need a fancy space to create an unforgettable meal. My only regret? Not having a bigger stomach to try every single dumpling on the menu.
You can find Jinlan Dumplings here:
Address: 11620 A Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852
Phone: +1 240-669-8456
Website: https://www.jinlancooks.com/
Maps Link: https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Grosvenor-Strathmore,+North+Bethesda,+MD,+United+States/%E3%82%A2%E3%83%A1%E3%83%AA%E3%82%AB%E5%90%88%E8%A1%86%E5%9B%BD,+Maryland,+Rockville,+Rockville+Pike,+Jinlan+Dumplings/data=!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!19sChIJDeEXdR3Mt4kRbdnj_jaM000!2m2!1d-77.1038062!2d39.0290866!1m5!1m1!19sChIJR_rbmePNt4kRgC3SJBqwF34!2m2!1d-77.114065799999992!2d39.0479073!3e2
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