Ugly Dumpling Express Information

Stepping into Ugly Dumpling Express on Backlick Road, you’re immediately struck by the casual, no-fuss vibe that makes this spot feel like a hidden gem in Springfield. The menu here is a delightful exploration of bold flavors, focusing on a mix of pan-Asian street food that’s both approachable and adventurous. The dumplings, of course, are the stars-soft, perfectly steamed pockets bursting with savory fillings that range from classic pork and chive to inventive options like spicy chicken and vegetarian-friendly mushroom blends. Each bite manages to balance seasoning and texture in a way that makes you want to try every variety on the menu.

Beyond the dumplings, the bao buns are a must-try, pillowy and generously stuffed with options like slow-cooked beef, crispy tofu, or tangy pickled vegetables that bring a lively contrast to the rich fillings. The small plates, like the fried wontons and sesame noodles, complement the mains perfectly, giving a sense of a well-thought-out menu that encourages sharing and tasting a bit of everything. Drinks are simple but refreshing, including iced teas and soft beverages that pair well with the savory, umami-packed dishes.

The service at Ugly Dumpling Express matches the friendly, informal atmosphere. Staff are attentive without hovering, happy to explain menu items and make recommendations based on your taste preferences. Even during the busier lunch hours, orders are prepared quickly, which makes it ideal for both a quick bite or a relaxed meal with friends. The location itself is easy to find and offers ample parking, which adds to the convenience factor for local diners looking for a casual, flavorful escape from the usual lunch spots.

What makes this place stand out, according to many reviews, is the combination of authenticity and approachability. You get the sense that the chefs care about quality and consistency, while the casual layout and playful menu names keep things approachable. Whether you’re craving something comforting like pork dumplings or want to experiment with something spicier or more unconventional, the menu encourages exploration without feeling intimidating. For anyone in Springfield seeking a quick, tasty, and satisfying Asian-inspired meal, Ugly Dumpling Express manages to hit all the right notes with flavor, service, and overall dining experience.

Business Info

What People's Say About Place

Last week after grocery shopping, my husband and I stopped by UDX (Ugly Dumpling Express) in Springfield for lunch. The food was honestly fresh and flavorful especially the Fried Rice, which was perfectly cooked and came in a good portion. The chicken dumplings were soft with a light crisp, really tasty overall. But yeah… the service was quite slow! We had to wait for about 30 minutes even though it wasn’t that crowded. So, great food just not ideal if you’re starving Overall: ⭐ Food: 8/10 ⏳ Service: 5/10 Would we go again? Maybe …but takeout next time!

I absolutely LOVED eating here! I just paid my first visit to this restaurant and instantly fell in love with the food and the atmosphere. There were kiosks to place our order which made it super easy, the food came out quickly, AND the service was great! I really loved the overall vibe of the restaurant and can’t stress enough how absolutely delicious the food was. We even got 4 free dessert bao buns for spending over $40, and they really were the cherry on top for our experience. Definitely coming back here!

I have been wanting to try soup dumplings so I came across this spot. The dumplings were delicious! I Also tried their orange chicken with white rice which was delicious as well. Garlicky and not too sweet. Adding the chili oil really took it over the edge for me. Only complaint is, with the dumping platter, you get 5 different dumplings but no indication which is which. I didn’t feel like bothering the cashier so I kinda tried to guess on my own. The only 2 that I was for sure certain on was the black one which I believe is the pork and truffle because of its earthy flavor and I love mushrooms. And the pink one which I think is the pork and shrimp one because that’s the only one with a seafood type flavor, other than that, everything else tasted the same. I will definitely be back very soon to have more soup dumplings and try more of their menu!

This has become one of our favorite go-to places. My parents now ask for dumplings every time they come to the area. Very reasonably priced too. Our favorites: -BBQ Pork Bao Buns -Pork soup dumplings -pork chop fried rice (fried rice by itself is good too!) -green beans -edamame -gyoza

Ugly Dumpling Express is a great restaurant. Their dumplings and drinks are good. This used to be a seven eleven, before it became the Ugly Dumpling Express.

I went here tonight and got the pork and crab soup dumplings, which are supposedly made with real crab. You get six of them for eight dollars. The lady at the counter was friendly and informative, responding to my questions. We then got the dumplings, which were delivered quickly and tasted pretty fresh. They go so fast though…. I’ll be back if in the area and in the mood for Chinese dumplings.

I come to this place ALL THE TIME. Staff is awesome! It's a lot easier to just order yourself at the kiosk and they're quick to start your order! Edamame is bomb. Dumplings needless to say 5/5. Their wings are so slept on. Excellent drink selection too. That brown sugar boba is my favorite!

Quite surprised with how yummy the soup dumplings were when we did take out. Usually I prefer to eat this type of food fresh at the restaurant but we were unable to (not their fault). The flavor was good, the dumpling shells had a good consistency - not too thick or thin and held the meat in well. The flavor of the meat in our various dumplings were good. My steamed roast pork buns were decent - not super chunky or as robust as if you got them from an old school bakery in Chinatown but they were decent. I’ll probably focus on the soup dumplings more next time. The chicken fried rice was good- now this is a matter of preference. I love my fried rice with NO soy sauce so if you’re looking for a heavy salty soy’d up rice, then this is not for you. I however enjoy my fried rice with a simple, scallions and egg (& for the love of all that is good and holy - NO PEAS & CARROTS!) So I was super happy with UDX’s version of fried rice. I’m looking to come back and try some of the other dumpling flavors.