Founded in San Gabriel in 2001 by husband-and-wife duo Alan Lam and Grace Li, Luscious Dumplings has grown into a celebrated culinary brand known for its high-quality, handmade Northern Chinese dumplings. The original location has drawn widespread acclaim, with lines of loyal diners regularly seen out the door. Since its launch, the brand has expanded to include a branch in Monrovia as well as a sister concept, Mason’s Dumpling Shop, with locations in Highland Park and Colorado.
Now, the family-owned business has brought its dumpling craftsmanship to San Diego’s South County. The new outpost in Chula Vista’s Village Walk at Eastlake Shopping Center is being overseen by the family’s next generation, continuing the tradition of serving fresh dumplings made in-house daily using classic techniques and premium ingredients.
The menu features a full range of the brand’s signature offerings: juicy xiao long bao soup dumplings, crispy-bottomed pan-fried dumplings, tender boiled dumplings, fluffy bao buns, and playful custard-filled animal face buns. A curated selection of appetizers, noodle dishes, and soups rounds out the menu. While service is still in its early soft-opening phase, the full experience is expected to roll out over the coming weeks.
In keeping with the original ethos of the brand, the Chula Vista location offers a casual yet welcoming atmosphere that places the spotlight squarely on the food. The soft opening has already drawn attention from dumpling fans across the region eager to experience the lauded flavors without making the trek to L.A.
Luscious Dumplings’ San Diego debut comes as part of the brand’s ongoing expansion, with a Beverly Hills location also in the works. The Michelin Bib Gourmand designation, which honors quality dining at a good value, has helped propel the brand to national recognition while maintaining its humble, family-run roots.
Luscious Dumplings is now soft open at 884 Eastlake Parkway, Suite 1612, in San Diego's South Bay city of Chula Vista. For hours, updates, and more, visit lusciousdumplings.com.
Originally published on May 17, 2025.
