The RDU Buzz

Madeline Cook

David’s Dumpling & Noodle Bar

Spring rolls, stir fry and dumplings galore await hungry guests behind the cozy brick entrance which marks David’s Dumpling and Noodle Bar in downtown Raleigh. Having heard about this delightful Asian fusion restaurant where Vietnamese meets Chinese meets Malaysian food a few months back, our only regret is not making this a priority sooner! Needless to say, we won’t let nearly as much time pass before our next visit.

With over 50 years’ experience dating back to his time as the head chef of The Eskimo in Vietnam, Chef David Mao inspires the flavors on full display at the noodle bar. The restaurant employees are incredibly kind, and waiters exhibit impressive knowledge of the wide menu with recommendations based on your preferences! 

Starting with appetizers, it’s hard to turn down a bowl of Hot & Sour soup, and we’re sure you won’t want to when you taste the freshness of green onions, tofu and earthy mushrooms incorporated into this one.  David’s Original Half Fried Dumplings are another small plate you won’t want to miss, as they strike the perfect balance of steamed dumpling with a touch of crispiness from a light fry as part of the cooking process.  The pork tucked inside these yummy shells is amazingly tender and seasoned to perfection.  Even still, among a table of mixed palates and dietary preferences, the Fried Vietnamese Vegetable Spring Rolls were the resounding favorite appetizer, which were outdone only by the fantastic Main Courses to follow. 

The Sesame Chicken arrived at the table in vibrant colors, accompanied by steamed broccoli, rice, and a candy-like coating.  Despite the lovely crunch, the chicken proved so tender and quickly set a very high bar for the rest of our meals.  As it turns out, crispy glazed chicken isn’t the only code Chef David has cracked in the kitchen.  The Vegetarian Moo Shu Tofu with Steamed Buns made “health food” taste like “comfort food”, with flavor complexities derived from unique ingredients such as Wood Ear mushrooms and Lilly Flower.  The steamed buns were pillowy and the perfect vessel for the hot plate of veggie goodness! 

David’s Dumpling & Noodle Bar serves lunch and dinner on the corner of Hillsborough Street and Oberlin Road.  In fact, it’s just around the corner from another RDU Buzz favorite – Player’s Retreat!  On Monday through Friday, David’s is open for lunch from 11:30AM to 2:00PM.  After a brief afternoon closure, they re-open for dinner from 5:00PM – 9:00PM.  Saturdays offer dinner-only hours and Sundays invite guests from 12:00PM-9:00PM.  Stop by for a comforting bowl of noodles, stir fry or other Asian-inspired dish as soon as you get the chance!