AUGUST UPDATE: Ugly Dumpling, one of the most anticipated openings in South Jersey, has finally released an opening date. According to an ad they’re running on TikTok, it will open on Wednesday, August 26th. The website still hasn’t been updated, though. Stay tuned!
A growing Shanghai street food chain is coming to Delran. The building at 4000 US-130—formerly recently home to Crab Du Jour—is undergoing a dramatic transformation. With the arrival of Ugly Dumpling, the site is shifting from a seafood-boil venue to a modern Chinese soup dumpling and dim sum bao bun concept, signaling an exciting new dining option for residents of Delran and surrounding South Jersey communities.
Ugly Dumpling started as a fast-casual concept centered on Shanghai-inspired soup dumplings (xiao long bao), wok dishes, and noodle bowls. Their first New Jersey location opened in Edison in 2023, and the brand has been actively expanding across the state, primarily in North and Central New Jersey. There are also locations in New York, Maryland, and Delaware. The new Ugly Dumpling in Delran will be its first South Jersey location.
What Locals Can Expect
- Menu highlights: Signature soup dumplings, Shanghai stir-fried noodles, creative wok dishes, bubble tea, and more.
- Atmosphere: A contemporary, casual-dining vibe tailored for groups, families, and dumpling enthusiasts alike. Past observations of other Ugly Dumpling locations note tastefully elegant interior touches and substantial value for flavor-driven dining.
- Location: Situated on busy Route 130, the address benefits from visibility and convenient parking.
Soup Dumplings and Dim Sum in South Jersey
Soup dumplings and dim sum, signatures of Shanghainese cuisine, are becoming a hot dining trend in South Jersey, offering residents a taste of big-city flavor without crossing the bridge. Once reserved for Chinatown trips to Philadelphia, these delicate, flavor-packed dumplings, bao buns, and shareable small plates are now finding a home in South Jersey.
The arrival of modern Asian eateries like Ugly Dumpling on Route 130 in Delran reflects this growing demand, revitalizing spaces with fresh energy and new flavors. Ugly Dumpling promises a contemporary take on traditional Chinese comfort food.
While Ugly Dumpling’s expansion into South Jersey has been announced on its website as Coming Soon, I have yet to confirm an exact opening date with an official representative. Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available.
SJFS is dedicated to food, dining, restaurants, and drinking in South Jersey. Got a news tip? Email southjerseyfoodscene@gmail.com.