815 Pine St
Seattle, WA

Hours: 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Website: doughzonedumplinghouse.com
Phone: (206) 682-6666

I don’t find the trend of choosing what you want to eat in advance all that unusual these days. This is more common in metropolises than anyplace else, and when operations like The Dough Zone to be as speedy as possible, I wonder if diner satisfaction is on top of the restaurant manager’s mind? I get the feeling they’re trying to the McDonalds of the Asian fast food scene when considering it is a franchise operation stretching from Washington State to California (and Texas).

If anyone wants to grab a quick bite here during the busy hours, I don’t recommend it. It’s best to reserve in advance. When the operation I went to is in the beating heart of the convention centre alley, they’re very popular. Also, when I didn’t want to stray too far when there were evening activities, they were pretty much the only choice unless I wanted to pay more at the bar that’s located at the Summit Building.

I’m sure during Emerald City Comic Con, Sakura Con and even Pax West, this place is packed. People want that fuel to keep going, and while a less than $50 meal won’t be enough, even I was asking for seconds just to keep revving. The servings are small and I need two times the amount with what I got. The pork won tons were flavourful, but six pieces were not enough when I’m too hungry to eat for two. Unlike a proper restaurant where you can feast until your stomach is ready to burst, there’s a very rushed vibe here. It’s a place that’s probably better when a convention is not in town.

I found the shrimp and zucchini dumplings just as tasty, but as far as their won tons are concerned, they lacked that je ne sais quoi when compared to those made by grandma, and my mother. Even afterwards, I was still hungry and ordered a beef brisket style bao. The servers were a bit surprised I didn’t order everything in one go, and when I paid by cash and asked for a certain amount back (leaving something behind for a tip), I was given more than expected–as though they can carry on without.

I could’ve left it at the table, but was worried some other diner would walk off with it. There was no receipt holder to tuck the money in. Whenever I travel to the States, I make it a point to pay by cash for my meals than card; that way I know I’m staying within budget.

Also, between the limited bar space and actual tables, this place could do better. It was once a Japanese restaurant when I visited it pre-pandemic, but with this latest opening up here, at least the business owners got a model that works. Serve it fast and they will come. But to have workers here looking often rushed to get dishes out and rarely paying attention doesn’t make for exemplary service. If I’m ever back and not attending a convention, I’d visit this place again. When it’s busy and nobody cares to check in, it’s an environment I’m not keen to return. Hopefully, this issue is fixed next time. Or perhaps it’s time to open another shop nearby so that the environment is more laid back.

3 Blokes out of 5