First time I tried RBD, wasn’t too impressed, but some time later, enjoyed the shrimp dumplings, and today the Thai chicken dumplings.

When I taste other dumplings, after a bite I am always wondering what exactly I am eating… and some times the dumpling skin is more like dough which is just not right…

I say add another truck! A salad and dumpling lunch is a nice light meal for $9. Yes it is pricey, but you can taste the fresh, quality ingredients and enjoy…

Lo and Lau – you inspire me to try and make fresh dumplings at home…

That said..mummmm Saigon Grill on the UWS is so damn good! They’ve resolved their legal battles and by default prices have gone up a bit. But their dumplings are so good. It’s a thin delicate wrapper filled with meat or veggies. Truly mouth watering. Also the lunch specials are still cheap and their noodles make me drool. Boycott all you want R.J.. those of us with good taste will eat it all those wonderful meals for you.

Please, think about where your money is going when you buy lunch. Support companies that pay a living wage to their workers and pay the taxes that provide the government services we all need in these tough times.

Boycott companies like Saigon Grill that do the opposite, exploiting workers and cheating on their taxes. Saigon Grill paid workers “well below the minimum wage, in some cases less than $2.00 an hour, and did not receive overtime compensation for workweeks that lasted as long as 80 hours.” It is a disgrace that this is happening in NYC.

What we should be watching as a group is who is contributing legitimate restaurants to the community. I am all for anyone who can make some money for themselves by meeting a market need and honestly and fairly running a business that protects the rights of its workers and gives something (at the very least in the form of taxes) back to the community.

If Lo and Lau can make a go of it in midtown, more power to them. I may not eat there because I am on a tight budget, but I’d sooner go there than Chinatown. If you like the price, eat there. If you don’t don’t. But please think about what you are supporting before you buy 5 for $1 dumplings.

I think Rickshaw will do alright in Midtown –super packed when it opens. Not many people are going jump on the train to Chinatown for lunch.

I’ve been to Rickshaw on 23rd a few times and have eaten at many of those 4 or 5 for $1 joints as well. Comparing those two are like comparing apples to oranges. They are totally different animals. That said, I do think the prices for Rickshaw are a bit high for what they’re offering. Believe me, I know that Bell and Evans chicken is expensive. I know that your rents are more expensive. But if it’s in a truck, wouldn’t their overhead be a lot less? Knock off a couple of dollars an order, and I don’t think you’ll have as many people complaining.

They didn’t even do the Peking Duck dumpling right. How hard is it to put together some maltose glazed duck, duck cracklings, plum sauce, cucumbers and scallions?

And you need to employ some economies of scale. Drive the prices down and drive up the sales volume (like double dumplings and free poland spring would be a good start.) That way you also increase the perceived value.