The Secret Behind Dumplings 85 Lake Tahoe: 7 Must-Try Dishes And The Mystery Of The Number

Planning a trip to Lake Tahoe this December 18, 2025? Forget the usual ski resort fare and make a beeline for the most talked-about Chinese eatery in the area: Dumplings 85. Nestled right in the heart of South Lake Tahoe, this cozy spot has quickly become a culinary beacon, specializing in freshly made dumplings and authentic Northern Chinese comfort food that provides the perfect warm-up after a day on the slopes or a hike around the lake.

The restaurant, located in the prominent Chateau at the Village, offers a diverse and comprehensive menu that goes far beyond simple potstickers, featuring specialties like the delicate xiao long bao (soup dumplings) and crispy pan-fried pork buns. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Dumplings 85 promises a delightful dining experience with a menu rich in flavor and tradition, open from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily.

Dumplings 85 Lake Tahoe: Location, Hours, and Culinary Style

Dumplings 85 is strategically located to serve the bustling South Lake Tahoe tourist and local community. Its presence in the Chateau at the Village makes it easily accessible, especially for those staying near the main gondola and casino area.

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• Location: 4125 Lake Tahoe Blvd Suite H, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
• Business Hours: Monday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
• Cuisine Focus: Authentic Chinese, specializing in handmade dumplings and noodles. The menu leans heavily into styles popular in Eastern and Northern China, such as Shanghai-style soup dumplings.
• Atmosphere: Described as a cozy, rustic-modern eatery, providing a comfortable and inviting atmosphere for a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner.

The core of the restaurant’s appeal is its commitment to fresh, handmade quality. Unlike many Chinese restaurants that rely on frozen products, Dumplings 85 prides itself on making its dough and fillings daily, ensuring every bite of their handmade boiled dumplings and steamed buns bursts with flavor.

The 7 Essential Must-Try Dishes at Dumplings 85

With a menu that includes appetizers, soups, steamed buns, pan-fried items, stir-fried dishes, rice, and noodles, navigating the options can be overwhelming. To experience the best of this South Lake Tahoe gem, focus on these seven signature dishes that showcase the kitchen’s expertise and culinary range.

1. Steamed Xiao Long Bao (Soup Dumplings)

This is arguably the most famous dish and a true test of any dumpling house. The Pork Xiao Long Bao (猪肉小龙包) are delicate pouches of dough, filled with seasoned pork and a savory broth that explodes in your mouth. These steamed soup dumplings require careful handling but are an absolute must-try for their rich flavor and unique culinary experience.

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2. Pan Fried Pork Buns (Sheng Jian Bao)

A delightful contrast to the steamed varieties, the Pan Fried Pork Buns (生煎包) offer a perfect blend of textures. These buns are fluffy on top, filled with tender pork, and have a wonderfully crispy, golden-brown bottom from the pan-frying process. They are a staple of Shanghai street food and a popular choice among customers.

3. Spicy Pork Wonton (with Peanut Sauce)

For those who prefer a kick, the Spicy Pork Wonton is a standout. These delicate wontons are typically served swimming in a rich, savory, and spicy sauce, sometimes featuring a Peanut Sauce base, offering a complex flavor profile that balances heat with nuttiness. It's a perfect appetizer or a lighter main course.

4. Shrimp Pork Chives Steamed Dumplings

The seafood options are just as impressive. The Shrimp Pork Chives Steamed Dumplings (三鲜蒸饺) are a customer favorite, combining the fresh flavor of shrimp with savory pork and the pungent, fresh taste of chives. This combination, often referred to as "Three Fresh" (三鲜), is a classic filling that is light yet satisfying.

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5. Fresh Cucumber Salad (Huang Gua)

To cut through the richness of the pork and fried dishes, the Fresh Cucumber Salad (黄瓜) is highly recommended. This simple yet refreshing appetizer, often tossed in a light vinegar, garlic, and chili oil dressing, provides a crisp and cool counterpoint to the heavier dishes.

6. Vegetable & Pork Steamed Dumplings

The traditional Vegetable & Pork Steamed Dumplings (猪肉蒸饺) are the heart of the menu. These are the classic, comforting, and perfectly balanced dumplings that satisfy the traditionalist. The freshness of the wrapper and the quality of the seasoned filling are consistently praised.

7. Chicken Chow Mein (Stir-Fried Noodle)

Beyond the dumplings, the noodle and rice dishes are excellent fillers. The Chicken Chow Mein (鸡炒面) is a robust stir-fried noodle dish, perfect for a hearty meal. It's a great example of the broader Chinese comfort food offerings, ensuring there's something for every palate, including the popular Shrimp Fried Rice (虾炒饭).

The Intriguing Mystery: Why is it Called Dumplings "85"?

One question that often sparks curiosity among first-time visitors is the significance of the number "85" in the restaurant's name. While the owners have not publicly confirmed a specific meaning in local news or interviews, the number is not random—it’s a common, intriguing practice in the world of Asian cuisine.

The most common theories and possibilities are:

• A Nod to a Culinary Standard: The number 85 is sometimes used in Asian culinary concepts as a reference to a specific standard. For example, the famous 85°C Bakery Cafe uses the number to signify the ideal temperature for brewing coffee. While Dumplings 85 is not a bakery, the number could be a symbolic nod to an "ideal" or "perfect" standard of quality in their dumpling craft.
• Regional Distinction: In highly competitive dining areas, Asian restaurants often add a number to an otherwise simple name (like "Hot Pho 72") to make it unique and easily distinguishable on a map or delivery app. This is a practical way to stand out in a busy tourist town like South Lake Tahoe.
• An Inside Reference: It could simply be a lucky number, the year a family member was born, or a street address from the owner's hometown. Regardless of the exact reason, the number "85" adds a layer of intrigue that keeps the restaurant memorable.

What is certain is that the focus is on the authentic Chinese cuisine, featuring a rich tapestry of flavors from fresh ingredients. The kitchen is dedicated to providing high-quality, freshly made food, and that dedication is what truly defines the restaurant, not the numerical identifier.

Topical Authority: Exploring the Dumpling Varieties and LSI Entities

Dumplings 85 excels by offering a variety of preparation methods, which is key to its topical authority in the Chinese dining scene. By exploring these different styles, visitors can appreciate the depth of the menu.

The menu features essential entities that represent different regional Chinese cooking styles:

• Steamed Dumplings (蒸饺): A lighter, healthier option where the delicate wrapper is the star. Varieties include Vegetable Steamed Dumplings (菜蒸饺) and Chicken Steamed Dumplings (鸡肉蒸饺).
• Boiled Dumplings (水饺): The traditional Northern Chinese style, often called Shuijiao. These Handmade Boiled Dumplings are served in a bowl, perfect for dipping in the popular Chili Ginger Dipping Sauce.
• Pan-Fried Dumplings/Buns: Known for their crispy texture, like the Pan Fried Pork Bun (生煎包) and potentially other potsticker-style dumplings.
• Wontons: While structurally similar, wontons are typically made with a thinner wrapper and served in soup or tossed in a sauce, such as the famous Spicy Pork Wonton.

Beyond the dumplings, the menu features other essential entities of Chinese comfort food, including Pork Shaomai (燒賣), a type of steamed, open-top savory dumpling, and hearty dishes like Noodle and Rice options. This comprehensive offering ensures that Dumplings 85 is more than just a dumpling spot; it’s a full-service Chinese restaurant ready to satisfy any craving in South Lake Tahoe.