Kung Fu Kitchen — Review by Mikey Chen
Orlando, United States — Chinese
Kung Fu Kitchen in Orlando is the same legendary owner behind the famous Kung Fu Soup Dumplings from New York, bringing authentic Chinese cuisine to Florida. The soup dumplings are among the best in Orlando with plump, juicy filling and generous soup, while the wonton soup and fresh hand-cut noodles are equally impressive. At around 11 dollars for soup dumplings, the prices are significantly better than other regions.
What was great: Authentic, juicy soup dumplings with generous soup filling, excellent wonton soup with fresh wontons and shepherd's purse, fresh hand-cut noodles, reasonable Florida prices compared to other regions, same owner as the famous Kung Fu Soup Dumplings in New York
What could improve: Soup dumpling skin slightly thicker than remembered, chocolate soup dumpling filling changed from Nutella to dark chocolate and banana removed, mochi skin more crumbly than before
The Dishes
The reviewer ordered several signature items from Kung Fu Kitchen, starting with the crab pork soup dumplings which are thick-skinned but deliver nearly a spoonful of soup per dumpling. These are eaten by dunking in a sauce of vinegar and hot oil before consuming whole. The classic shrimp wontons in soup feature large wontons filled with shepherd's purse, a vegetable rarely found outside authentic restaurants, served in a mild broth that becomes spicy and sour when properly seasoned with vinegar and hot oil. The stir-fried hand-cut noodle dish features freshly made knife-cut noodles cooked with chilies and shredded beef, served with a lemon wedge. The chocolate soup dumplings, a house specialty, now feature dark chocolate filling instead of the original Nutella with banana, served with six dumplings and a condensed milk dipping sauce.
The Experience
The restaurant features a menu with extensive options including ramen, ho noodles, and house-made bubble tea. The atmosphere reflects the same authentic operation that made Kung Fu Soup Dumplings famous in New York, with staff confirming it's the same owner. The venue is located near Millennium Mall in Orlando, attracting both Asian and non-Asian customers seeking genuine Chinese cuisine.
Value and Pricing
Soup dumplings are priced at 11 dollars for a steamer basket, which the reviewer notes is significantly better value than West Coast pricing around Seattle and Washington where similar items cost 16 dollars. This represents one of the best dumpling prices available in Orlando.
Notable Moments
This is my favorite soup dumpling place probably in America. I filmed at this place in New York no less than a dozen times. That's how much I loved it.
You think you've had wonton soup before, but this is real wonton soup and it tastes so much better than the other version.
The reviewer describes eating the chocolate dumplings as a walk down memory lane, noting the nostalgic nature of returning to a beloved restaurant and the slight changes in preparation over time.
The Verdict
Kung Fu Kitchen represents an outstanding find for Orlando residents and visitors seeking authentic Chinese cuisine. The soup dumplings rank among the best in the city, offering genuine authenticity backed by the same ownership that made the original New York location legendary. While the chocolate dumplings have evolved from their original formulation, and the soup dumpling skins are slightly thicker than previously remembered, the overall quality and value make this a must-visit destination for dumpling enthusiasts and fans of authentic Chinese food.