Why it matters: The Dumpling Lady is a Charlotte transplant success story. The restaurant’s popularity underscores the fact that people in Charlotte crave creative, locally sourced dishes and exposure to other cultures.
Zhang Qian, AKA The Dumpling Lady. Photo: Axios archives
Context: Owner and head chef Zhang Qian started The Dumpling Lady in 2015 to bring Szechuanese home cooking to Charlotte after she moved here from Sichuan, China, the year prior. The restaurant quickly gained popularity and by 2019, she announced a permanent location at Optimist Hall.
- Qian’s menu is known for its scratch-made dumplings made from family recipes and locally-sourced ingredients.