As the COVID-19 pandemic has hammered the restaurant industry, it’s been inspiring to see the creative ways in which many of these small businesses have responded. At this point, nearly every restaurant staying open has converted to takeout-only. Many are offering family meals and bulk products, while some are pivoting to become general stores.
One place offering an irresistible deal is Northern China Eatery, which has closed its kitchen to takeout orders, but still offers bulk sales of frozen dumplings.
As someone who has tried the frozen dumplings available at his nearby grocery store, getting the real deal from Northern China Eatery was too good an opportunity for me to pass up. It was easy to place the order by phone, and the restaurant’s policy allows you to split each order into two flavors. We chose the pork and cabbage, as well as the shrimp, pork and chive dumplings.
Unfortunately, Northern China’s dumplings may have ruined store-bought frozen dumplings for me forever. The small but plump dumplings were much fresher and more flavorful than anything you’d find in a grocery store, and they steamed up in no time. Though it’s hard to choose a favorite, the added flavor of the chives in the shrimp, pork and chive dumplings gave them a slight edge over the pork and cabbage dumplings.
Ordering dishes like Northern China’s delectable dumplings is practical; it’s frozen food that’s relatively healthy, and it will keep for a long time. But, as the pandemic continues, restaurants will suffer more. These takeout orders, not to mention gift card and merchandise purchases, will help our neighbors stay in business, and that fact makes the food all the more delicious.
Tuesday is the Great American Takeout, a movement to encourage everyone around the country to order takeout in support of the restaurant industry as a whole. If you can, support your favorite restaurants today, and post #GreatAmericanTakeout on social media to encourage your friends and family to do the same.
Northern China Eatery. 5141 Buford Highway NE, Doraville. 770-458-2282, northernchinaeatery.com.
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