WEST LEBANON — A new fast-casual Chinese restaurant, Happy Dumpling, opened its doors in Powerhouse Plaza last November with the aim of offering authentic Chinese food quickly and efficiently. Co-owner Michael Lui, who runs the restaurant with his wife, Jaycee Yu, reports a strong start, noting that business has steadily improved since the New Year.
“We’re doing quite well,” Lui said. “Our business has been getting better and better after the holidays.”
Designed to provide a fast-food-style dining experience, Happy Dumpling draws inspiration from the fast-paced eateries of New York City, bringing the concept of quick, high-quality Chinese food to the Upper Valley. “Our concept is unique here,” Lui explained. “There aren’t many authentic Chinese restaurants in the area. We want to offer more variety to the local community.”
Customers can choose to dine in, with Bruno Mars playing softly in the background, or order online through DoorDash. The restaurant operates daily from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., except Wednesdays. The limited menu centers around dumplings and noodle soup, with recent additions like popcorn chicken.
Lui emphasizes that Happy Dumpling is designed to be more casual than traditional Chinese restaurants in the area. “We want it to be more like 5 Guys or Shake Shack—less formal, more accessible,” he said.
New Eateries in the Area
Nearby, two new franchises—Cold Stone Creamery and Planet Smoothie—are set to open later this year, located just a few doors down from Happy Dumpling in the same former liquor store complex. While a final property inspection has not been scheduled yet, the new businesses are expected to open soon, according to Tiffany Adams, executive assistant for Lebanon Planning & Development.
Positive Reception
The public response to Happy Dumpling has been positive. Lynn and Bob Ferguson, visiting from Sharon, tried a variety of dumplings during their first visit in November. “We’re happy with the food, and we really want them to succeed,” Bob said.
While Lynn observed that the restaurant seemed focused on takeout, they both expressed interest in returning.
Nathan Garret, a regular customer, echoed the sentiment. “You can get egg rolls or beef on a stick at any Chinese restaurant, but this is real, traditional Chinese food. The flavors are different, and it’s something you can’t find anywhere else in the Upper Valley,” Garret said, adding that he’d already visited Happy Dumpling 10 or 12 times since its opening.
With its unique offering and growing customer base, Happy Dumpling is on track to become a standout in the Upper Valley’s dining scene.
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