Nestled in Fort Worth’s Near Southside, where the hum of creativity meets the grit of cowboy culture, Teddy Wong’s Dumplings & Wine isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a revelation.
Housed in a revamped 7/11 gas station, this unassuming spot has traded Slurpees for soup dumplings and gasoline fumes for the heady aroma of chili oil and fresh scallion pancakes.
Here, the clatter of chopsticks mingles with Johnny Cash crooning softly in the background, creating a vibe that’s equal parts honky-tonk and Hong Kong night market. 🎶🥟
Forget what you know about strip-mall Chinese takeout.
Teddy Wong’s is a labor of love from a dream team of culinary mavericks: Patrick Ru, a dim sum virtuoso; Stefon Rishel, a Fort Worth dining scene stalwart; and Jeffrey Yarbrough, a hospitality wizard with a penchant for blending cultures.
Together, they’ve crafted a menu that dances between tradition and innovation, where every dish feels like a secret handshake into a world of flavor.
The Magic Starts with the Dumplings (But Oh, It Doesn’t Stop There)
Let’s cut to the chase: you’re here for the dumplings, and Teddy Wong’s delivers like a cowboy lassoing the moon.
The soup dumplings (xiao long bao) are the stuff of legend—translucent wrappers so delicate they threaten to burst at a sideways glance, hiding molten pockets of broth that flood the palate with porky perfection.
Dip them in black vinegar, let the warmth hit your tongue, and try not to sigh like you’ve just discovered fire. 🔥
Not to be outdone, the hot oil wontons arrive swimming in a crimson pool of chili oil that’s more flirtatious than fiery. Each plump, silky parcel cradles a juicy pork filling, while the oil—infused with Szechuan peppercorns and garlic—leaves a tingling kiss on the lips.
It’s the kind of dish that makes you wonder why all comfort food doesn’t come with this much personality.
But the surprises don’t end there. Ever tried a chocolate dumpling? Teddy Wong’s version is a dessert daredevil: crispy shells giving way to molten dark chocolate, dusted with powdered sugar like snow on a Texas prairie.
It’s whimsical, it’s indulgent, and it’s exactly the kind of risk that makes this place unforgettable. 🍫
A Menu That Woks the Walk
While dumplings reign supreme, the rest of the menu is no sidekick. The Mongolian beef arrives sizzling, tender strips glazed in a sauce that’s sweet, savory, and smoky all at once—like a campfire story told in bite-sized chapters.
Then there’s the orange chicken, a dish often relegated to mall food courts but reborn here as a crispy, tangy masterpiece.
The batter is light as a Texas breeze, the sauce bright with citrus and a sneaky kick of heat. It’s the culinary equivalent of a two-step: familiar but full of surprises.
For the adventurous, the mapo tofu is a fiery gauntlet thrown down by the kitchen. Silken tofu cubes swim in a lava-like sauce that’ll clear sinuses and stir souls. It’s not for the faint of heart, but for those who dare, it’s a revelation—a reminder that spice isn’t just heat; it’s emotion. 🌶️
Wine, Sake, and the Art of Unlikely Pairings
The “& Wine” in Teddy Wong’s isn’t an afterthought. The curated list leans into bold reds and crisp rosés that stand up to chili oil and soy.
A $5 glass of French rosé becomes the perfect foil for rich dumplings, while a carafe of Izumihyokan Honjozo sake—cloudy, potent, and complex—turns the meal into a cross-cultural toast.
But the real flex? The hidden “membership” program where regulars can stash their favorite tequila or whiskey behind the bar. It’s a cheeky nod to Texas spirit(s) in a space that proudly straddles worlds. 🥃
From Gas Station to Gastronomic Darling: The Vibe
Step inside, and the transformation hits like a plot twist. Exposed brick walls and Edison bulbs meet rustic wooden tables draped in linen—a far cry from fluorescent-lit convenience stores.
The open kitchen hums with energy, chefs folding dumplings with the precision of watchmakers while woks flare like miniature volcanoes.
It’s cozy but never cramped, with a communal table that invites strangers to swap stories over shared plates.
And though parking might test your patience (arrive early or embrace the walk), the reward is a meal that feels like a secret handshake among food lovers.
Why Teddy Wong’s Isn’t Just Dinner—It’s a Destination
In a city where barbecue and Tex-Mex dominate, Teddy Wong’s is a quiet revolution. It’s where Chinese tradition shakes hands with Fort Worth’s cowboy soul, where chili oil stains share table space with wine glasses, and where every bite feels like a discovery.
Whether you’re a dumpling devotee or a curious first-timer, this is the kind of place that doesn’t just feed you—it adopts you.
So pull up a chair, order another round of soup dumplings, and let the flavors do the talking. Just don’t be surprised if you leave planning your next visit before you’ve even reached the door. 🚪💫
Location: 812 W Rosedale St, Fort Worth, TX 76104
Phone: (817) 349-8965
Open daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations recommended—this ain’t your average gas station snack stop. 🕒✨
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- https://dallas.culturemap.com/news/restaurants-bars/teddy-wong-dumplings-jeff-yarbrough/
- https://www.yelp.com/biz/teddy-wongs-dumplings-and-wine-fort-worth
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- https://teddy-wongs-dumplings-wine.bartgrocerybbq.com/menu