The Toronto Lover system:
5 stars = Must visit!
4 stars = Really good. I take my friends here.
3 stars = Somewhat worth it... if you have nowhere better to go.
2 stars = Below average. Attend only when necessary.
1 star = Do not visit!
Raise your hand if you want a plate of fresh delicious dumplings for $6 that will probably satisfy two people. Ok, now raise your hand if you want quick, efficient service in a clean, well lit Chinese restaurant at Spadina and Dundas.
Dumpling House does it right. They are constantly pushing dumplings out of their pots and pans, which means the food is always fresh and made to order. While it can be a salty experience, it is also an extremely tasty one. They do an excellent job of serving tea and water, as well.
Try a plate of steamed dumplings and a plate of fried dumplings, and definitely go for meat (shrimp or pork appear to be the tastiest.) They offer other delicious pan fried dishes and soups as well. The twice cooked pork ($8) is surprisingly bold and excellent.
The only danger is that Dumpling House might get too successful and raise their prices or change their system. One can only hope they'll stay true.
4 stars