In my humble opinion, the best thing about channels like the Food Network and the Travel Channel is that they have given ethnic foods a platform to showcase their rich cuisine.
The Dumpling Haus in Madison, Wisconsin is the very definition of forward thinking Asian cuisine that is rooted in treasured family recipes and that showcases one of the world's most perfect foods - the simple dumpling.
The house made Haus Stickers, Shrimp Dumplings and Haus Jiao Zi were expertly made, and when you bite into their delicately soft shells your mouth will be immediately TKO ed with rich flavors and textures whereby you will taste each ingredient separately (unlike many dumplings which only "Haus" a mushy pork flavored center). But the real show stealer is the Taco Bao! Inside the soft doughy shell is a perfectly cooked and textured slice of rich pork belly -- I am sure there were other things too, but I got lost in the slice of yummy yummy pork belly.
I also tried some of the noodle dishes and took home some Bao, all of which were really good; but lets be honest - you should not waste premium tummy space on anything but the dumplings and the all mighty Taco Bao.
If you ever find yourself in Madison, Wisconsin - forget the cheese and eat dumplings instead --- at the Dumpling Haus!
Insider note: Ask the Haus for a side of Chinese mustard and dip any of the dumplings in the mustard before the soy sauce and you will get a extra special flavor boost.