You can view Po’s Dumpling Bar in one of two ways: as a small and casual mom-and-pop eatery that shares a parking lot with Starbucks and Chipotle, or you can take a deeper look at what it offers and see it as a place that offers quality Asian delights, or to be more exact, deliciously authentic Taiwanese fare.

Situated next to the KU Medical Center, Po’s Dumpling Bar joined the neighborhood in 2007, in the hope of bringing residents the finest Chinese cuisine in the area. In a nation inundated with Americanized Chinese food such as General Tso’s Chicken, owners Pokang Hwang and Rita Ow wanted to do something different. They finally settled on the name “Po’s Dumpling Bar”, which lets foodies know that the duo is serious about serving up quality pan-fried dumplings and noodles. 

“Our dishes are authentic and traditional. While we never stray too far away from what the locals are used to, we always make sure to also provide them with something new,” says Hwang.

Po’s offerings are centered around dumplings, noodles, soups, and authentic Chinese delicacies which draw their influence from Sichuan, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Taiwanese cuisine. The much raved about Emperor’s Dumpling is a great starter for any culinary journey. Those who order it can choose from a number of delicious fillings such as chicken, shrimp, pork, and vegetables. The pan-fried version has a crispy texture while the traditional steamed dumplings have a succulent and juicy filling literally bursting with broth.

Don’t forget to save some room for the noodles. The Sesame Sauce Noodle and Pork with Preserved Cabbage Noodle Soup are the type of dishes one could find in rural China. “Having these dishes may trigger memories of your childhood or other great times that you had in your hometown,” boasts Hwang.

Instead of using black sauce, the Sesame Sauce Noodle is seasoned with thick sesame sauce and dressed in a mild soy dressing, with minced pork and sauce sprinkled on top. The authentic flavor of the dish comes from the addition of red onions which also give it a unique Taiwanese touch.

Another one of the menu’s stronger selections is the Pork with Preserved Cabbage Noodle Soup. It is a combination of preserved cabbage and minced pork swimming in a hearty bowl of soup. A review that appeared in the Kansas City Star described the dish that will “knock your socks off.”

It is an interesting dish that can be a real eye-opener for someone who hasn’t tried it before. But, everyone who tries it loves it and I hope that more people out there can give this dish a shot,” exclaims Hwang.

What makes the house specialties—noodles and dumplings so popular is that all the dumplings and noodles are made-to-order. The flour noodles and dumpling pastas are made daily with an Italian pasta machine. Other ingredients such as chicken and pork are minced in advance, but even then, it does take a bit of time to steam or pan-fry the dumplings. However, you won’t find any customers complaining as the longer preparation time is necessary in order to ensure the quality of each dish.

Another highly acclaimed menu item is Po’s vegetable-based soup. Not greasy at all, the soup contains a myriad of different taste nuances. The recipe is secret too which makes it all the more alluring.

Vegetarians won’t feel left out when they come by because they can choose from a number of vegetarian options including Tofu Vegetable Soup, Seaweed Egg Soup, and Tofu and Tomato Egg Soup. None of the dishes contain any MSG.. “Maybe it’s too expensive,” jokes Hwang. “Our approach is simple. We just aim to prepare food that will treat you well, from stomach to heart.”

The dining experience doesn’t stop there. Po’s Authentic Kung Pao Chicken and Red Chili Chicken are must-try dishes for those who are not vegetarians. Po’s interpretation of Kung Pao Chicken is slightly different from the versions found elsewhere around neighborhood. Rather than heaps of chicken meat and vegetables, Po’s channels Sichuan elements by adding chili peppers, peppercorns, and peanuts. However, the taste has been slightly moderated to accommodate local preferences.

Po’s desserts are also something you want to stay for. The Sesame Ball, Egg Custard Tarts, and Sweet Apple Dumplings complement the dining experience. Some customers put an exclamation point at the end of their meal by ordering a cup of bubble tea.

The charismatic Hwang, a man in his 60s with a great sense of humor is a fixture in the dining area. He can often be seen stopping by tables to tell customers some funny stories about dishes, while also mentioning how authentic they are. The laughter of customers mixes well with the clanging of the kitchen pots and pans. Far from noise, many patrons at the restaurant describe it as a symphony of sorts.

Hwang’s emphasis on creating a casual atmosphere, has rubbed off on the staff who make it a point to chat with customers when appropriate.

“Getting closer to customers gives us a chance to learn more about their preferences so that we can go ahead and make any adjustments necessary,” explains Hwang.

There is a saying that goes, “it is never too late to learn.” Po’s Dumpling has received extensive media coverage from local newspapers and magazines. Word-of-mouth recognition has also helped Po’s Dumpling Bar develop into a local standout. But, Hwang always remembers that he can still do even better. Never content with what he has achieved, he spends time dining out, conducting marketing research, and reading cookbooks. Always looking to the future, he also keeps an eye on industry trends. From his observations, he is able to consistently create new and exciting flavor combinations on a weekly basis. Now, he is in the process of introducing Bourbon Chicken—a popular Cajun dish.

Although in his 60s, Hwang insists on using computers to update the news so that he can stay up to date with trends and figures in order to better be prepared for the future. His interest in facts and numbers are a result of study at a university—he graduated with a degree in computer science when he was 49.

Po's Dumpling Bar

Location: 1715 W 39th St. Kansas City, MO 64111
Phone: 816-931-5991
Offers: Dine-in, Take-out   
Cuisine: Chinese Cuisine
Signature Dishes:
Year of Establishment: 2007
Website: www.posdumplingandnoodle.com