How Hello Dumpling Became a Love Letter to Family and Culture

June Chow opened the first Hello Dumpling in Dallas in 2017. She wanted to share her love for dumplings while supporting her children’s education. The restaurant reflects her upbringing and her mother’s influence in the kitchen. Chow grew up helping her mother run the family restaurant. This early experience shaped her connection to food, especially dumplings. Her favourite is the fish dumpling, as it reminds her of her mother and childhood.

She started Hello Dumpling to fund her kids’ college tuition without burdening them with debt. Chow also wanted to make dumplings more accessible, drawing inspiration from tacos she enjoyed as a child. Her ideal order at the restaurant begins with pork dumplings, as pork is China’s national meat.

For Chow, ‘soul food’ means dishes created with personal meaning rather than refinement. She considers Hello Dumpling a success when she sees young customers enjoying her cooking. Hello Dumpling has grown since its 2017 opening. Chow’s vision blends nostalgia, family values, and cultural pride. The restaurant continues to serve dishes that carry personal and communal significance.