Crystal Wise
The Pantry
For years, the only ways to get your hands on Dixya Bhattarai and Hao Tran’s signature dumplings were to attend a pop-up event or buy them frozen from gourmet grocer The Table, which, more often than not, sold out of them not long after they went on sale.
In September, Tran introduced a more dependable — and permanent — way to enjoy her signature item. Along with business partner and fellow Trimble Tech teacher Natasha Bruton, she opened a small restaurant called The Pantry in which dumplings are the star dish. Tran’s also serving her takes on bao buns, banh mi sandwiches, fried rice and yaka mein, a New Orleans beef noodle soup seldom seen in these parts.
Bruton brings to the table several delectable desserts, including smoked apple cobbler and chocolate chip cookies dotted with bacon — a sweet and salty masterpiece. Tran says the recipes at their dumplings and dessert spot are inspired by their families and are “generational,” spanning decades and grandmothers.
The housemade dumplings rotate each week — weekly menus are posted on Instagram. So far, fillings have included traditional pork, curry potato, kimchi, kimchi and beef, brisket, pork and shiitake shumai, and a pork, duck, ginger combo.
Since Tran and Bruton are both educators, the two have a soft spot for fellow teachers. Look for teacher happy hours, with special dishes and drink collaborations with their next-door neighbors at Grandma’s Bar.
Located in the cozy Near Southside spot last occupied by Hot Damn Tamales, The Pantry is also planning on keeping late hours on the weekends, with a special late-night menu.
The Pantry, 715 Magnolia Ave., instagram.com/thepantryfw
