Good dumplings, good prices, long queues and the risk of selling out.
Those are the good and bad things about the Dumpling Inn on Convoy. Valerie has discovered how to mitigate the bad parts: she orders take away on the phone, zips over to pick it all up, everything’s ready to go.
Yes, we do lose out on the ambiance, but this is a minor sacrifice for all the benefits.
Two orders of veggie fried rice, with lots of leftovers for snack on later.
Steamed pork buns, which were delicious, but for those thinking you’d get bao, please be aware they are more like dumplings, as seen in the upper photo on the right.
Two orders each of steamed fish and chive dumplings, and of pork fried dumplings. Orders are large, usually 8-10 dumplings per portion, usually around $7.
Mmm, my full assemblage of dumpling heaven. All the above listed items, plus sauteed greens and another deep fried dumpling that I cannot recall anymore (but it was good).
We paid about $87 for this large takeaway order, intending to feed 5 people. There was significant leftover.
Dumpling Inn (Kearny Mesa)
4619 Convoy St, Suite F (between Dagget Street & Opportunity Road)
San Diego, CA 92111
I’ve driven by la Carreta for countless years and never stopped in. I finally did this week and it was not at all what I was expecting.
It was smaller thanI thought and had real linens on the tables, even cloth napkins. Both pluses. Why do they cover their windows so that nobody can see in? I was always deeply suspicious of a place that obscures the view in so much.
In any case, it looks like the fancy cloths are for dinner service. Lunch was still ordering and picking up at the counter.
The man at the counter I shall describe as booming and vivacious. He loves his job, he loves the food that’s served there. He told me a story in his booming and vivacious voice about how he went to see a matinee across the street with a Carreta burrito stuffed in his pocket.
My companion got the chicken enchiladas and I got the beef taquitos. The enchiladas were great: three folded tortillas with spiced chicken and enough sauce to bind it together, NOT drowning in red canned stuff. The plate also came with rice, beans and chips.
My three taquitos were freshly made that morning, light and crisp. They came with guacamole, sour cream, salad, rice, beans and chips, $7.99. Lots of food.
A foodie once told me this place was secrely known for its Mexican seafood. Now that I’ve gotten over the hurdle of finally walking through its doors, I’ll come back and give that a try.
La Carreta
290 Storke Rd. Ste D
Goleta, Ca 93117
