Details
A small Chinese establishment in Flushing, White Bear is renowned for its exceptionally flavorful chili oil dumplings [1]. While some diners find the filling to be bland, many return for the addictive taste and generous portions of their signature #6 wontons in chili oil [2]. It's a popular spot, sometimes with a wait, but many agree it's worth it for a truly satisfying bite [3].
Food Overview
White Bear is celebrated for its Chinese cuisine, with a strong emphasis on its dumplings and wontons, particularly the highly recommended chili oil dumplings (No. 6) [1], [2]. While many praise the dish for its addictive flavor and generous chili crisp, some find the filling itself to be bland and suggest alternatives exist [3], [4]. The restaurant also offers spicy wontons and soup dumplings, with some diners suggesting the sauce is the key component of the flavor [5].
Highlights / Recommended
"The #6 wontons in chili oil are consistently praised as a must-try, alongside their soup dumplings and spicy wontons [1], [2]."
Customer Sentiment
Customers generally have a very positive sentiment towards White Bear, frequently recommending their dumplings and wontons. Some users, however, found the filling to be bland, and there's a notable discussion about whether the restaurant lives up to its hype and price increases [1], [2].
Caveats
Some users have noted a significant increase in prices over the past few years, with one mentioning that prices have nearly doubled in five years [1]. There's also a sentiment that the restaurant might be becoming more of a tourist spot, potentially impacting its original charm [2].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About WHITE BEAR
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Staying In Flushing Establishments With Stories
"This commenter recommended 'White Bear,' describing it as a one-dish place specializing in #6 wontons in chili oil. They noted it's cash only, small, and has minimal decor. They also mentioned that the Golden Mall basement food court, where White Bear is located, is where Xi'an Famous Foods began."
PositiveFrom post: Recent Eats Gao Xiao Pa Mo Market White Bear
"The commenter expressed strong positive sentiment towards White Bear, stating that their food 'fucking slaps'."
PositiveFrom post: Nytimes The 100 Best Restaurants In Nyc 11100
"This is one of many restaurants listed by the commenter from the NYTimes list."
NeutralFrom post: Which Places Have Become Part Of Your Regular
"White Bear is listed by the commenter."
NeutralFrom post: Im Having A Shitty Day Im Near College Point
"Recommends taking the bus to White Bear for delicious soup dumplings."
PositiveFrom post: The Best Dumplings In Nyc Are In An Abandoned Mall
"Recommended White Bear in Flushing as a second-best option if you enjoy chili oil wontons, after recommending Shu Jiao Fu Zhou."
PositiveFrom post: Favorite Cheap Dumpling Spots
"This user recalls trying White Bear and found their dumplings delicious."
PositiveFrom post: Favorite Cheap Dumpling Spots
"This user suggests trying the number 6 from White Bear in Queens for dumplings."
PositiveFrom post: Favorite Cheap Dumpling Spots
"This user lists White Bear as one of their top three dumpling recommendations."
PositiveFrom post: Small Bites Food Crawl Flushing
"White Bear is listed as a recommended place for a food crawl."
NeutralFrom post: You Want To Eat What
"The user recommends trying the spicy frog soup at White Bear in Flushing."
PositiveFrom post: Chinatown Vs Flushing For Quality Chinese Food
"White Bear is listed as a recommended spot in Flushing, indicating the area has many good food choices."
PositiveFrom post: White Bear In Flushing
"The user praises the generous amount of chili crisp on the dumplings."
PositiveFrom post: White Bear In Flushing
"The user describes White Bear as a 'dinghy classic Chinatown spot' that looks spicy."
PositiveFrom post: White Bear In Flushing
"The user shares a Great Neck address for a White Bear location and speculates it may have been opened by the original owner after the Flushing location was sold."
NeutralFrom post: White Bear In Flushing
"The user recalls missing Sweet-N-Tart in Flushing and their watercress dumplings from the 2000s, noting its general quality and reasonable prices."
NeutralFrom post: White Bear In Flushing
"The user mentions White Bear has locations in Great Neck and Little Neck and is very affordable."
PositiveFrom post: White Bear In Flushing
"The user thanks for the recommendation, mentioning their grandma used to live nearby."
NeutralFrom post: White Bear In Flushing
"The user states that White Bear always hits the spot, and their #6 soup dumplings are worth the wait, even in cold weather."
PositiveFrom post: White Bear In Flushing
"The user reiterates that the filling could be better, finding it bland. They acknowledge this might be a characteristic of Northern Chinese style dumplings."
Negative