Last weekend, my wife and I found ourselves in need of something warm and comforting—so we stopped by a small place we’d heard about more than once from neighbors in the know: Papa’s Dumplings, tucked into a quiet plaza off Medlock Bridge Road in Johns Creek.
The moment we stepped inside, we knew we were in for something special. The place was peaceful, spotless, and uncrowded, with a calm energy you don’t often find on a Saturday night. Most of the diners were local Asian families, and everything—from the soft kitchen chatter to the unhurried pace—felt genuinely homey and authentic.
Meet Ricky, the Owner
We had the chance to chat with Ricky, the owner, who opened Papa’s Dumplings a year and a half ago. After many years in the restaurant business (his family’s been in it for generations), Ricky ran a Thai restaurant before deciding to return to something closer to home: hand-made dumplings, fresh noodles, and quiet quality over flash.
What We Ate
We started with the vegetable soup, which we asked for non-spicy—and they gladly made it just right. Warm, light, and full of depth. Then came two tiers of chicken dumplings (each tier comes with eight), and they were excellent—tender, flavorful, and beautifully cooked.
The real surprise, though, was the noodles. Smooth, springy, and almost dreamlike in texture. If you know, you know.
Why It’s Worth a Visit
Papa’s Dumplings isn’t trying to be trendy or Instagram-ready. It’s trying to be real—and it succeeds. Ricky and his team have created a clean, quiet spot where the food speaks for itself and the welcome feels genuine.
Whether you’re already a dumpling fan or just looking for something new and nourishing in North Atlanta, this is a spot worth visiting—and revisiting.
Papa’s Dumplings
11030 Medlock Bridge Rd, Suite #240
Johns Creek, GA 30097
Open Tuesday–Sunday | Lunch & Dinner
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This story is part of North Atlanta Star’s Featured Local Stories series, highlighting independent local businesses.
