Our Story

You're Awesome!-The thumbling Brand Story

The Beginning

In West Covina,Los Angeles,on S Citrus St,there's a little restaurant called thumbling.Tuckedaway in a bustling shopping plaza,it waits quietly like a humble hermit.If you weren't looking for it, you might miss it entirely.But once you step inside,you're enveloped by its warm ambiance and delicious aromas.

thumbling was founded by a young couple from southern China,Feng and Ye,whose journey toopening the restaurant started long before their doors welcomed customers.Feng has always had a passion for cooking.As a teenager,he enrolled in a culinary program specializing in dim sum and dumplings.His early training laid the foundation for a craft that he honed over many years,even after moving to the U.S.

Working in various kitchens,Feng never stopped mastering the art of making dumplings—from Xiao Long Bao(soup dumplings)to potstickers,wontons,and hand-pulled noodles.Every aspect,from kneading the dough to crafting the perfect filling,became his obsession.He perfected each detail, including the cooking methods and sauces that accompany the dishes.

One day,Feng's son invited some friends over for a meal,and Feng prepared a feast of dumplings and noodles.The kids loved it,and when they left,they took some extra dumplings home with them. The next day,parents started calling,praising the food and even requesting frozen batches to send to relatives in other states.It was a turning point.Feng and Ye were inspired by this outpouring of support from their community.They began to dream about opening a place of their own—a restaurant where every meal tasted like home.

Delicate steamed dumplings with juicy filling, a classic Chinese dim sum at Thumbling, a Chinese Dumpling restaurant in West Covina

The Challenge

But then,in 2020,the world changed.The pandemic disrupted everyone's lives,including Feng and Ye's plans.What was supposed to be a smooth journey suddenly became uncertain,and like many in the restaurant industry,they faced incredible challenges.

One day,while reading the fairy tale Thumbling to their son,Ye was struck by the character's courage and cleverness.It reminded her of what they were going through—the challenges were enormous,but like the tiny Tom Thumb,they had to be brave and find creative ways to thrive.The idea stuck with them,and soon,the name thumbling was born.

Despite everything,Feng and Ye took a leap of faith and opened their humble restaurant.It was more than just a business;it was a chance to share something deeply personal—the flavors of home.

The Commitment

For Feng,thumbling is all about the details.He insists on using the best ingredients and maintains a hands-on approach in everything that happens in the kitchen.The open kitchen allows customers to watch the magic happen—the dough being rolled out,dumplings carefully folded,and dishes prepared with care.

This transparency not only builds trust but also bridges the gap between tradition and the community.

One dish,in particular,has captured the hearts of thumbling's customers:Xiao Long Bao.These intricate,delicate soup dumplings are prepared with such precision that each one looks like a tiny masterpiece.When they arrive at the table,steaming hot,they aren't just food—they're a work of art.

The Evolution

For Feng and thumbling,it's never just about making food—it's about sharing the beauty of Chinese culinary traditions.But as time passed,Feng knew he needed to adapt to local tastes as well.He began experimenting with new flavors that would appeal to a broader American audience while staying true to his roots.This balance helped thumbling win the hearts of both first-time visitors and
regulars alike.

Even through the ongoing challenges of the pandemic,thumbling remained open,continuing to serve its community with the same warmth and care it started with.In a way,the little restaurant had become a staple of the neighborhood,a place where people could find comfort and connection, even in tough times.

The Future

What began with a dumpling,and a simple story,has grown into something bigger.Like the fairy-tale character that inspired it,thumbling continues to persevere,evolving as it grows.Feng and Ye,now fully rooted in Los Angeles with their children,see their restaurant as part of their family's legacy. And just like they've planted roots here,they hope to bring thumbling to more places,so others can experience the love and tradition packed into every bite.

With each dumpling,they're sharing not only a taste of home but also their story—their challenges, their triumphs,and their unwavering belief that food can bring people together.As thumbling grows, so does the team,with new partners joining the mission of spreading this humble restaurant's heartwarming flavors to a wider world.