The women in my family have been making dumplings together my entire life. My mother's entire life. And her mother's entire life. They have been feeding their loved ones with comfort and community - a tradition that crosses generations and oceans.

In early 2025, I began Mahjong Dumplings as a project to share this culture in the greater Ventura area. My efforts felt natural as a first generation Chinese-American, food-grower, storyteller, and passionate cook who was seeking community in a new place. The plan was simple. To feed people. To share with them the flavors and techniques in Chinese homestyle cooking. And to talk story on the experiences and identities that have formed this desire to share a deep language of love - the recipes that have been passed down from the women in my family to me.

What began as an at-home dumpling making and sell-out-the-back-door business, has now become a larger effort to create spaces in which folks can gather and connect in Southern California. We provide a spectrum of services which have grown to include pop-ups, mahjong nights, cooking workshops, private dining experiences, and large event catering.

A variety of artisanal, handmade Chinese dumplings are always available on our menus. As well as a growing spectrum of specialty homestyle Chinese dishes, goods, and yummy treats. All developed with a balance of creative exploration and authenticity in mind. We work with a group of elders in the Chinese-American community to thoughtfully source and hand-make the best quality dumplings we can put in your belly.

Our philosophy is to share food from the heart. Our dumplings are a generationally crafted vessel for connection and meaning with our clients/customers. Thank you for being here.

- Catherine Mao

Founder