New dumpling restaurant opens in Scottsdale

Two childhood friends are saying “hello” to Scottsdale with their new casual dumpling and bao shop. Ni Hao Bao Dumpling House opened on Friday.

Ni Hao, the Chinese greeting, inspired the restaurant and its atmosphere, founder Darrell Ngo said in a press release.

“Our goal was to create a place where everyone feels welcome,” he said.

Ngo and Arin Finger have been friends since they were 9 years old, and now they are business partners on Ni Hao, located at the Mercado del Rancho shopping center on the southeast corner of Shea Boulevard and 92nd Street.

Finger is an entrepreneur who previously worked in visual effects, including for DreamWorks Animation. Ngo, meanwhile, spent more than 20 years rising through the ranks of the Asian chain P.F. Chang’s. Most recently, Ngo served as P.F. Chang’s senior culinary innovation chef, overseeing global menu development.

Ni Hao Bao owners. — Longtime friends Arin Finger and Darrell Ngo have partned on the Asian fast-casual restaurant Ni Hao Bao Dumpling House.

Ni Hao Bao Dumpling House

Boba, bao and more at Ni Hao

The founders aim to serve vibrant eats in a space to match. The fast-casual, counter-service restaurant’s menu features handmade dumplings, bao buns, rice bowls, salads and boba teas.

Dumplings, served in orders of six, include Shanghai chicken soup, pork, edamame and shrimp toast-inspired fillings. These bundles are served with sweet chili garlic, miso butter or ponzu sauces. Ni Hao also offers Hong Kong spicy wontons and soups brimming with pork or vegetarian wontons.

Diners opting for bao buns, a rice bowl or a veggie-forward stir fry or salad can customize their order with their choice of protein and side dish. Those main options include Korean Fried Chicken, sweet soy-glazed Mongolian steak, Asian barbecue pork belly, firecracker crispy shrimp or grilled tofu, among others. Sides include edamame, mixed fruit and crispy wonton chips.

To drink, Ni Hao offers boba drinks made with Thai iced tea, matcha and strawberry lemonade.

Bao buns get a sweet upgrade for dessert, either filled with chocolate and toasted marshmallows for a s’mores-inspired treat or deep-fried and rolled in cinnamon sugar, like churros.

The 1,500 square-foot space features an open kitchen, indoor dining and a dog-friendly patio. Finger has used his design experience, partnering with ENC and Need to Know to create unique visuals around the restaurant, including a dumpling-headed mascot and vintage nods to “Godzilla.”

Here’s a look inside and what’s on the menu at Ni Hao.

Ni Hao Bao Dumpling House opened in Scottsdale on Jan. 16.
Opt for bao stuffed with Korean Fried Chicken at Ni Hao Bao Dumpling House.
Order wontons Hong Kong-style, served in a spicy chili sauce.
Diners can order bulgogi steak in bao buns, pictured, or in a rice bowl or salad.
Ni Hao’s menu features customizable rice bowls.
Ni Hao’s edamame dumplings are filled with fresh herbs and served with a ponzu sauce.
Crispy pork belly buns are served with pickles.
Warm up with a bowl of wonton soup.
Ni Hao’s interiors nod to vintage “Godzilla” and feature a dumpling-headed mascot.
Ni Hao offers a dog-friendly patio.
Ni Hao is located at the Mercado del Rancho shopping center at the southeast corner of Shea Boulevard and 92nd Street.