New Scottsdale dumpling restaurant opens in January

Two childhood friends want Scottsdale diners to say, “hello” to their new casual dumpling and bao shop. Ni Hao Bao Dumpling House will welcome diners at a grand opening that kicks off at 11 a.m. on Jan. 16.

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 soon, the duo will launch Ni Hao 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.

Platters of Asian food and drinks. — Ni Hao Bao Dumpling House will offer customizable bowls, Bao and handmade dumplings.

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 will feature handmade dumplings, bao buns, rice bowls, salads and boba teas.

Dumplings, served in orders of six, will include Shanghai chicken soup, pork, edamame and shrimp toast-inspired fillings. These bundles will be served with sweet chili garlic, miso butter or ponzu sauces. Ni Hao will also offer 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 will be able to 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 will include edamame, mixed fruit and crispy wonton chips.

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

Bao buns will 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 imbue 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 will open in Scottsdale on Jan. 16.
Opt for bao stuffed with Korean Fried Chicken.
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.