Our Story
From Our Family
to Your Table
A story of family, tradition, and the dumplings that brought a community together.
The Beginning
A Dream Born at Purdue
In December 2022, Bing Shuo Li (Charlie)—a 22-year-old international economics student at Purdue University—made a bold decision. Together with his parents, he would open a restaurant.
The family had noticed something missing in the Greater Lafayette area: authentic, handmade Chinese dumplings. Not the mass-produced kind, but real dumplings crafted with care, using recipes passed down through generations of their family in China.
Charlie's father became "the flavor guy"—the one responsible for perfecting every recipe, ensuring each dumpling carried the authentic taste of home.
September 2024
A Family's Challenge
In September 2024, life threw the Li family an unexpected challenge. Charlie's father—the heart and soul behind every recipe—suffered a stroke following hernia surgery.
The restaurant faced an uncertain future. But Charlie refused to let his family's dream die. He stepped up, learning his father's secret recipes and taking on the responsibility of running the restaurant largely alone.
Working 14-16 hour days, Charlie poured everything he had into keeping Bao Dumpling alive.
A Community Rallies
Word spread through Reddit and the Purdue Exponent about what Charlie and his family were going through. The Greater Lafayette community responded with overwhelming support.
"The outpouring of love from this community has been incredible. Every customer who walks through our door gives me strength to keep going."
— Charlie Li
Our Values
What We Stand For
Family Tradition
Every recipe comes from our family in China, passed down through generations and made with the same love and care.
Handmade Daily
No shortcuts. Every dumpling is crafted by hand, fresh each day, just as they should be made.
Pure Quality
No MSG, no artificial additives. Just pure, natural ingredients that let the authentic flavors shine through.
Come Be Part of Our Story
When you dine with us, you become part of our family's journey. We can't wait to share the flavors of our home with you.