Welcome back to another exciting stop on the NEPA Tripe Tour! If you have been following our journey, you know we are on a mission to find the most authentic, flavorful, and perfectly textured tripe dishes across the region. Today, our quest brings us to a hidden gem in the heart of chocolate town: Tang Dumplings in Hershey, PA. Known for their incredible dim sum and hand-crafted dumplings, we went in with high expectations and a very specific craving for some world-class offal.

Joining the crew today are some familiar faces, Glenn is leading the charge, accompanied by the "Tripe Girl," and even some special guests in the form of Eeyore and Pooh Bear. We didn’t just come for the atmosphere, though; we came for the extensive menu that features everything from refreshing cucumber salads to some of the most talked-about tripe in the Mechanicsburg and Hummelstown area. Let’s dive into the details of this culinary adventure.

Exploring the Menu at Tang Dumplings

Before we even sat down, the menu at Tang Dumplings caught our eye. It is a massive spread that caters to both the adventurous eater and those looking for classic Chinese comfort food. While the restaurant is famous for its dim sum and soup dumplings, the tripe section is what really piqued our interest. They offer two distinct styles that represent different culinary traditions:

• Beef Tripe in Ginger Scallion: Often referred to as "white tripe," this version is typically lighter, featuring aromatics and a focus on the natural texture of the meat.

• Beef Honeycomb Tripe: Known as "red tripe" in this review, this dish is braised in a rich, savory sauce that permeates the intricate "honeycomb" structure of the stomach lining.

Of course, a trip to Tang Dumplings wouldn't be complete without sampling the rest of the kitchen's capabilities. We rounded out our order with General Tso’s chicken, a vibrant pineapple and shrimp fried rice, and their signature soup dumplings, which have been compared to the world-renowned Din Tai Fung.

The Great Tripe Showdown: Red vs. White

The core of the NEPA Tripe Tour is the taste test, and Tang Dumplings gave us a lot to talk about. We started with the white tripe, prepared with ginger and scallions. This style is often found in traditional hot pot or as a cold appetizer. However, for our resident "Tripe Girl," the texture was a bit of a hurdle. While it lacked any off-putting smell, a major plus for any tripe dish, the mouthfeel was a bit more challenging for those who prefer a tender, braised consistency.

Then, we moved on to the star of the show: the Red Honeycomb Tripe. The moment it hit the table, we knew we were in for something special. The deep, rich color of the sauce and the perfectly defined honeycomb structure were a visual feast. But the real magic happened during the first bite.

The "Italian Style" Connection

One of the most interesting observations made during our meal was the comparison to Italian-style tripe. For those who grew up in Italian households, tripe is often slow-simmered in a hearty tomato-based sauce until it becomes incredibly tender. The honeycomb tripe at Tang Dumplings mirrored this experience perfectly. It wasn't tough or rubbery; as Glenn noted, "It ain't like bubble gum." Instead, it was soft, succulent, and absorbed every drop of the savory sauce it was cooked in.

The Verdict on Texture

Texture is everything when it comes to tripe. If it’s undercooked, it’s like chewing on a rubber band; if it’s overcooked, it loses its structural integrity. Tang Dumplings hit the "Goldilocks zone" with their red tripe. It had just enough bite to be satisfying but was tender enough to melt away. This is the kind of dish that can convert someone who is usually skeptical of offal.

More Than Just Tripe: A Full Dim Sum Experience

While we were there for the tripe, we couldn't ignore the other heavy hitters on the table. Tang Dumplings is clearly a master of the craft when it comes to traditional Chinese fare. Here are a few highlights from the rest of our spread:

• Soup Dumplings (Xiao Long Bao): These were a revelation. Comparing them to Din Tai Fung is high praise, but Tang Dumplings holds its own. The skins were delicate yet strong enough to hold the hot, savory broth inside.

• Pineapple and Shrimp Fried Rice: A perfect balance of sweet and savory. The acidity of the pineapple cut through the richness of the other dishes, making it a great palate cleanser between bites of tripe.

• General Tso’s Chicken: A crowd favorite that was executed with a crispy exterior and a sauce that had just the right amount of kick.

Key Takeaways for Your Visit

If you’re planning a trip to Tang Dumplings in Hershey or their other locations in Hummelstown and Mechanicsburg, here are a few expert tips to make the most of your meal:

1. Go for the Honeycomb: If you are a fan of tender, flavorful tripe, the red honeycomb version is a non-negotiable order. It is easily a 10 out of 10.

2. Skip the Ginger Scallion if You’re a Beginner: While the ginger scallion tripe is authentic, its texture might be a bit much for those new to tripe. It’s better suited for those who enjoy the "crunchier" side of hot pot ingredients.

3. Mind the "Bubble Gum" Factor: Good tripe should never feel like you're chewing endlessly. Tang’s red tripe passes the test with flying colors.

4. Bring a Group: With so many dim sum options and large portions of fried rice and chicken, this is a place meant for sharing.

The Final Score: A 10 Out of 10

It’s not often that we hand out a perfect score, but Tang Dumplings earned it. The combination of expert preparation, lack of any "gamey" smell, and a sauce that would make any Italian grandmother proud made the red honeycomb tripe a standout dish in our tour history. The "Tripe Girl" was officially won over, and the rest of the table couldn't stop reaching for more.

The hospitality at the Hershey location was top-notch, and the quality of the ingredients shone through in every dish. Whether you are a tripe connoisseur or just looking for some of the best dumplings in Central Pennsylvania, Tang Dumplings is a destination you cannot miss.

Conclusion

Our visit to Tang Dumplings in Hershey was a highlight of the NEPA Tripe Tour. We discovered that when tripe is handled with respect and culinary expertise, it transforms from a "scary" ingredient into a gourmet delicacy. The red honeycomb tripe is a masterclass in texture and flavor, proving that you don't have to be in a big city like New York or Philadelphia to find world-class dim sum.

If you find yourself in the Hershey, Hummelstown, or Mechanicsburg area, do yourself a favor and stop by. Just remember to tell them the Tripe Tour sent you! We’re moving on to our next location soon, but the memory of that 10-out-of-10 honeycomb tripe will stay with us for a long time. Chef’s kiss! See you in the next episode!

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