Manju Pops up With Walk-Up Window for Hot Dumplings and Steamed Pork Buns

Manju is launching a new pop-up takeout window, serving hot dumplings and char siu bao on Thursdays at Peninsula, from 3 to 8 p.m.

Yuriko Say launched her pop-up Manju, selling her lovingly handmade frozen pork and shrimp dumplings in packages of 18 back in August from her East Nashville restaurant, Peninsula. After crowd demand, Say quickly added a family gyoza recipe to the rotation.

Beginning on Thursday, December 10, customers can order from a new hot takeout menu that includes char siu bao (steamed Cantonese BBQ pork buns) alongside the dumplings that started it all — either served as wonton soup in Peninsula’s beloved broth, or in a spicy soy and chili sauce. Customers can choose to purchase them still frozen as usual, or piping hot for takeout in the window at Peninsula, located at 1035 W. Eastland Avenue.

For frozen products, pre-orders may be placed online anytime and will be ready for contactless curbside pick-up every Tuesday and Thursday between 3 and 8 p.m. Call-in and walk-up ordering will also be available during the same hours. Online ordering for hot food will be available in the coming weeks. Hot food is only available on Thursday between 3 and 8 p.m.

Since launching Manju back in August, Say has kept her hands busy folding dumplings and testing new menu ideas. After countless queries from happy customers requesting a brick-and-mortar dumpling shop, Say was inspired to evolve Peninsula’s operations to include the weekly walk-up takeout option. She is incredibly excited to add her char siu bao part of the new offerings. Sweet, crisp-edged fatty pork is enveloped in a steamed, bouncy dough pillow. Say says now that she’s making the Cantonese-style pork regular, guests can expect to also see it in rotating specials like lo mai gai or banh mi. To order hot food for pick-up, call 615-679-0377 or just walk on up during business hours. (See the full menu below.)

Peninsula is known for both its broths and gin and tonic program — both of which became available for at-home consumption during their COVID-19 closure (and now re-closure) Peninsula broth is still available for subscription service, and tonic syrup sells in 16-ounce bottles or as part of the DIY gin and tonic kit.

• Peninsula Reopens Soon, Pivoting to a Temporary Tasting Menu Model [ENASH]