The mini bun (mo) from the kids menu is served with a side of taro chips at Three Fold Noodles and Dumpling Co.

Welcome to the latest installment in our blog series, Foodie Families, in which we share news about Little Rock's family-friendly restaurant scene. Here are a few new and upcoming spots we think that families will love (plus, a little love for some of central Arkansas' existing family-friendly eateries!).

Three Fold Noodles and Dumpling Co.: Most kids love noodles, right? Right. So we imagine that downtown Little Rock's newest fast-casual Chinese restaurant will be a popular spot with families.

Located in the former home of Your Mama's Good Food (215 Center St.), the renovated spot serves up authentic Chinese dishes, including Wuhan-style wheat noodles (topped with either chicken, pork or tofu), handmade dumplings, and buns (again, your choice of chicken, pork or tofu goes in the middle). Before Three Fold's official soft opening on Dec. 18, we were lucky enough to taste-test just about everything on the menu. We found each dish to be simple, yet flavorful. We've already been back for seconds, and we can't wait for a third trip!

Pan-fried dumplings (jiaozi) with a side of carrot slaw at Three Fold Noodles and Dumpling Co.

The kids menu features smaller portions of the same delicious fare, and we think little ones will especially love the mini buns. The buns are steamed and then pan fried for a crispy outside and soft, light middle. Even if you don't have adventurous eaters, these buns won't intimidate: They look like sliders filled with barbecue. While the adult menu features traditional boiled dumplings, lucky kiddos get a special pan-fried version. And, all kid's menu items are served with addictive taro chips--a modern take on a traditional Chinese root vegetable--sprinkled lightly with sugar.

An added bonus for families is the incredibly reasonable price point: Adult menu items are in the $7-$8 range and the kids menu items top out at $5.50.

Wuhan-style wheat noodles are topped with either chicken, pork or tofu, as well as fresh herbs.

Three Fold Noodles and Dumpling Co. held its soft opening on Dec. 18, and is now open to the public. A grand opening will be held in January. Follow them at Facebook.com/Eat3Fold for updates on operating hours and menu items.

 

More updates!

The wait is over for some of the restaurants on our "must try" list. Here are a few of the recently opened restaurants around town.

  • Moms and dads, here's your next date night: Lost Forty Brewing had its soft opening on Saturday, Dec. 20.
  • The beloved Thai food truck, kBird, is now open and serving at its brick-and-mortar restaurant, located at 600 North Tyler.

Have a family foodie tip for Little Rock Family? Email bneel@abpg.com.