It’s a-BAO Time You Got on the Dumps Truck
If you haven't heard about Dumps Like a Truck by now, you're probably living under a rock.
Over the past year, this food truck-turned-restaurant has taken Auburn by storm.
Dumps Like a Truck is locally owned and operated by husband-wife duo Whitley and Desiree Dykes. Desiree hand-makes every dumpling using traditional methods she learned growing up in China, while Whitley runs the storefront, making sure everyone gets a gigantic smile as they’re welcomed in. The Dykes were working normal jobs in Auburn before opening Dumps Like a Truck but found themselves feeling like they could do more for their community. They found a hole in the market and decided to fill it, focusing on community-based success and enacting change by providing a welcoming space for people from all backgrounds.
Good food can go a long way, but the growth Dumps Like a Truck has gone through over through the past year is due to their genuine love for the Auburn community. The first thing you notice when walking up to Dumps Like a Truck is (besides the AMAZING smell) a very warm welcome. It’s impossible to feel like a stranger at Dumps Like a Truck.
Now, how did I get on the bao train? It all started last July when I had my first taste of real dumplings and bao. I had been hearing about Dumps Like a Truck for a while, but pushed off going because I wasn't sure how it worked. I got a friend who had been to show me the ropes (and to avoid feeling like a deer in headlights trying to order some food). After that visit, I was hooked. I started thinking about how there are people like me who might be pushing off visiting Dumps Like a Truck because they're unsure about how to create the most pleasant experience for themselves. That is why I have compiled some tips and tricks to make your visit to Dumps Like a Truck as easy as can be. You can thank me later (preferably in bao).
Tips and Tricks
The MOST important tip that I can give to anyone is to follow them on Instagram! Whitley posts wait times, changes to store hours, food availability updates, and cute pictures of their baby throughout the day. He also posts the menu each day, which changes frequently and pretty much always features two kinds of bao, a cold dish, and a specialty drink. (Don’t worry, there’s free coffee too!) Talk about using social media for good.
Dumps Like a Truck is typically open Wednesday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. with an occasional Saturday pop-up. The best time to go is between 8 and 10 a.m., because once 11 a.m. hits, so does the wait. If you can't make it until later, it’s best to go after 1 p.m. At that point the line has died down, but you run the risk of them being out of stock.
They’re located at 196 North Donahue Dr., right beside Goal Post. Parking is limited, so I highly recommend walking. The storefront is right down the road from campus, making it a nice stroll.
Every Wednesday is “Hump Day” at Dumps Like a Truck. All single or student mothers eat free. All you have to do is order the "special" and you're good to go! This is one of the many ways they try to give back to the community.
Be patient! If you don’t have time to wait for a few minutes, I don’t recommend trying to squeeze in a bao run. On a busy day, the wait time can be over an hour, but other times you can be in and out within 5 minutes. It all depends on the day and what the menu items are because popularity differs. Just remember that every menu item is handmade by pretty much one woman, and trust me, it’s worth the wait!
The more popular the menu items, the higher the chances of a wait. Some fan-favorites include Bacon, Egg, and Cheese fried dumplings; Buffalo Chicken Dip Bao; Pork Belly Buns; and the Beef, Carrot, and Onion Bao. All items are highly recommended, but pay close attention to Instagram to plan for a larger crowd.
Dumps Like a Truck is something that every Auburn student needs to try during his or her time here. It’s the most authentic place I have been to – in terms of the food AND the community. More changes are in the works for them as they plan to move to a new location soon. This will include a bigger space and the ability to serve even more people. To stay up to date with all things Dumps Like a Truck, go follow them @dumpslikeatruck_irritablebao on Instagram!
Be Well, Auburn.
Photography: Zoe L.
Born and raised in Madison, Alabama, Anna is a junior majoring in graphic design and minoring in marketing. She hopes to pursue a career that satisfies her need to design and challenges her to constantly be creating new marketing strategies.
Anna is passionate about collecting vinyl, finding the best lavender latte, and going on late night drives with her best friend. If you can’t find her at the dog park, she is most likely whipping up a five-course meal for her closest friends.
