Hole-in-the-wall dumplings
Prepare to wait for a table at this cheap and cheery hole-in-the-wall dumpling house during busy dinner time. The limited and slightly uncomfortable alfresco seating on the pathway amongst parked cars and pedestrians passing by may not be the most romantic way to spend a night but the bill won’t break the bank either. There’s a tiny bit of seating inside but on a nice night the lively atmosphere outside is well prized. Lamb fried dumpling ($11.50 for 12 pieces) come with a nice crispy netted base as too the Seafood fried dumpling ($14.50 for 12 pieces). I usually prefer the fried version of dumplings over the steamed or boiled style. There’s not a lot of broth in the ShangHai Xiao Long Bao ($9.50 for 8 pieces) but perhaps more flavour than the plainer yet perfectly made ones at Din Tai Fung.
Prepare to wait for a table at this cheap and cheery hole-in-the-wall dumpling house during busy dinner time. The limited and slightly uncomfortable alfresco seating on the pathway amongst parked cars and pedestrians passing by may not be the most romantic way to spend a night but the bill won’t break the bank either. There’s a tiny bit of seating inside but on a nice night the lively atmosphere outside is well prized. Lamb fried dumpling ($11.50 for 12 pieces) come with a nice crispy netted base as too the Seafood fried dumpling ($14.50 for 12 pieces). I usually prefer the fried version of dumplings over the steamed or boiled style. There’s not a lot of broth in the ShangHai Xiao Long Bao ($9.50 for 8 pieces) but perhaps more flavour than the plainer yet perfectly made ones at Din Tai Fung.
The more expensive Shrimp steamed dumpling ($12.50 for 6 pieces) come with visible prawn inside. Boiled green vegetable serve with black soy sauce and hot oil ($9.50) has unfortunately more stalk than leaves and perhaps not at its best but adds some healthy greens to the diet. I found the soy sauce and chilli served at the table for the dumplings a bit flavourless for some reason as if watered down, perhaps for the Western palate? The kitchen is located downstairs so this can add to the delay of a timely service. They seemed to be understaffed so prepare to wait for your dumplings when busy and don't expect attentive service. Toilets are also located downstairs so expect a precarious journey to get to them via the steep narrow stairs and tiny busy kitchen. I'd probably try the noodles next time to see what they're like.
SNAPSHOT REVIEW:
PROS: Fairly cheap, Dumplings are apparently made onsite, Very popular, Crispy base on the fried dumplings
CONS: Uncomfortable seating, Very limited table service, Prepare to waiting for a table when busy, Nightmare area for street parking, Need to walk down precarious stairs to toilet
WORTH TRYING: Fried dumplings
DAMAGE: $74 for five
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Lamb fried dumpling ($11.50 for 12 pieces)
Seafood fried dumpling ($14.50 for 12 pieces)
Steamed Little Buns - ShangHai Xiao Long Bao ($9.50 for 8 pieces)
Plastic holder picture menu listing ingredients used
Scary steep walk down the stairs through the tiny kitchen to get to the customer toilet, Bill $74 for five
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