Xi Home Dumplings Bay specialises in northern-style Chinese dumplings from Dalian, the hometown of founder Wenjun Xiang
Having started out at Bang Bang Oriental Food Hall, a Covent Garden restaurant soon followed, and now they have a brand new spot on Blossom Street in Spitalfields.
Eat This
Northern-style Shuijiao (boiled dumplings) are a little thicker than steamed dumplings so they are hearty and filling, rather than delicate and pretty like Cantonese dim sum. At Xi Home Dumplings Bay, they’re made fresh and you can see the chef through the glass window creating the pastry and filling the dumplings before boiling.
There’s around 20 to choose from and we can very much recommend the jade lobster dumplings; the pork and pickled Chinese leaves; and the spicy lamb and cumin. You also have to get the giant soup dumpling which comes with a straw to drink the soup from before you tuck in – this is the dish that made the restaurant Insta-famous.
All the dumplings come in portions of ten, although they will do you half portions if you ask. Even so, it makes it hard to try that many things if there’s just two of you as they’re so filling. We’d love to see them introduce a mixed portion of ten with five different fillings for solo diners or couples.
Elsewhere, there’s an excellent smacked cucumber salad, seaweed salad, and prawn pan-fried dumplings, as well as a line-up of noodle and rice dishes.
Drink This
There’s a decent selection of beers on tap, as well as cocktails. We stuck to the green tea however and there’s also detox juices if you’re having a night off the sauce.
Why Go
If you like dumplings, you’ll definitely want to get a visit booked in soon. Just try and round up a few friends so you can make the most of the menu.
Key Information
Address | 10 Blossom Street, London E1 6PL
For more information | wjxfoodculture.co.uk