
5

"Eyebrow-raisingly popular and just two years old, this dumpling spot earns its weekend crowds, with staff on Friday and Saturday nights literally pulling tables together to make more seating. Start with the fundamentals: the salmon avocado fried rice is fresh, creamy, and bountiful for $20, and the marinated cucumbers—firm, saucy spears shaved into dark green isosceles triangles—come in a portion generous enough for three or four for just under $7. A scaldingly hot pot of tea is a smart order while lingering over whichever dumplings suit your fancy (I hit the shrimp and pea shoot), plus a veritable slab of pan-fried turnip cakes that are $8 well-spent. The vibe is bright under overhead lights and resolutely no-frills, drawing a truly diverse crowd of young families, big friend groups, and delivery drivers darting in and out. Insider tip: Monday through Thursday brings a truly batty happy hour with unlimited refills of house white wine, sake, or imported beers like Tsing Tao and Asahi for eight bucks." - Paolo Bicchieri