Bigsuda

"Bigsuda is a newish Asian restaurant from the owners of Oiistar, a popular ramen shop that’s been in Wicker Park since 2012. The restaurant specializes in unique small plates. You’ll find Korean mandu, Chinese xiao long bao, and stir fry dishes like lomo saltado and kung pao spaghetti. It’s a fun menu with surprises, but also not overwhelming. You’ll find something to enjoy, and if not, don’t sweat it. It’s small plates, just order something else; you don’t have to fear commitment." - Ashok Selvam

"This Korean restaurant comes in handy when you need a soup dumpling fix. And like Oiistar, Bigsuda’s ramen-centric sibling across the street, broth plays an important role. The xiao long bao at this Wicker Park spot have a chewy wrapper that holds in the savory soup and tasty fillings like seafood or truffle and pork. And if you prefer soup in a big bowl instead of a doughy parcel, they also have solid mandoo and tasty dombe guksu with hand-cut noodles. Bigsuda’s dimly lit space is usually buzzing with upbeat music, couples digging through steam baskets, and friends who are mid-noodle slurp. In other words, it’s a good spot for any dumpling-fueled hang. Food Rundown photo credit: Bigsuda Xiao Long Bao The XLBs here are solid, with porky broth front and center. We do wish there was more going on, so we like getting the crab and shrimp ones which add a nice umami flavor to the meaty broth-filled dumplings. photo credit: John Ringor Mandoo You can get the mandoo here steamed, but we like getting them pan-seared—the dumpling skirt gives each bite an extra crispiness. Like the XLBs, they could use more flavor, but the kimchi and pork ones still have some satisfying meatiness and funk. photo credit: John Ringor Dombe Guksu Though dumplings might be the main stars of Bigsuda, don’t overlook this flavorful soup with herbaceous beef and pork broth and housemade noodles. You can top it with proteins like grilled steak, soy-braised pulled pork, and fried chicken." - John Ringor

"Bigsuda hits all the notes — scallion pancakes, handmade soup dumplings, cheesy bulgogi, and more. This cozy restaurant along Milwaukee Avenue in Wicker Park is from the owners of Oiistar. Inside, diners will find some of Chicago’s more creative Korean and Chinese food. Rice and noodles are always comforting and Bigsuda does them with a unique flair — for example bites of bulgogi are steamed with cheese." - Ashok Selvam, Eater Staff

"The team behind Oiistar (one of our favorite spots for ramen) just opened a new Korean restaurant specializing in mandoo and xiao long bao. At Bigsuda in Wicker Park, you can try soup dumplings stuffed with truffle and kurobuta, alongside dishes like jellyfish bruschetta and lamb twigim." - john ringor, veda kilaru, nick allen