Lao Peng You

"Lao Peng You is a small Chinese spot with a short menu of primarily handmade noodles and dumplings. They pivoted to carry out during the pandemic, and it turns out that their plump handmade dumplings and 67-foot-long noodles taste just as wonderful on your couch. We like everything here, but our favorites are the cold noodles, beef noodle soup, and the excellent xi’an bing. Also, make sure you take advantage of the delicious housemade chili oil and vinegar they give you." - adrian kane, veda kilaru, john ringor, nick allen

"Lao Peng You’s Chinese food isn’t what most Chicagoans are familiar with as handmade dumplings come out in bowls of piping hot sweet and sour broth. Suan tang shui jiao originated from Central Asia, and while it’s not a traditional soup, this broth-based dish ticks a lot of the boxes and is superior in many ways. If traditional soup is the target, the restaurant sells an outstanding chicken noodle version. This family-owned restaurant also appeared on The Bear." - Naomi Waxman

"Brothers Daniel and Eric Wat opened this small West Town restaurant in late 2019 and quickly earned recognition for their handmade specialties. Drawing inspiration from childhood memories and family recipes, the two have created exceptional dumplings swimming in hot and sour broth and noodles available two ways — cold or in soups. Be sure to save some room for the lamb-cumin flatbread, too. Lao Peng You accepts orders for pickup and lunch delivery." - Ashok Selvam, Eater Staff

"When brothers and veteran Chicago chefs Daniel and Eric Wat opened Lao Peng You in West Town, they said the restaurant was inspired by their memories of family potlucks. It follows, that their feature item — suan tang shui jiao, or dumplings in a hot and sour broth (aged dark soy, vinegar, chili oil) — make diners feel like they’re part of the family too." - Ashok Selvam, Eater Staff

"Despite the amount of train riding, walking, and somewhat odd winter-boat-touring going on in season two episode three, almost all of the restaurants shown are in roughly the same part of the city. And those delicious-looking handmade noodles, dumplings, and cong you bing are from Lao Peng You in Ukrainian Village. This small BYOB Chinese spot has great food and feels like a party—and just like a party, you shouldn’t come empty-handed. Order the dan dan noodles, pork dumplings in a spicy sour broth, and bring a six-pack." - adrian kane, nick allen