This charming, family-run spot in El Cerrito specializes in delectable boiled dumplings with unique fillings and inviting Chinese sides, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal.
"The East Bay has needed a high-quality jiaozi, or boiled dumpling, spot, so it’s no surprise this El Cerrito restaurant has been a hit since day one. Cold appetizers like sliced pig ears are great, and scallion pancakes are crisp and wonderfully oily. But the only move here is to order as many of the restaurant’s compact, two-bite dumplings as you might reasonably expect to eat. Fillings include delightful combinations you’d be hard-pressed to find elsewhere — zucchini, egg, and shrimp, for example. Most of the dumplings are also available frozen to bring home." - Dianne de Guzman, Momo Chang, Eater Staff
"This hit El Cerrito restaurant serves compact dumplings with delightful and varied filling combinations you’d be hard-pressed to find elsewhere — think, zucchini, egg, and shrimp." - Dianne de Guzman, Clair Lorell, Paolo Bicchieri
"It is definitely all in the name at this vivacious and cheery spot where dumplings are the star of the show. Watch them being made in the open kitchen, then consult the chalkboard for featured menu items. Scallion pancakes and beef noodle soup make an appearance, but press forward to some of the more offbeat items. Peanut salad is tossed with bright celery and crinkle-cut carrot shavings to deliver a wonderful texture and flavorful crunch, but oh those dumplings. Bursting with traditional fillings or more unusual combinations like sweet corn and chicken or scrambled egg and tomato, these delicious parcels are a meal unto themselves with hearty portions rounding out each order.You'll leave pleasantly stuffed with plenty of cash remaining in your wallet." - Michelin Inspector
"It is definitely all in the name at this vivacious and cheery spot where dumplings are the star of the show. Watch them being made in the open kitchen, then consult the chalkboard for featured menu items." - The MICHELIN Guide
"The East Bay’s premier destination for Chinese boiled dumplings, or shui jiao, is open for takeout, selling fresh-cooked dumplings as well as frozen ones. The dumplings come in a generous portion of 14 per order — all for less than $10. Snag an order of scallion pancakes and a cold appetizer — say, the celery and peanut salad — to round out your meal. Call in or get delivery via DoorDash." - Luke Tsai
