House of Dumplings， 北方小吃

Reference to a food write-up in the Chinese Papers 联合早报, on this modest food stall that serves Northern China fare at Blk 28 of Kelantan Lane; we had a satisfying lunch today.

While being skeptical about its food quality dues to its plain stall decorations, we were put at ease by the pleasant and friendly lady at the stall. Rather than urging us for more orders, she actually advises us that our 2 order of dumplings were substantial for a meal.

However upon the serving of our Xiao Long Bao, we were pleasantly pleased with the food quality and decide to venture further with an additional order of its homemade noodle soup.

The neatly kneaded dumplings were swollen with stock, and filling of minced pork were flavored enough to be tasty without being salty for my liking.

I was impressed by the freshness; none of the dumpling skins stuck to the lining paper and nothing had been re-steamed.

Xiao Long Bao, 小笼包 ($3)

The skin was thin and does not taste floury, and none bursts on us when we pick it up with the chopsticks.

Pan-fried Gyozas, 锅贴 ($5)

My joy was receiving my long desired Pan-fried dumpling that had the right finished texture of soft one-sided with the other side being crisply pan-fried.

As with its steamed meat dumplings, the meat filling for the gyozas is tasty and succulent.

Handmade Noodles, 板面 ($4)

After our heavy meat dumplings servings, we were glad to tuck into our light bowl of noodle soup.

Being deceptively plain-looking, the bowl offers more bite and taste than we first imagined. Their handmade noodle really surprises me of its slippery and non-floury taste and textures!

I've never been a lover of these handmade noodles dues to its floury-taste nature but the one served here today changes my viewpoint of Ban Mian. It could actually tastes so good.

The broth was full-bodied but not overwhelming. And when we accidentally burst the half-cooked egg yolk in the soup, the soup base transforms into one that further entices our taste buds...

We emptied the bowl.

With mum in mind, we enquire if their dishes could be served in Vegetarian styled, the ever obliging stall lady replied with a welcoming, yes. Even the dumplings could be done with Vegetarian fillings! But try to come in at non-peak hours, she advised :)

I'll definitely be back soon.