gotta be one of the best king dumplings in all of socal. totally forgot how good this place and had no idea it was right here. something about this bread is totally unique this specific place, incredibly pillowy and heat retentive, soaking in sauce but keeping it’s firm bouncy structure. the stuffing is piping hot and substantial with pork, veggies, and glass noodles with just enough flavor to satisfy picky eaters but leaving room for bringing your own soy sauce to the mix. what i did not expect was the pickled onions garlic and jalapeños on the side for free. how crunchy, thinly sliced, and savory they were is an amazing addition to the whole dish. it’s worth buying the dumplings just for the pickles.
So What: this place is a testament to the grandstanding power of traditionally overlooked east asian cuisine overshadowed by more savory and complex dishes and textures. i can’t tell if it’s a shame that the venue is a run down hmart, left behind in the hood of garden grove and far from the shinier establishments in irvine, low-key just enough for those to experience its ephemeral beauty.
