Zhong Guo La Mian Xiao Long Bao (Chinatown Complex)

Heard plenty about the hong you cha shou here and had to try it for myself. Thankfully the queue was not too long during a weekday lunch crowd, and I waited about 10-15 minutes till it qas my turn. Glad to say that it totally is the best hong you cha shou I’ve had so far — plump wantons with handmade skin that was soft and silky. Handmade skin was thin, of course with the help of the machine making sure that it’s flattened to even pieces of the perfect proportion. Juiciness with every bite that went so well with the my all time favourite chilli oil and vinegar combination.

Rate:🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

While the Korean version of zha jiang mian fairs on the sweeter side and in fact sweeter than I’d prefer, it’s hard to find good Chinese zha jiang mian for some reason. Most of my experiences ended up feeling unsatisfactory, with sauces tasting bland or noodles being so dry they clump up together. But apart from their famed wantons, this stall does a good job with their noodles too. Their handmade noodles were qq, chewy with a slight bounce in every bite. I loved how the fried bean sauce was saucy enough to make my noodles slurpy, and savoury enough to leave me wanting for more. Slathered in bean sauce was a pretty generous amount of minced pork that made sure you got some meat with every bite of noodles.

Rate:🌟🌟🌟🌟

Loved the crispy thin skirt around the generously-filled dumplings!! While the meat filling (which had scallions) was decently tasty and meaty, it could have been juicier for a more shiok experience. Still I wouldn’t mind having this again, and at this price point the queue is pretty justifiable.

It is impossible to resist these fresh silky smooth dumplings which are packed full of minced meat, swimming in a fragrant, slightly tongue numbing and yet tangy pool of Szechuan chilli oil sauce.

Zhong Guo La Mian Xiao Long Bao serves a strangely addictive Szechuan dumplings in red chilli oil (红油抄手) which manages to be sweet, sour, spicy and savoury all at the same time.

You will definitely not regret an order (or two) of these delicious dumplings.

After a (long) 3 months break, Zhong Guo La Mian Xiao Long Bao at Smith Street FC is finally back!

This stall is one of my go-to places for xiaolongbaos at non-DTF prices. I love that each dumpling packs a substantial amount of filling within a thin and smooth skin. Their XLBs contain much less "tang" as compared to DTF The soup stock is also robust and packs quite a meaty punch. It's a matter of personal preference but there might be some though who find it a little too "Xing" as compared to DTF's lighter and subtly sweet "tang" instead.

Judging from the queues, I think most diners don't mind!

Best XLBs ever!!! I’ve been going back for at least 4 times ever since my friend recommended it to me. It’s affordable, accessible and legit yummy. I’d totally choose this over DTF’s xlb any day – I do think it’s more flavourful than DTF.

Expect a queue if you’re going down on the weekends or weekdays (dinner time) but not to worry because they are very efficient so the queue moves v fast! All your orders are freshly made and honestly idk where else to find a better deal :’) please give it a try if you’re in the area!!