Thanks to Burpple Tastemaker Lucas Lim, I learned of the existence of "Xiang Yuan Ji Shanghai Pan Fried Dumpling". A relatively new addition to the Jalan Besar stretch, this modern, air-conditioned eatery set up by a couple of Shanghainese friends, serve Shanghainese fare that focuses on handmade dumplings and a couple of other small items. Although their menu is not terribly extensive, we found the reasonably-priced food delicious and fresh-tasting. Also, none of it was too oily or salty. Here's what we had (pictured clockwise from top left):
Shanghai Pan Fried Dumplings (3 for $5)
I love that the skin is thin but sturdy enough to encase the soup and pork stuffing safely. And just like the rest of the dumplings here, the filling is incredibly juicy and tasty. Do proceed with caution when eating these babies though because the soup is scalding hot!
Shanghai Wanton with Pork and Prawn ($5)
Mini in size and supremely silky of skin, these were all too easy to slurp up in a flash. I like them every which way - with the spicy chilli sauce, a dash of black vinegar or just on their own.
Shanghai Dumplings in Soup with Shepherd's Purse and Pork ($6)
A lot bigger than the wantons, these dumplings had more filling and therefore, extra bite. The minced pork stuffing has been mixed with some chopped up exotically-named but neutral-tasting vegetables. So that should be good news for those of you who don't like strong tasting herbs and such.
Salty Soya Beancurd ($4.50)
Reminiscent of a soup my late maternal grandma used to cook, the "tau hway" (soft beancurd) gets the savoury treatment with seaweed, "kiam chye", fresh spring onions, tiny dried shrimps and some fried shallot oil. I have to highlight the good service here by mentioning one of the bosses personally went to each table earlier on to explain to customers that the beancurd had unfortunately, not set perfectly and was a bit broken up, and to check if we still wanted it. Isn't that such a smart way to manage expectations while showing that you really care about the quality of the food you serve? I think there is a great lesson here for those in the F&B industry. 😄
Address: 405 Jalan Besar
Closed on Mondays (unless it is a public holiday)
