Chinese Dumpling House

My friend, Jack, introduced me to Chinese Dumpling House a couple months ago when we were deciding what to eat for dinner one night. I didn't have my camera that time so there's no photographic evidence, but believe me, every single dish we ordered was just phenomenal. Who knew that such an unassuming restaurant with such a succinct name would serve up such epic deliciousness? So, when my friend Ronsee and I were deciding what to eat for dinner, I remembered that Chinese Dumpling House has two locations and we were just down the street from the other one (I went to the Richmond Hill location the first time around). I suggested we go there, and I guess neither of us realized that we were craving dumplings until we were inside.

Steamed pork and cabbage dumplings

Steamed pork and cabbage dumpling (innards)

Pan-fried pork and leek dumplings

Pan-fried pork and leek dumpling (innards)

Deep-fried onion pancakes

Deep-fried lean pork

Guys, I could seriously eat these dumplings every day. They offer six steamed and two pan-fried varieties, and all of them are made fresh to order. The steamed ones we had were so juicy and tender, with soup just waiting to drip out (similar to xiao long bao), and in wrappers that were thin but substantial enough to hold all the deliciousness inside. A total steal at $5.99 for 15 dumplings. The pan-fried ones were also amazing, and made better than most Northern Chinese restaurants. The fillings inside these ones are soft and juicy like the steamed ones, but less soupy, and the exterior is pan-fried to golden perfection so you get that delightful crispiness.

The green onion pancakes are also different here than at other places, which are often flat and too doughy. These ones are round, almost like doughnuts, and the green onions are dispersed in layers. And these ones are also deep-fried instead of pan-fried, so you get more of that crispiness on the outside while the inside remains soft. I think every single table inside the restaurant had ordered these. And finally, the deep-fried lean pork. Jack actually goes to Chinese Dumpling House just for these. These little golden nuggets of splendor have the perfect meat-to-batter ratio, and is served with the most addictive blend of spices (a mix of chili flakes and garlic salt?). I almost wish there were more people eating with us so we could order more food. You want good, authentic Northern Chinese food for cheap? Visit Chinese Dumpling House. It doesn't like look much from the outside but, oh, is it ever glorious inside.

Chinese Dumpling House

3636 Steeles Avenue East

Markham, ON L3R 1K9

(905) 947-9880