Jing Hua Xiao Chi

If you like old school Chinese dumplings but don’t want to Din Tai Feng, there is always Jing Hua. The shop is well known for its so-called Chinese pizza (三鲜盒子). However, I would like to recommend that you try the pan fried dumplings (三鲜锅贴). You can see both in the pictures below. They also have a lot of frozen dumplings available for take-away, which is quite popular here. Of course they also have many of the usual suspects, but why not try something different? Service is fine and the price is reasonable. My only gripe would be that they do the usual Chinese restaurant scammy thing and charge for wet towels. To be fair, they’re probably more like 3.5 stars that four, but I’m not willing to round down to three here. The dumplings are pretty tasty and satisfying.

A surprise find along Neil Road is Jing Hua Xiao Chi. After the huge disappointment previously at the nearby Maxwell Hawker Centre for Wo Tie (Pot Stickers), a find just 5 mins walk away managed to wash away that disappointment. Opened in 1989, this local homegrown restaurant specialises in traditional Chinese Dumplings and other Chinese Appetisers. All the dishes and Dumplings are handmade and not factory prepared. Decided to order some takeaway food to sample their dishes. The Pan-Fried Mixed Seafood & Pork Dumplings were exquisite. The skin was pan-fried and seared to have a light crunch while keeping the juices of the meat within. When paired with the vinegar and ginger strips, it was so good. The other item ordered was the Chinese Pizza. Yes, the name is somewhat misleading. It is like a cross between a Pastry Pie and the Pork Dumplings. It was an interesting dish and just as enjoyable as the Pork Dumplings. From the above, this restaurant is definitely a go to place for future cravings of Wo Tie (Pot Stickers). General Verdict: Traditional Chinese Appetisers done well and done properly for a wonderful gastronomical experience Opening Hours: Daily 11:30am-3pm and 5:30pm-9:30pm Queue Situation: Next to none but seats within are generally filled Price: SG$8.50 upwards Payment Mode: Cash and all Major Credit Cards (Physical and Paywave) Items Ordered: 1) Item: Chinese Pizza 三鮮盒子 Description: Mixed Seafood and Pork Fillings in Pastry Skin. An interesting and enjoyable dish that is really yummy Verdict: Very Good, Must Order Price: SG$12++ 2) Item: Pan-fried Mixed Seafood & Pork Dumplings 三鮮鍋貼 Description: The skin was pan-fried and seared to have a light crunch while keeping the juices of the meat within. Pairs really well with the vinegar and ginger strips Verdict: Very Good, Must Order Price: SG$10++

Decent food, small menu, and fast service. Chinese pizza (9/10) Savoury pastry pie with dumpling fillings. The crust was crunchy and super yummy, and their seafood, pork-spring onion filling was also packed with flavour. Would definitely order this again. Steamed dumplings (7/10) Wasn’t particularly tasty, not bad. Zha Jiang Noodles (6/10) Handmade doughy noodles coated with *sweet* peanut sauce. Imagine peanut butter + noodles. Noodles were overcooked (soggy) instead of al Dante. Dish felt more like a dessert.

I used to patronize the branch at Bugis, which had closed for business. I am glad that they still have this shop operating. If you are driving, you need to park the public car park across the road or the Duxton area. l love the Chinese pizza and boiled or pan fried dumplings, coupled with vinegar and ginger strips. If you do have appetite for sweet dessert, you may consider their pan fried red bean or lotus paste pancakes.

I ordered the xiao long bao, pan fried shrimp n meat dumplings, mala jajang noodles and the rosewater glutinous rice balls. Firstly the Xiao long bao, the skin on the top is on the thicker side and the meat filling was to mashy n the taste was off. The pan fried shrimp & meat dumplings was the star here! I can taste the well-marinated shrimp & meat, the skin was just the right thickness. The mala jajang noodles was so so.. noodles was a little too soggy for me and I would like it if more shredded cucumber was added to refresh the palate. I was surprised, they added fried tofu which was unusual but it was a great choice as they were really good; crispy outside and there were still bean curd left inside which was moist. The rosewater glutinous rice balls were also 👍 Right doneness of the balls w peanut n sesame fillings and it wasn't too sweet (maybe for those who like sweets will find it bland but it was just right for me). I find the standard has dropped since I last visited! 😜