Xi Home Dumplings and Buns
Sometimes it take uncommon skill to see the thing right in front of you.
Strangely, it seems that some people find it interesting to make their restaurant hard to find. At least based on the rather small sign and austere exterior. You can only see the Xi if you really look.
Inside though, the decor takes a more playful tone. See happy dumplings and cheerful people painted in pastel colours on the wall. By way of reminder in case you didn’t notice from other signs, dumplings and noodles are what this place is for.
This is Xi home. Dumplings and buns. Made in a home environment, just so you don’t forget. I had always wondered why people thought that home made meant things were better. That is, of course, assuming that, obviously, literally, people are always telling the truth in marketing. Even taking such statements at face value, surely in this mechanical manufacturing age, you would want things made in a larger organization. I.e. would you really decide to buy a home made car?
So perhaps food is a different product in which home made might mean something better than a professional kitchen but isn’t that the whole reason that you decide to dine out? By its very nature, dining not at home means that the food cannot be home made. That is unless the kitchen staff sleep on top of the stove at night.
Pork rib noodles, hand pulled noodles, signature sauced pork ribs, broth and vegetables. The soup was mild and delicious. The pork ribs decent if a little meager in portions. The noodles were copious and excellent. With real bite and elasticity, they were a joy to eat.
Beef soup noodles, hand pulled noodles, savory beef broth, sliced beef and vegetables. In a slightly different way to the pork rib noodle dish, the beefiness of this dish was great. Even if the thin slices of beef could have done with a little more generosity. The noodles were excellent again.
Pork with Chives and Prawn. These were great and they definitely outshone the noodles. Meaty (no stinging on the prawn here) filling encased in bouncy succulent wrapper, these were great when dipped in the vinegar.
Vinegar on the left, soya sauce to the right.
Just so you don’t forget it, this is the Xi Home Dumpling Bay. Not sure where the “bay” came from though. Here again, the word “home” stares out at you and is even highlighted in neon lighting. In this case, perhaps it is an excuse if things don’t come out the professional way you would hope.
Although the food was decent, it did not blow me away. As for the price though, I guess that’s what we pay nowadays. Then again, I do try to make the most of things. So at least now I can say see I told you so, or perhaps I should say “Xi” I told you so.
A quiet eating 7/10.
Lunch (1.5 courses) was GBP20 per person excluding drinks and service.
43 Chandos Place
London WC2N 4HS