SAVOUR & SIP
All that & dim sum ELISHA EATS Craving dumplings? Elisha Young (aka @elisha.eats on Instagram) has got you covered with her top tips for the best in town
Q: Sometimes, all you want to eat is dumplings… but where are the best places in Cambridge to get them? The more options the better! A: I’m not sure I’m the best person to answer this question. I also love dumplings of all shapes, sizes and varieties, but I’m also very undiscerning. And that’s the thing! There are just so many different kinds of dumpling. The definition covers everything from delicate, carefully crafted Cantonese dim sum, to notoriously difficult-to-master xiao long bao soup dumplings, and even sweet, mochi-like Japanese dango. I’ve eaten some tasty dumplings in my time, so I will give it my best shot. But it’s hard to pick a favourite, so I’d recommend just eating your way down the list – and accepting that dumplings are now a key food group in your diet. THE POPULAR CHOICE There’s not much to say here. The xiao long bao at Noodles Plus are a superlative Cambridge staple. Reasonably priced, too. They’re worth queuing for – and you will have to queue for them because they have a loyal fanbase. But it’s all worth it when you pierce the delicate dumpling wrapper with your chopstick and slurp up the comforting, rich pork broth. THE HIDDEN GEM When it comes to dim sum, most people turn to Yim Wah Express or Charlie Chan. If you’re willing to get off the beaten path, Liutaio Music Cafe on Mill Road is a great choice for vegans, vegetarians and meat- eaters alike. As the name suggests, this restaurant is full of musical instruments, but beyond the quirky interior, you can also gorge yourself to your heart’s content on har gau, siu mai and char siu bao. THE HOME-STYLE ONE Cafe Oriental is where I head when I want a wide range of choice at a good price, served fast and in a cosy location. This is a cash-
WONTON SEDUCTION A northern Chinese- style boiled dumpling with
pork and leek filling from 1+1 Rougamo
but we’ve all done it.) I chose Tokoko on the strength of its ratings – and ended up pleasantly surprised. This unassuming eatery down Burleigh Street has some genuinely tasty dishes at great prices. The chicken gyoza are deep-fried instead of having a pan-fried crispy bottom, but the crunchy exterior contrasts pleasingly with the juicy and flavourful filling. So tasty, I didn’t even need to use the dipping sauce. THE CURVEBALL This isn’t in Cambridge, but it is also one of my most frequented dumpling spots, so I would be remiss not to mention it. Tibet Flavour is a stall on Ely Market that serves some of my favourite (but lesser-known) dumplings: momos. The vegetarian momos have a filling that changes from week to week, with a soft, bread-like wrapper and a crisp, fried bottom. They’re delicious on their own, but Tenzin’s homemade chilli oil truly takes them to the next level, especially when served with plenty of coriander and lashings of garlic soy sauce.
only establishment, but thankfully there’s an ATM at the nearby Tesco Express. You can choose from boiled or pan-fried, depending on your mood, with a selection of pork, beef, lamb, seafood, duck, chicken and vegetarian fillings. I remember the boiled king prawn and Chinese chive dumplings being particularly delicious, but you can’t really go wrong with such a variety of options. (To make your decision fatigue worse, there’s also tang yuan, dim sum and wontons on offer.) THE ONE FOR GYOZA I was in the mood for Japanese food the other day, so I looked up some online reviews to help me out. (I know, I know,
This unassuming eatery down Burleigh Street has some genuinely tasty dishes at great prices
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