A dumpling chain out of Guangzhou, Yuen Kee (袁記雲餃) has made its way around Hong Kong in several locations, as well this newish looking one in Wanchai. It is bright, clean, and attractive, and very convenient for dumpling and wonton lovers. (#1)
The outdoor display of their variety of wontons and dumplings is impressive. Equipped with a fancy Japanese style sliding door, it feels new and spacious with br perfect solo dining vibe. The aircon is blasting so furiously that despite the usual uncomfortable humidity outside, almost everyone is freezing inside.
Since condiments are self serve, seating is largely solo, and orders can be placed via a tableside QR code, this is almost an introvert's solo dining dream eatery. Payments can be done through the phone via Alipay and WeChat, but everything else (cash, credit cards, or Octopus card) must be done up front.
The food is solid, but nothing revolutionary here. Their shrimp and crab roe wontons (鮮蝦蟹籽雲吞麵) are indeed legitimate and one of their most premium menu items at 50HKD. The broth and wonton noodle was standard, but paired well with the wontons. Their pan fried dumplings (招牌煎餃) are average and skew very much on the small side. The corn juice (鲜榨粟米汁) is warm and slightly off-putting, at least for my palate.
The dumplings and wonton variety is extensive, ranging from $45-65HKD for 10-15 pieces. Some traditional stuffings such as cabbage and pork (白菜鮮肉餃) will always win the popular vote, but I do like the idea of pork and yellow croaker (黃魚鮮肉餃) or one with shepherd's purse (薺菜鮮肉餃).
Service was minimal but the lone worker was very enthusiastic. While everything was done in Cantonese, I am certain there are mainland locals that may dine here out of familiarity and thus Mando is another option. I do hope to be back soon and try out more and more of their items.
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