北平楊寶寶蒸餃 總店

I haven't been to Yang Bao Bao Steamed Dumplings in Beiping for a long time. This time when I passed by, I found out that it has been in the Michelin guide for three consecutive years, which is pretty impressive.

This time, I ordered their signature beef steamed dumplings. A basket of eight costs 100 yuan. To be honest, the price isn't cheap, but the dumplings are quite large, with thin skin and a generous filling. The beef filling is very substantial when bitten into and has a bit of meat juice, along with a subtle hint of Chinese spices that isn't too overpowering but very fragrant. Adding a bit of vinegar enhances the flavor even more. The chicken soup is also a must-order; the broth is very refreshing and you can tell it was made with chicken bones, resulting in a mild and comfortable taste that isn't greasy, making it a suitable pairing for the main meal.

I was also impressed by the hot and sour soup; it has a good level of acidity and spiciness. If you prefer a stronger flavor, you can add some chili oil or vinegar from the table to adjust it to your liking. The soup is easy to drink, has plenty of ingredients, and offers great value for the price. As for the flatbread, it feels a bit like a scallion pancake without the scallions, but it is puffier and crispier than the usual pancakes. The aroma is very strong, and it's flavorful enough to eat on its own, while also being a perfect accompaniment to the dumplings.

However, there are a few points to note. The place can get quite crowded on holidays, and you have to order everything at once without the option to add items later, which feels a bit inconvenient, especially if you want to try other dishes halfway through your meal. Additionally, the overall prices are on the higher side, so it may be more suitable for occasional cravings.