Mai Xiang Yuan

30 different kinds of dumplings

Photo Erika David

Mai Xiang Yuan is all about dumplings. If that’s not your thing, we can’t be friends walk on by because that’s pretty much what’s in store. The standard menu features about 30 different kinds. Choosing might be a challenge but all fillers are quite basic, similar even. No matter what you get and how much it costs, every set includes 15 dumplings. Sadly, you can’t get them steamed but that doesn’t make them any less delicious. They’re boiled by default but they can be pan-fried for an extra $1.50.

Like any good dumpling shop, they’re freshly made-to-order! The slim window display in the background even lets you take a peak at the ladies stuffing, pinching and pleating away. If you’re starving, the view might be too much to bear. In that case, look away and sip on some complementary tea while you wait.

Photo Erika David

You can even nibble on a simple Asian starter like the Cucumber Salad ($2.99). Large chunks of cucumbers and a few carrot slivers are tossed with a soy, vinegar and sesame oil dressing. Balancing sour and salty, it’s fresh and crunchy, and a light way to start the meal.

I have nothing but love for the boiled Pork, Shrimp and Coriander Dumplings. If you can get past the slippery-factor, moderately thick, softened and wrinkled skins give way to plump centers filled with a classic mixture. They might not be soupy like those at Qing Hua, but they’re tender and juicy enough to create a hot mess, so be careful. A set runs for $8.99 and that’s a small price to pay for something so wonderful.

Read the rest of this restaurant review on This is why we're fat

About the author - Erika is a proud Montrealer whose obsession with food borders on insanity. That along with Montreal’s culinary diversity fuel her blog, This is Why We’re Fat. With a big appetite and a very open mind, nothing is off limits. It’s only a matter of time before she eats her way through the entire city!