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Down a cobbled alley way in East London lies this truly hidden gem. (Too hidden if you ask me – everyone should know about this place). If you’re headed East and in the mood for something low-key but seriously, deeply delicious, Xi Home Dumplings Bay should be on your radar. Tucked away in a part of London where trends come and go, this place has an authenticity and charm that has staying power. The atmosphere immediately takes us back to the hawker stalls we used to frequent in Singapore—simple, honest, and welcoming.

The menu is a clever touch, and the perfect antidote to the souless QR codes some restaurants have kept on post-Covid. This one is printed on what looks like an old-fashioned newspaper, in an editorial-esque style which makes the huge offering more manageable. It’s not just a gimmick, though—it adds to the charm of discovering something special.

The soup dumplings are a standout dish here. Thin, delicate wrappers that hold a treasure trove of perfectly seasoned broth and meaty morsel in its centre. Then there are the lobster dumplings which, in all honesty, rocked our world. Generously filled, with a sweetness and juiciness that’s rare to find in similar spots around town.

The dan dan noodles are rich and subtly spicy, and the steamed chicken with chilli brings just the right amount of heat. The service? Warm, attentive, but never overbearing—another reminder of those low-key spots in Singapore where the food does the talking.

From October they are also running  their first ever Dumpling Making Masterclass series, which gives us mere mortals the chance to learn how to craft these parcels of heaven for ourselves.

This is the kind of place worth slipping into your list of quiet favourites. We can’t wait to go back.