Earlier this fall, we took a little adventure into the city to explore a few new spots in one of our favorite places to eat, Chinatown. We brought our friend Aimanih Khurram, a newbie to Oak Park–and America as a whole–to add the insight of a first-timer.
Our first stop was Qing Xiang Yuan, 2002 S. Wentworth Ave., No. 103, a location famous for its many types of xiaolongbao (dumplings filled with meat, veggies and soup that originated in Shanghai).
E.C.’s thoughts: Qing Xiang Yuan is a personal favorite of my family, as it never fails to deliver delicious, high quality dumplings along with wonderful service. We ordered steamed wagyu and onion dumplings (always, always, always order your dumplings steamed at Qing Xiang Yuan. It’s their specialty!). The skin of the dumpling was perfectly cooked, the meat inside still retained that delicate wagyu flavor, and the broth itself was not too strong. Overall, Qing Xiang Yuan is a must-have if you’re planning to be in Chinatown and want a sizable dumpling snack for reasonable prices!
C.C.’s thoughts: It was my first time at this restaurant, and I absolutely loved it! When I have had xiaolongbao before, I didn’t like it, but I was determined to give it another chance. I enjoyed these dumplings much more than the ones I’ve had before because of the delicious filling, and I definitely would come back again and test even more variations.
Next, we visited Ken Kee, 2129 S. China Place, a restaurant with a variety of Hong Kong inspired dishes and a retro, colorful and comfy vibe. We tried their braised beef noodle soup and fried mantou with sweetened condensed milk.
E.C.’s thoughts: Ken Kee is a perfect snapshot of retro Hong Kong. The neon signs hanging from the ceilings, the vintage posters, and even the music playing in the background all add to its overall ambiance. The food itself was super yummy as well as cheap! Everything we ordered amounted to a grand $18, and they split the bill here, so I individually paid $6 for a filling as well as a memorable meal!
C.C.’s thoughts: I wasn’t extremely impressed with the noodle soup, but it was still tasty. Over the summer I spent a month in Taiwan, so if I’m completely honest, it’s hard to beat the noodle soup I ate while living there. However, it was still decent, and perfect to share! The fried mantou, on the other hand, was impeccable and delicious–definitely a standout for the day!
Our stomachs were pretty full after that, so we wandered around a few shops and explored the area. We stopped by Ichiban Candy and Snacks, 2117A S. China Place. We also visited Tous Les Jours, 2144 S. Archer Ave., Unit A, a French-Chinese fusion bakery that I personally can never skip on my Chinatown visits.
E.C.’s drink: JOYEE Plus, 2159 S. China Place, is one of my favorite boba shops in the Chicagoland area, offering a staggering array of options. My personal favorite is the sparkling butterfly pea passion fruit green tea boba with lychee jelly, a refreshing yet sour drink that suits any weather, in my opinion.
C.C.’s drink: For my drink, I skipped boba and returned to a spot that has become a recent favorite after Emerson introduced me to it a few months ago, Molly Tea, 2227 S. Wentworth Ave. I got a jasmine-matcha milk tea, and as Emi said when she introduced me to the shop, the drink was dancing on my tongue. If you aren’t a fan of boba, or you enjoy real coffee or tea lattes more than super sweet drinks, this is definitely a top choice if you make a visit to Chinatown.
A.K.’s thoughts: It was my first time at Qing Xiang Yuan, and in Chinatown, but the restaurant has become one of my favorites since. I’ve never been a big fan of beef, but the xiaolongbao made me change my mind. Coupled with this, the golden buns at Ken Kee were so fluffy and delicious, they made the perfect dessert! Lastly, the candy store definitely left a lasting impression. It was lively and so colorful that it genuinely warmed my heart. Overall, it was an extremely memorable day, and I’d love to go back.
