X I A O L O N G B A O Chu Long Ji is tucked behind the shops on Link Drive, Wairau Valley. Whenever Xiao Long Bao is mentioned, Chu Long Ji features on the list. Not top of the list, mind. Xiao Long Bao has 18 pleats traditionally but there’s only 12 here. The soupy dumplings are certainly up to scratch: the pork used is free of gamey “sao wei” taste, the XLB oozes delicious soupy juices. But wait, it’s too “sweet” to be true. It’s the use of flavour enhancers (read msg) that render a gagging after-taste. There’s no other accompaniment like julienne of ginger, though there’s Chinese black vinegar and light soya sauce. Uncle is happy that he’d ordered a chicken broth to temper the taste of the XLB. Chu Long Ji is a busy place. It’s more a place where you know what you want to eat, order it at the counter, eat and then bugger off. It’s not known for service, any service, so if you want to be fawned over, this place is not for you. But they do serve many Shanghai dishes: Steamed Chicken in Shaoxing Wine, Shredded Potato with Chopped Chilli Pepper, Tofu Skin Rolls with Minced Pork. They are attractive on the menu, well cooked and presented simply and not oily. You choose. Uncle is not going to make up your mind. #xiaolongbao #soupporkdumplings #chickensoup #shanghaicuisine #chulongji #linkdrive #wairauvalley (at Chu Long Ji) https://www.instagram.com/p/B5W-qUvJ2dN/?igshid=pyd16zhhw0cc
