Cycle 13 – Item 325

26 (Sun) November 2023

Xiaolongbao

3.0

at Je Je

-Seongsu, Seongdong, Seoul, Republic of Korea-

with IZ

While my initial impressions of the dimsum here were underwhelming – hargao was rated 2.0 (see 12.352 Deep-Fried King Prawns, Crispy Garlic, Chili), xiaolongbao was rated 2.5 (see 12.357 Je Je’s Jjajang Myeon) – I enjoyed it this time.  I doubt that the kitchen – supposedly run by a hotshot chef – has done anything to “improve” upon the dishes, so my palate/perception has changed in some way, for the better, allowing me to appreciate food that I previously did not (see also 14.322 Mul Naeng Myeon).

Or maybe just because I was dining with IZ, who loves dimsum and was clearly enjoying it.

Ranking of xiaolongbao in Korea, as documented on GMTD:

Recommended

1. Dim Dimsum (Lotte World Mall) (14.159 Roast Duck Noodle Soup) (14.244 Soup Dumplings (Xiaolongbao))
2. Crystal Jade Shanghai Delights (Hyundai Department Store) (3.187 Xiaolongbao) (7.096 Xiaolongbao)
3. Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao (4.122 Xaiolongbao)
4. Baozi Pu (11.303 Baozi)
5. Je Je (13.325 Xiaolongbao)

Good

1. Songhwa Sansi Dosak Myeon (14.104 Shrimp Asparagus (Dumplings))
2. Hyangmi (13.240 Gongsimchae Deopbab)
3. Hongbokseong (13.089 Sorongpo)

Meh

1. Din Tai Fung (3.202 Xiaolongbao)
2. Midim (The Hyundai Pangyo) (12.119 Xiaolongbao)
3. Crystal Jade Shanghai Delights (Lotte World Tower Mall) (12.88 La Mian in Scallion Oil)

Not

1. Chungking Express (Common Ground) (1.5) (13.065 Xiaolongbao)

(See also GLOBAL FOOD GLOSSARY)

(See also RESTAURANTS IN KOREA)