Get a Taste of Rare Regional Soup Dumplings at This Destination SGV Chinese Restaurant

Guan tang bao is thought to be the precursor to xiao long bao. Both dumplings contain soup however vary in size, wrapper density, and filling up. Xiao long bao, which is initially from Nanxiang, Shanghai, includes thin fragile wrappers made from semi-leavened dough and are usually loaded with pork and aspic that transform right into liquid when steamed. In contrast, guan tang bao is bigger, filled with minced meat and a gravy-like brew, and used a thicker dough. Some versions of guan tang bao are offered with a straw for restaurants to consume the broth prior to eating the dumpling; Great Street offers large guan flavor bao with straws on weekend breaks in restricted quantities.

To consume is an option of Asahi, Suntory, and Sapporo beers, along with different Japanese sake and soju. The drink food selection also consists of gleaming teas, generally brewed teas, and mixed boba beverages with cheese foam and prominent garnishes like water chestnut popping pearls, barley pearls, and agar jellies. Green, black, oolong, and pu-erh teas are sourced straight from Chinese farms and prepared using a custom-order teaspresso machine.

The opening of Great Alley was 13 years in the making. Given that 2011, Pang, along with cooks from Ji Rong, learned the dumpling-making ropes from the fifth-generation chef at Kaifeng Soup Dumplings in Shenyang. Kaifeng closed during the elevation of the pandemic after a 100-year run, making Pain even more devoted to maintaining its legacy at Excellent Alley. Pang is originally from Shenyang and started his culinary training in 1989 focusing on Liaoning food, one of China’s eight cooking traditions.

The regional Chinese restaurantGood Alley opened in Rosemead on September 26, 2024, specializing in guan tang bao, a soup dumpling from the city of Kaifeng in Henan situated 400 miles southwest of Beijing. The dining establishment’s Chinese name (谷巷里) translates to “in the valley street,” which is suitable given its semi-hidden place in a Valley Blvd strip shopping center. “Soup dumplings, routine dumplings, and rice or noodle meals are staples in every Chinese household,” states Pang. Some variations of guan tang bao are served with a straw for restaurants to consume alcohol the broth before consuming the dumpling; Good Alley markets large guan tang bao with straws on weekend breaks in limited amounts.

The dining establishment’s proprietors, David Shao and chef Peter Pain, likewise run Ji Rong Duck Residence, a San Gabriel Valley culinary landmark since 2004. “Soup dumplings, routine dumplings, and rice or noodle meals are staples in every Chinese home,” states Pang. “Our experience with Ji Rong has actually revealed that the neighborhood community appreciates these meals, and we wish to share much more conventional foods.”

Great Alley’s food selection extends right into categories past soup dumplings. Other signature recipes consist of rou jia mo (Chinese burger) and beef noodle soup. Good Street’s beef rolls are made with a flakier, thinner dough based on Pang and Shao’s family members dishes.

Pain takes satisfaction in the pureness of his chicken broth, a crucial part of guan tang bao’s taste. “The poultry is completely rinsed, blanched to get rid of impurities, then steamed and simmered for hours to attain a rich, tidy broth,” states Pain. When cooled, the broth forms a gel, which is mixed right into the dumpling filling.

The local Chinese restaurantGood Street opened in Rosemead on September 26, 2024, focusing on guan flavor bao, a soup dumpling from the city of Kaifeng in Henan situated 400 miles southwest of Beijing. The dining establishment’s Chinese name (谷巷里) translates to “in the valley alley,” which is suitable provided its semi-hidden area in a Valley Blvd strip mall. The fully furnished and contemporary 62-seat dining-room contains Chinese artwork and design accents.

Various other signature meals consist of rou jia mo (Chinese burger) and beef noodle soup.