Xi Home: London’s Hidden Gem for Juicy Dumplings

If you love a big, fat, juicy dumpling as much as I do, let me introduce you to my new favourite dumpling spot in London: Xi Home (喜家).

Tucked away in the heart of the city, this unassuming gem specialises in Northeast Chinese cuisine - and the best part? It won’t break the bank.

Think mouth-watering dumplings, perfectly seasoned skewers, and flavours that transport you straight to the bustling streets of Harbin.

First Bites: Cumin Lamb Skewers

Before diving into the main event, we started with their Chinese-style cumin lamb skewers.

Let me tell you, these were beautifully seasoned with a balance of fatty and lean meat that just melted in your mouth.

The cumin wasn’t overpowering - it was just enough to give it that warm, earthy kick that pairs so well with tender lamb.

A perfect appetiser to set the stage for what was coming next.

Dumpling Heaven: From Boiled to Pan-Fried

Now, let’s talk dumplings.

I’m not kidding when I say the table was covered. We had both the new items they've just launched as well as a ton of their signatures and classics.

For the new items, we tried all three of their pan-fried open-top dumplings:

• The prawn one – Plump, juicy, and pan-fried to perfection. The crispy base and soft top gave it that perfect bite.
• The chicken one – This one was a surprise; it came with cheese! It was giving fusion vibes in the best way - think pizza meets dumpling.
• The cuttlefish one – Hands down, the favourite of the night. The cuttlefish was tender and juicy, bursting with umami flavour.

All of the dumplings at Xi Home are handmade, and you can absolutely taste the difference.

The handmade dough is a dream - chewy with a satisfying bite, just like how you’d prefer the texture of handmade pasta over machine-made.

It’s clear that every dumpling is crafted with love and care, which elevates the whole experience.

Each dumpling had its own character, but the cuttlefish one definitely stole the show.

If you’re a seafood lover, don’t even think twice.

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Signature Specialties: Lobster and Black Cuttlefish Dumplings

We weren’t done yet. Moving on to their signature lineup, we tried the Lobster-filled dumplings and the Black Cuttlefish dumplings.

It’s hard not to love these - each bite was packed with big chunks of lobster, and the cuttlefish dumpling had that ink-black wrapper that made it feel extra special.

Both were bursting with flavour and cooked just right. Juicy, tender, and everything you’d want in a high-quality dumpling.

The Classics: Pork & Chive, Pork & Cabbage

If you’re more into the traditional stuff, you’re in luck. These guys offer a ton of the classic pork based fillings.

Also side note - how gorgeous is the menu design? The images are really helping with the indecision haha.

After much deliberation, we decided to go for their Pork and Chive and Pork and Cabbage dumplings. These were generously stuffed and incredibly juicy, these are the kind of classics that never disappoint.

Simple, flavourful, and executed perfectly.

By the way, if you're a veggie, they've also got lots of dishes on the menu that are vegetarian friendly - both dumplings and noodles.

The Showstopper: Giant Soup Dumpling

For the grand finale, we had to try the giant soup-filled dumpling.

Yes, you heard that right - an oversized dumpling filled with scorching hot broth that you sip with a straw. It’s as dramatic as it sounds, but also so worth it.

The broth was seasoned beautifully, and the experience alone was enough to make it memorable.

Beyond Dumplings: Side Dishes

For some variety, we also ordered the Sweet and Sour Pork - good, but not the most memorable of the bunch.

On the lighter side, the Spinach Salad and Spicy King Oyster Mushroom Salad were refreshing against the meat-heavy line-up.

They added that bit of brightness you crave after going hard on the dumplings.

After all, it's important to get your 5-a-day, right?

Bookmark This Place and Maybe Take a Dumpling Class?

If you’re in London and craving proper dumplings without the insane price tag, Xi Home is your spot.

And if you’re feeling adventurous, they even offer a dumpling-making class, so you can take a little bit of that magic home with you.

I know I’m already planning my next visit. Want to join?

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