Dumplings, the porky party pockets beloved by the Chinese, are wrapped fresh to order at this cheap and, thanks to the avuncular Mr. Shi, very cheerful eatery.

The "three-sided" fried dumplings (san mian jiao) resemble miniature, greasy tacos, held together by sheer juiciness. The boiled dumplings filled with beef and coriander or beef and celery are dangerously addictive when sloshed in the dipping sauce of garlic vinegar and chilli.

Address: 74 Baochao Hutong, Gulou Dongdajie, near Nanluogu Xiang

Tel: +86 (10) 8405 0399

Source: travel.cnn.com