Ingredient appreciation — what makes Dumplings special

What sets Dumplings apart is the handling of Shaoxing wine. In lesser versions this is treated as a background note. Here it's central and the aromatic and complex result shows it. I've started buying it to cook with at home after this experience.

communal sharing at the table is culturally central. The a family banquet table atmosphere was right for this kind of food. I had Tsingtao beer as recommended and it matched well. If you want to understand what makes this cuisine distinctive, Dumplings is the place to start.