Qing Xiang Yuan: Exceptional Dim Sum and BBQ Delights in Chicago

Food is excellent. Got the wagyu dumplings, crab and pork, and chives dumplings. Only problem is the place has gotten so much social media hype that it gets packed quickly and prices are severely overpriced. That said, food is tasty, place is clean, and service solid. It just loses a bit of that authentic Chinese restaurant vibe when is so highly marketed by TikTok and IG. Right around the block are other Chinese restaurants that look just as good food-wise just not has heavily marketed.

This place has been on my list for a while because it comes so highly recommended. I was excited to see they had some vegetarian options on the menu! We waited about 30 minutes for a table, which wasn't too bad because we went and walked around until our table was ready (they will text you a warning, and then a text that your table is ready and you have 5 minutes to arrive). Even though it's not a huge restaurant, there is a good amount of seating. We got lucky and scored one of the private tables on the side for two. We split kimchi and an order of the tofu, mushroom, cabbage (fried). It was more than enough for the two of us! The dumplings were SO good, especially with the chili crunch oil at the table. The tiny tofu pieces looked like they were fried first and then put in, and the dough was so thin and perfectly crispy on one side. I see why this place is so highly reviewed!

Second time visiting and I came with a dear friend. The wait was minimal. Maybe 11-15 minutes. We were sat and the server was available and attentive. We didn't feel rushed and pressured to ordered. When we had questions, our server knew the answer. The lamb and coriander dumplings were amazing. Like just amazing. There's zero need for a sauce. It was incredibly juicy on the inside and the flavor did not miss! We also a serving of the braised beef in brown sauce appetizers. You'd think for a cold dish, it would be chewy or tough. Nope! Melted in your mouth and there was a tiny tiny bit of spice. The serving was pretty nice for the price paid. I'd recommend ordering if you're one to eat red meat.

The dumplings were pretty good here. I trekked the shrimp steamed dumplings as well as the beef and onion ones. I also had their lamb skewer. The food was really good. The service was quick and the waiters and waitresses seem very professional and polite. It can be a bit pricey. During my visit to Chicago I think this place was more on the pricey side with less food compared to other restaurants I had been to during my trip.

Another great recommendation a Dumplings place, really good and something different, I only wish that they had mixed dumplings samplers on the menu, you have to order 12 of each therefore if you are just 2 of you, you cannot try many different ones, ok if you are a larger group. I would add to the menu a couple of different samplers options.

Good food fun place great for birthdays and experiences plenty of options for food and fillings.

Amazing food, fast and clean. Great service. You come here just to eat dumplings though

Delicious Dumplings. Disclaimer** They are not soup dumplings. I would recommend the lamb and coriander steamed. They were delicious and did not have the gamey taste that you might expect. We walked in, and had some wait time that we spent exploring Chicago's China town. Overall, I recommend this place. Great service and great food!

WORTH.MY.MONEY.  Oh my goodness. I normally don't eat huge portions but I was able to down 12 dumplings on my own! The dumplings here are perfectly portioned. The dough isn't too thick and there is so much great protein filling. All the dumplings here are technically soup dumplings. We got the wagyu onion steamed and then the pork/shrimp fried. Both of them were insanely delicious. I was able to grab some dumplings "to go" for my husband and the dumplings traveled very well!  The service for dine-in and to-go was easy and simple. The entire restaurant is nothing too fancy in terms of decor, but it very clean. We walked in and we were seated in less than 20 minutes (we did miss the post lunch rush though). I look forward to making my way back here!