XUXU
Situated at the intersections of Galway and Commerce Streets sits XuXu, a petite dumpling bar created by the geniuses behind Café Hanoi. Think glass and ceramic mosaic features, rustic branch-chanderliers, copper neutrals tied together with classical Chinese tableware — it’s every fusion-foodie’s dream.
We sat at the communal table, which was basically an extended window ledge with stools placed on each side of the wall, flagged with beautifully-weathered teal window panes. Pretty cool use of space and although we were elbow-to-elbow, we were too engrossed with the surroundings to notice. Ask the waiter on their thoughts on menu choice and quantities – they have advice and service down-pat.
Their dumpling flavours range from the traditional prawn & ginger to the more strange and luxurious (crayfish and grilled corn, anyone?) The pastry was slightly thicker than the typical ones you may find elsewhere, making them very tidy to eat (no spillage!), a perfect accompaniment to their substantial drinks menu. Try their meat buns too – we ordered seconds — and another highlight had to be the dessert dumplings: coconut custard with apple and banoffee parcels oozing sticky caramel-y goodness.
We’ll be back for a date or two.
Louise tried all of the dumplings on the menu and had a lemongrass tea. She “loved our table setting in the window and admired the privacy from the street. Beautiful food and company.”
Innie also tried all the dumplings and had a Vietnam style coffee. For her, the “dessert dumpling is definitely the winner!”
Katie also had all of the dumplings on offer. She said “That banoffee one is definitely one to try!”
Mel had the dumplings and a fruit mocktail. She loved it and said “What a treat. The flavours were amazing, the steam pork buns and prawn dumpling options were my fav! Looking forward to going again.”
Joe had a variety of dumplings, and said “Great flavours, excellent service. Definitely a Joe favourite!”
Emilie had the Zucchini and Chive, Prawn Har Gao, Pork Bun and the Banoffee dumplings along with a Vietnamese coffee. She raved “Banoffee dumplings!!!!”
