In the heart of Chinatown, China Red is one of those spots that is deceptively small at first glance. But you should always try your luck, even if it looks too busy, as there's a downstairs dining room that always has space for hungry dumpling seekers.
Inside is a classic dumpling house specialising in xiao long bao, veggie dumplings and salt and pepper squid, as well as bigger more traditional dishes like pipis in a spicy XO sauce. The gimmick of China Red is ordering everything through a touch screen menu at each table. Great for getting carried away and over-ordering — or adding extra dishes when you're halfway through and realise how delicious everything is. China Red allows BYO beer and wine.
Start by ordering some dim sums, with the prawn and chive perfectly flavoured and the peking pork dumplings a real hit. The scallop and prawn dumplings don't miss a beat while the vegetarians options is there to cover all bases. Follow it up with a seafood and bean curd soup and some chicken san choi bao before moving onto a main. We'd suggest the fish fillet with pickled cabbage and the sliced beef in satay sauce.
Images: Tracey Ah-kee