Dumpling Shack

John and Yee Li first started a small street food stall in Broadway Market in 2014. That stall was called Dumpling Shack Group, and it served up delicious, signature dishes: shengjianbao, wontons and dan dan noodles. Since, the pair have expanded Dumpling Shack Group, launching Fen Noodles at Old Spitalfields Market and South Quay, The Collective. Both of the stalls have retained Dumpling Shack's quick-serve market aesthetic and identity. 

In 2022, Dumpling Shack Group is set to make its return to Hackney – but it's coming back bigger than before. Doubling up as a Sichuan restaurant, Sichuan Fry will be located as the "main event" on the ground floor while Dumpling Shack Group will be nestled in the basement. The two plan to launch the former as a classic chicken shop style spot, where customers will be able to enjoy quick-service takeaways and deliveries, and there'll only be 10 seats on the ground floor.

As the pair embark on their new joint venture and expansion, we asked them for some tips. Below, you'll find their top five spots to enjoy Sichuan dishes in the UK capital. In the mood for some mouth-numbing spice? Keep scrolling.

London

My local in Poplar, it’s a gem for Sichuan food and my go-to when I’m craving something spicy. They do a fantastic spicy crayfish; the lamb skewers are my favourite in London and they also have a smaller specials menu which is written in Chinese (it also contains pictures).

They serve one of my favourite Sichuan dishes: mala xiang guo. You select an assortment of ingredients – ranging from sliced lotus root, beef, fish balls, potato slices, enoki mushrooms – which they then stir fry in spices, lots of chilli and Sichuan peppercorn. Fantastic on a cold evening with an ice cold beer. 

My favourite place in London to take a group for spicy hotpot. Good quality ingredients and a fun experience. The butter spicy hotpot is a must get.

Exceptional Sichuan food. Their version of the classic fuqi feipian (translates to ‘husband and wife’ offal dish) is delicious, and the grilled seabass is a showstopper.  

One of my go-to restaurants when I’m working in Spitalfields. There’s a real spice kick on their level five chilli dishes!

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London’s Top 5 Sichuan Spots

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