If you live in the South Bay and enjoy Chinese food, you already know about the lack of authentic Chinese cuisine in this area. Over the last few years, nearby Lomita has developed into an area that features Chinese food from different regions, but what caught my attention was the opening of Jiayuan Dumpling House in Redondo Beach.
In July 2021, Eater LA broke the news of its arrival. I visited them just after they opened, and I was surprised at the level of interest they captured. When they opened, they had a limited menu (primarily dumplings) and apologized for not having the kitchen equipment necessary to fulfill their complete menu.
Jiayuan Dumpling House originally opened in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada. Emily and Linda (mother/daughter) featured Northeastern Chinese Cuisine specializing in handmade dumplings. It quickly became one of the top-rated restaurants in the city. After their daughter decided to pursue her education, they closed the restaurant and relocated to LA.
Northeast China was historically known as Manchuria and the cuisine reflects the region’s ethnic diversity. You’ll find noodles, steamed buns, and dumplings instead of rice. There are fewer fresh vegetables available because of the cold weather, and you’ll find root vegetables like potatoes. Fermented vegetables reflect nearby Korea’s influence.
The menu has since expanded to include other cuisines like Sichuan and Cantonese. With the cold weather we are experiencing, it is a delight to see the number of soups available: Chicken with Corn Egg Drop, Hot and Sour, and three different types of WonTon soup. Portions are available as a single serving meal or large enough to share.
Di San Xian “Three Fairies” is a popular Northeastern dish with potatoes as one of the “fairies”. Chopped potatoes, green pepper, and eggplant are stir-fried in a savory garlic sauce. Potatoes make this dish a bit heavier and a bit more filling.
An example of the Korean influence is their Shredded Pork with Glass Noodles. Pork is sautéed with pickled napa cabbage tossed with glass noodles. Because the cabbage is fermented, the dish takes on a slightly sour taste.
Cucumber salad is another typical Northeast dish. The dish has a mildly bitter taste, and it would make a good palate cleanser between servings.
Jiayuan Dumpling House makes their dumplings fresh each day, and I was surprised to see the number of fillings available. They include pork, shiitake mushrooms and string beans, pork and napa cabbage, beef, daikon, carrots, and Spinach, Tofu, Vermicelli dumplings, and others. The dumplings are nicely pan-seared and filled with a savory soup.
I look forward to the day that they will serve fresh bao. Having fresh bao locally available will save me from driving to Chinatown.
Jiayuan Dumpling House, 1904 S Pacific Coast Hwy, Redondo Beach, CA 90277; 310.792.6789; jydumplings.com