Handmade Northern Chinese dumplings in over 20 varieties, alongside regional dishes, playful seasonal specials, and an open kitchen in the heart of Spitalfields.
The Ambience
Inspired by founder Wenjun Xiang’s childhood in the bustling port city of Dalian, Xi Home brings a maritime soul to Blossom Street. Light bounces off wood and tile in a way that feels both fresh and warm, while the open kitchen, with its glass-panelled view of deft hands folding dumplings, creates a low hum of anticipation. It’s casual enough for a quick lunch, but layered with the kind of details that reward a lingering evening.
The Food
Xi Home’s menu is built around more than 20 handmade dumplings, joined by small plates and regional Northern Chinese dishes. The crispy chicken is a must-order: spicy, sweet, salty and impossible to leave unfinished. Crispy mushrooms are equally moreish, while pork and fennel dumplings bring juicy, herbaceous depth. Black cuttlefish dumplings are rich and meaty, with a deep, briny flavour seafood lovers will crave.
The restaurant’s trio of new, French-inspired dumplings show off its experimental side. Not every combination lands; the pear, balsamic and chicken leans too sweet, but the squid, and the prawn with tomato butter, both impress. Beyond dumplings, lamb skewers are smoky, spicy and perfectly charred with fatty cubes that add tenderness. While green beans arrive blistered, garlicky ad salty in the best way. Desserts include Dalian specialities such as crispy milk curd and steamed sticky pumpkin cake, all made in-house.
The Extras
There’s always something playful happening here. From 26 August to 9 September, Xi Home marks National Dog Day with Marleybones ‘doggy dumplings’, oat-flour casings filled with premium meat or fish blends, free with any human main. The summer also sees the launch of the Giant Dumpling Eating Challenge: a 1kg, 30cm dumpling to be devoured in under three minutes, with prizes for the victorious. For something less extreme, Xi Home’s breakfast menu (from 8:30am) offers Chinese pancakes, twisted pork buns and fresh detox juices.
The Verdict
With a foundation of excellent dumplings, plenty of regional breadth, and a flair for light-hearted innovation, Xi Home is both a serious dumpling destination and a place that knows how to have fun. It’s the kind of spot diners are sure to revisit, sometimes for the classics, sometimes to see what unexpected creation they’re serving next.
The Details
Address: 16 Blossom Street, Spitalfields, London E1 6PL
Phone: 020 7481 8981
Website: xihome.co.uk
Notable: Breakfast from 8:30am, over 20 handmade dumpling varieties, seasonal specials, takeaway available, and Xi Home chilli oil to purchase.