ALL THE LOVELY DUMPLINGS

A large group of out-of-towners, around a dozen people, who clearly were an extended family, came into the bakery and proceeded to feast, exclaiming that the pastries were delicious. We don't often get that reaction from tourists. The Europeans will, after much thought cautiously risk one item split four ways, and marvel that Americans bake.
How much more miraculous that these are Chinese Americans!
This family enjoyed their snacks very much.

It became apparent that several of the kids were in Chinese Immersion classes. A seven year old girl softly read the word for watermelon on the wall (西瓜 xīguā, 'sai gwaa'), in Mandarin pronunciation. Later on the dad asked an older daughter what the sign over the entrance to the kitchen said. "Something something something, big". Well, she wasn't wrong, except she was reading it in the wrong direction. But other than that I don't know what it said either.
So I faked it. I feel bad about being so devious.


After leaving, I lit my pipe, and strolled around till I found myself in front of Hon's Wun-Tun on Washington Street, where three young women with deft hands were visible folding dumplings in the front prep area. Two of them making won ton, the third Northern style shui jiao (水餃 'seui gaau'). Which are larger and more meaty.

北式餃子

I watched for about ten minutes till she had finished a tray of them. Northern dumplings are among my favourite foods, very enjoyable indeed with a dash of dark vinegar and a sploodge of chilipaste. There are not many places in Chinatown which have them. To most Cantonese-speakers Seui Gaau mean slightly larger won ton with more shrimp in the filling.
Nice too, but not the same.


There's something magical about small hands deftly and efficiently filling round rolled out dumpling skins. Skilled dexterity. Poetry in motion.


Ma'am, your fingers make beauty.



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