Chu Long Ji

A popular Chinese restaurant in Wairau Valley, Chu Long Ji is known for having one of the best (or possibly the best) soup dumplings (better known as Xiao Long Bao) in Auckland.

There's not many Chinese places I actually look forward to trying but after seeing it all over my insta feed, this was one of them. The interior is lovely, with both elements of modern and traditional style. We understood the Chinese spoken at us to know that we had to go to the front to get a waiting number from the counter as it was full when we got there. The wait wasn't long, but what was even faster was the time for all our food to be served - all our dishes was on our table in like 5 minutes!

First was the Sweet and Sour Pork Chop. This was pretty much served immediately as it was already pre-made and sitting with other side dishes in a display cabinet, which meant that it was lukewarm and would've tasted much better heated. Next served were the two noodles. The Noodles with Well-Stewed Soup were pretty nice and only $6.80! The other one we ordered was noodles mixed with scallion, oil and soy sauce and wow, so simple yet so good! Loved the taste of it and it was also cheap at around $10 - definitely recommend it. And of course, last but not least, their original Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings). These perfect lil balls of soup - Eat these with care so you don't waste the soup by squirting it on the table when you take a bite like me .

Address: Unit 11, 20 Link Drive, Wairau Valley, Auckland

Hours: Wednesday-Monday (11am-2.30pm, 5-9.30pm), Tuesday (closed)

Phone: (09) 443 3333

Zomato: www.zomato.com/auckland/chu-long-ji-chinese-restaurant-wairau-valley