Nestled across from KFC on Taraval Street lies Dumpling specialist, an unassuming northern Chinese restaurant serving traditional dishes. As I walked in for breakfast, there was no music playing but a faint chattering filling the restaurant. We were greeted by the server and immediately seated. For our selection of foods we opted for the sweet soy milk, youtiao and sticky rice youtiao.

     The first to arrive was the sweet soymilk piping hot, emitting steam from the paper cup it was served in. Wafting up into the air was this creamy nuttiness accompanied by a honey like aroma. By itself, it was not like your ordinary soymilk from Starbucks, this was pure soymilk making it taste clean and smooth with no funky flavors. 

     Next came the youtiao, which is a deep fried dough. It was golden brown and made a sound when you rubbed your chopstick on top. Alone, it was extremely crispy but not fried to where it gives you a headache. With the soymilk, it was heaven. Added soymilk made it so the inside was coated with the creamy milk while the outside retained its crunchiness. Simple, yet extraordinary.

     Lastly, the sticky rice youtiao arrived. A sticky rice roll filled with fried dough, pork floss and Chinese pickles. The rice was sticky enough to bond together but able to feel every grain of rice. Chinese pickles tend to be dry but extremely umami and salty which was neutralized by the sweet pork floss. For texture, a large piece of youtiao was stuck in the middle, bringing the whole dish together: salty, sweet, chewy, and crunchy.

     Overall, I would rate this place a 4/5 and would go again. The dishes were simple, yet so comforting.