Thumbs Up: Jonathan Gold dines at Long Xing Ji

Got a craving for jumbo Wuxi-style soup dumplings that you have to slurp using a boba straw? Then it’s time for a trip to Long Xing Ji, located in San Gabriel’s Ranch 99 plaza. If the restaurant name sounds familiar, that’s because Long Xing Ji was formerly Wang Xing Ji. Same space, staff and cooks, new owner.

In addition to the giant crab-and-pork soup dumpling, Pulitzer Prize-winning food writer Jonathan Gold recommends the xiao long bao, which are regular-sized pork soup dumplings. As you make your way down Long Xing Ji’s menu of over 100 different items, look for foods marked with the ‘thumbs up’ icon. Then don’t forget to try Jonathan’s favorite dishes: the Wuxi-style cold smoked fish, the crispy candied eel and the sticky, sweet-and-savory spare ribs.

Dumplings at Long Xing Ji

Try Wuxi-style dumplings three different ways at Long Xing Ji.

Recommendations: Try the large crab-and-pork soup bun, the juicy regular-sized pork soup dumplings, the Wuxi-style cold smoked fish, the deep-fried candied eel, the spare ribs, the beef noodle soup, the cold noodles in sesame sauce and the sautéed string beans.

Location: 140 West Valley Boulevard, San Gabriel, CA 91776 | (626) 307-1188

You can find more of Jonathan’s restaurant recommendations here.