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    'Dumpling Zhang': An Authentic Chinese Experience

    Written by: Aiza Azam
    Posted on: June 30, 2015 |

    Chicken with Oyster Sauce

    While Chinese eateries are never in short supply in Pakistan, it is difficult to find a restaurant that offers an authentic experience. Most places succumb to the clientele’s preference for a Pakistani version of Chinese cuisine, dishing up what is essentially South Asian food made from ‘exotic’ ingredients.

    The capital has produced some winners. Among independent businesses, Heng Chang stood as the sole competitor for the longest time with an appealing ambience, excellent service and very good food. Unfortunately, in recent years the restaurant’s quality has fallen sharply into disrepair.

    Dumpling Zhang's Beef in Chili Oil

    Beef in Chili Oil

    But, a hero still stands tall. Dumpling Zhang first opened its doors to the capital several years ago. In those early months, it wasn’t very much of a go-to place, with expats forming much of the clientele as few locals if any were aware it existed. Later, Zhang shifted to much larger premises, and now boasts an ever-increasing Pakistani and foreign clientele beyond the Chinese regulars.

    Dumpling Zhang's Fried Eggplant with Minced Beef

    Fried Eggplant with Minced Beef

    For Chinese cuisine straight from the heart of the Middle Kingdom, Dumpling Zhang should be on your list of must-visits. The restaurant interior is humble, the crockery and cutlery not very elegant. But what sets it apart is the home cooked feel of the food they serve up. This is the kind of food you remember eating at your Chinese friend’s tiny apartment in Wuhan, or from a small all-night restaurant in Hangzhou, or that famous food street in Xi’an. This is real Chinese food.

    If you’re going there for the first time, you’ll find an overwhelming choice of menu options; here are some great picks to get you started:

    For soups, the clear broths are the best choice. Try the Shredded Chicken with Egg, or the Vegetable soup; the latter is particularly tasty with a handful of crunchy sprouts thrown in. Both are light and very subtly flavored; the accompanying soy sauce and garlic chili oil can help add an extra kick. If you’re a dumpling person, opt for the boiled dumplings instead of the fried ones, with options of mutton, chicken, beef and veg. The Chinese way to do it is to split each piece partially and pour in a few drops of soy sauce with a dash of minced garlic in oil, then stuff it whole in your mouth for a great burst of flavor.

    In poultry, the Spicy Chicken and Kungpao Chicken are safe favorites; the Xinjiang Style Chicken is also good, with chicken and potatoes in curry, somewhat similar to local style. Alternatively, try the Chicken in Oyster Sauce; juicy chicken and crunchy sautéed vegetables, not too spicy but high on flavor. The Beef in Chili oil is also good; be warned, this is a cold dish which, while it may take some getting used to, is rather addictive. They have good old noodle and rice standbys. The chicken noodles are fried and the pasta is cut thick, with julienne strips of vegetables. But we really recommend the rice, either plain or the chicken and egg fried versions; it’s sticky, with short fat grains and only slightly oily (without being heavy).

    Dumpling Zhang's Fried Rice

    Dumpling Zhang's Fried Rice

    Don’t forget to order sides. We recommend the delicious Eggplant with Minced Beef and the Fried Tofu with Vegetables.

    Dumpling Zhang is well worth the money. Go there today with family (they’re open for Ramadan after 6 pm, though they don’t offer iftaris, only dinner), book a private room and order up a storm.


    As the new year begins, let us also start anew. I’m delighted to extend, on behalf of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and in my own name, new year’s greeting and sincere wishes to YOULIN magazine’s staff and readers.

    Only in hard times can courage and perseverance be manifested. Only with courage can we live to the fullest. 2020 was an extraordinary year. Confronted by the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Pakistan supported each other and took on the challenge in solidarity. The ironclad China-Pakistan friendship grew stronger as time went by. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor projects advanced steadily in difficult times, become a standard-bearer project of the Belt and Road Initiative in balancing pandemic prevention and project achievement. The handling capacity of the Gwadar Port has continued to rise and Afghanistan transit trade through the port has officially been launched. The Karakoram Highway Phase II upgrade project is fully open to traffic. The Lahore Orange Line project has been put into operation. The construction of Matiari-Lahore HVDC project was fully completed. A batch of green and clean energy projects, such as the Kohala and Azad Pattan hydropower plants have been substantially promoted. Development agreement for the Rashakai SEZ has been signed. The China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future has become closer and closer.

    Reviewing the past and looking to the future, we are confident to write a brilliant new chapter. The year 2021 is the 100th birthday of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. The 100-year journey of CPC surges forward with great momentum and China-Pakistan relationship has flourished in the past 70 years. Standing at a new historic point, China is willing to work together with Pakistan to further implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, connect the CPEC cooperation with the vision of the “Naya Pakistan”, promote the long-term development of the China-Pakistan All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership with love, dedication and commitment. Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan said, “We are going through fire. The sunshine has yet to come.” Yes, Pakistan’s best days are ahead, China will stand with Pakistan firmly all the way.

    YOULIN magazine is dedicated to promoting cultural exchanges between China and Pakistan and is a window for Pakistani friends to learn about China, especially the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is hoped that with the joint efforts of China and Pakistan, YOULIN can listen more to the voices of readers in China and Pakistan, better play its role as a bridge to promote more effectively people-to-people bond.

    Last but not least, I would like to wish all the staff and readers of YOULIN a warm and prosper year in 2021.

    Nong Rong Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of
    The People’s Republic of China to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
    January 2021