Newly Opened Jiang-Zhe Style Private Kitchen Near Irvine

First to explore fresh food spots in and around Irvine 👉🏻 Last week, after the gym, I grabbed sushi nearby and noticed a sign outside the Japanese spot I usually go to — it read “Winter Special: Yán Dŭ Xiān”?? Looked up and saw a Chinese restaurant had opened next door — the menu was full of Jiangsu-Zhejiang-Shanghai dishes: Shanghai salted chicken, crispy duck, smoked fish, wheat gluten with sweet rice siu mai, salted pork vegetable rice… Dragged my Shanghainese friend over that weekend to try it! 🍲 Yán Dŭ Xiān (Salted Pork & Bamboo Shoot Soup) — served with a little stove, bubbling and super warm ♨️ The broth is flavorful and rich but not greasy — chef must’ve skimmed the oil off. Every spoonful is packed with meat, fresh bamboo shoots, and tofu knots. Note: huge portion — couldn’t finish with two people. 🍚 Shanghai Salted Pork Vegetable Rice — clay pot rice with crispy bottom My Shanghainese friend said the salted pork tasted authentic — we both loved it, ate it nonstop. Top dish of the meal. 🍖 Sweet & Sour Pork Ribs (Su-style) — sauce is thick and glossy. Personal taste varies — for me, could be more sour? I prefer that tangy vinegar kick. 🧆 Braised Lion’s Head Meatballs — the meat was a bit dense for my liking, more suited for those who love hearty meat bites. A bit on the salty side. Also wanted to try their Shanghai salted chicken and crispy duck, but just two of us couldn’t eat that much. Next time will bring a bigger group to sample more dishes. PS: Some dishes aren’t on the printed menu — you can ask the staff directly. #100RestaurantsChallenge #IrvineEats #IrvineNewSpot #IrvineFinds #IrvineLife #IrvineArea