Blnd Tger Dumplings — Restaurant in Vancouver

My sister & I have heard of this place and was so excited when we finally had a chance to try it one weekend. We put our name down and killed time at the Irish bar across the street being mindful that this spot was new and it was a weekend. Even with having to wait 2 hours we were still in good spirits when we finally got the text our table was ready. They ended up seating us by the bar and I left to use the washroom. Upon returning my sister let me know the male bartender advised that there’s no cellphone use inside. I asked for clarification on this and was told they wanted customers to really enjoy the atmosphere and to refrain from taking any vids/photos with flash that would take away from the experience. Again, understandable as there are other establishments that have a similar rule and we really were there to taste the menu. My sister had her phone out to check something and was told by a male server to put her phone away. We didn’t make any fuss and tried explaining we weren’t taking any photos, just checking a msg as we had plans after. at that point we were still waiting for our dumplings. when 1/2 of our order arrived, my sister checked her phone once more to respond to a msg since we had a family member waiting to meet us after in gastown. the same male server returns and very rudely accuses her of playing music on her phone and that we should leave. this was so confusing.. as we weren’t being obnoxious with our phones whatsoever and gave positive feedback to staff about the drinks and food even though it wasn’t good. A manager at that point got involved because we were livid at how we were being treated. waiting 2 hours for this disappointing experience was not it. they kept talking about checking the security cameras to see if we were playing music on our phone and that the bill would be reversed (my sister paid before we even got our 2nd order just so we could get out of there asap). this wasn’t about the money it’s the principle on how u treat people. don’t know what checking security cameras will do but i’m sure they never did check. and if there’s a restaurant rule about no phones that’s fine, but there’s no need to approach people in that manner especially for someone dining at your restaurant for the first time. maybe all staff should be on the same level as to what to tell customers about phone use since we asked the bartender about it when we first entered and was told just don’t take any photos. and then later get into an argument with another staff member for having our phone out to reply to a text msg. anyway i never write reviews but i’ve never experienced service like...

First of all this little kiosk of a place that sells dumplings looked amazing! WTF ? Get outta here! It looked like an old fashioned Chinatown stalk from the 30’s but really cool and hipsterized. Something my grandfather would have liked back in those days when he owned property accross the street which he sold for $2000. A very long time ago. I loved the concept. A polite non Asian woman was tending the front of shop and I found out I could order frozen dumplings 🥟 for takeaway. I can’t remember the price but it wasn’t cheap, but remember thinking they’re handmade so should be good. Asked which ones she liked which was option four, The Zhong (see picture of menu). I asked if ok to take some photos and we got our little frozen gems which we used for our hotpot dinner at home. TBH I was wondering if they would be a letdown but we were all surprised they held up well in the hotpot and you know what? They tasted great. Wasn’t sure about the thick skin but that was the wrapping bonus because they were chewy and held up to the drenches of the rolling boiling hotpot soup and the tumbling abuses it got being stirred about and overcooked. These were some hearty dumplings! Best of all they were locally made and not some frozen factory made from overseas with sceptical ingredients. I hope. So A plus for these dumplings! But wait. Nooooo way! It’s a speakeasy? If you only knew the expletives that was shouting from my brain so early in the morning as I thumb this review on my smartphone. Now I have another reason to come here. Ok sure one dude wrote he didn’t have good customer service and another said the dumplings were chewy and the wrapper too thick. To them I say Hah!!! Whatever. I’m just gonna enjoy the experience of it all. Because regardless of that, I’ve had and been through way way worse when I lived in Chinatown and this is a treat. ( as long as I can afford it). If I were as young as these reviewers they’d understand more of being appreciative for places like this that are revitalizing my childhood haunts. Bringing back some mystery and life back into these buildings that have lived such amazing lives. So the next time you come to Chinatown day or evening. Dare to drop in here. Experience something new that is so old with open eyes. Don’t be a stuffed up Millennial or Gen Z foodie know it all. Just enjoy and live the experience and remember where we all came from. ...

BLND TGER, Laowei, whatever this place wants to call themselves. They seem to really pride themselves on being a "secret" or "hidden" bar but let's be honest here, people who come here know what's behind the fake door.

Came here with a friend on a Saturday night. Didn't see a line up outside for once so we tried to put our name down for a table for 2. While the host was checking in the group of 3 in front of us, we couldn't help but overhear the "house rules" which were no hats (odd but ok) and no cellphone use inside. The friend I was with who has gone before was surprised at this no cellphone use rule as it wasn't in place previously but hey, things change.

The group in front of us gets seated, and then we're helped. But before we got far, we were advised the "house rules" also include no "gym attire". For a bar that has mediocre reviews, we were kind of surprised at this but respect the fact the establishment can make whatever rules they want. It would've been nice if these rules were clearly laid out somewhere but I'd imagine it'd take away from the mysterious vibe they're going for.

On our way out, the host in what likely was an attempt to suggest another option told us about the Chickadee bar a block away. He said since we "looked like we had snacks for eating outside" that we should go to Chickadee for "canned cocktails to go". I'm not sure how me holding a bag of cookies and my friend holding a bag from DL Chicken Shack looked like we were planning on having a meal outside, but I guess the server needed to tell us that. He further decided to add that Laowei doesn't have "take out cocktails" and to again go to Chickadee dor them. Again, not sure how the items we were holding nor the fact we were trying to sit inside a bar would in any way insinuate my friend and I were going to drink (illegally I might add) out in a public place but hey, maybe he assumed two people wearing "gym attire" would do that.

We happily walked over to the Keefer Bar not far away and were greeted by the lovely staff there without issue. We were promptly seated (inside mind you) in our "gym attire) and had a great time. For a bar that's been recognized as one of the best in Vancouver for several years now, you'd maybe expect "house rules" here but nope. Just great service and great drinks. Definitely not going to Laowei or Blind Tiger or whatever their name is supposed...