Gaijin Dumpling House — Restaurant in Manchester

Booked a table, no problem. I had travelled through Storm Darragh that day and was parched. When I arrived, I asked for a coffee. Was told they didn't serve coffee. Of course they didn't. What restaurant serves coffee, for crying out loud? Minus one star for that.

Asked for the lamb on crack. Was told lamb was "off". Their Instagram page says its a "signature" dish. One review on YouTube says its "the best lamb dish ever". The lamb was what made this place stand out from the other ten million noodle bars in the area. We went there for the lamb. There was no lamb. There was no warning anywhere on their webpage that the lamb might be off either. Minus two stars for that.

I wanted to leave at that point, but my dining companion (my son) said no, there were plenty of other things we could try. Asked for a menu. Was told that the menu was a QR code I had to scan with my phone. If you know how to do this sort of thing, I suppose that would be OK. Or, if this was pointed out on the website, I could have printed off a menu before I came. I'm not brilliant at QR code scanning, but then I am a 70 year old pensioner who expects a menu when they go to a restaurant, not an internet code. I wondered what would have happened if I had no phone, or no son with me, he knows about this sort of thing and saved my bacon (only there was, of course, no bacon). Consequently, minus another star for this.

When I did see the menu it was mostly uninteresting variations on chicken and some seafood. Ordered the prawn starter. I concluded from the crunchy bits in my mouth that the prawns still had their shells on. My son tried one, he said there was no shell, so maybe I was unlucky, but throughout that course, I expected shell and it did not make a pleasant eating experience.

I then had Noodles Manchurian. The main course. The portion was small, more starter size than main. The noodles no different to noodles I have had in dozens of places the world over. Not as good as many I can think of. Chicken had the texture of frozen chicken that had been reheated, it was very crisp and quite tasteless.

I asked for a bottle of water, but was given a mug of tap water instead. The waitress hovered and was annoying. When it came to pay, my son paid. The swipe function did not work so he went to put his card into the machine to verify. Only there was no machine to verify. Just a swipe on a phone. We were told they did not have a verification facility. He tried three cards before one worked. It was very annoying and I wondered what would have happened if none of these swipes had worked.

Minus another star for the payment shambles.

That was it. I didn't check the bill and my son threw his copy away, we were just glad to get out of the place. Looking at the prices on the web and the amount we were charged. I think we were surcharged for service during this experience. I have a hunch we were charged for tap water too. The bill was £20 more than we were expecting and I cannot think of any other cause of this.

All in all, I leave one star because I cannot leave none. It was a dreadful experience, we eat out a lot and this was most definitely one of the worst meals we have had. I was so hungry when I finally got home a few hours later that I cooked myself another dinner.

I cannot think of one thing to recommend other than to say the high praise on social media is misleading, don't believe the hype. We do not plan to be...

Anniversary Dinner at Gaijin – Was It Worth £200?

Dropped close to £200 on dinner in Levenshulme last night. The real question—was it worth it? Let’s break it down.

The Hits: • Bao Buns – Absolutely epic, soft, and packed with flavour. But… why the random side of fries? • Lamb on Crack – Fantastic. The lamb itself? Beautifully seasoned, tender, and addictive. The fries? Oddly delicious thanks to that spicy, tangy seasoning. The “salad”? Let’s just say it didn’t get the memo on how to fit in. • Dumplings (boiled & fried) – Easily the best halal dumplings in Manchester. Handmade, generously filled, and packed with flavour. • Dynamite Shrimp – If you love P.F. Chang’s, this is its long-lost twin. Perfectly crispy, with that signature creamy, spicy sauce.

The Misses: • Katsu Curry – An absolute disaster. It tasted exactly like chippy curry sauce, and that’s not a compliment. Avoid at all costs. • Nasi Goreng – Just not there yet. Lacked the depth and balance of a proper Nasi Goreng.

Beyond the Food: • No Toilets – Seriously? At this price point, you’d expect basic facilities. • Front of House – The Asian lady running the front was inattentive and had way too much to say when I pointed out the Katsu was awful. Newsflash: arguing with customers isn’t hospitality. • The Manager’s Excuse? – Apparently, the Katsu isn’t good because it was “made for white people.” What?! Wagamama caters to everyone and still makes a banging Katsu, so this excuse is nonsense. • Insult to Injury – Being told it’s “not for desis” is just a cop-out. If a dish is bad, it’s bad.

Final Thoughts & Advice: • Be strategic if you go. This isn’t Levenshulme pricing, it’s town pricing. • The mains need work. Some dishes shine, but others need a complete recipe rethink. • A Note for the Owner/Chef – Don’t assume your guests haven’t been to the countries where your dishes originate. My family and I have lived in Singapore for five years and traveled extensively across China, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Indonesia. We know what we’re talking about. • Front of House Needs a Lesson in Hospitality – There’s a fine line between confidence and being ghetto in communication with paying customers. Giving poor excuses for bad food—especially to someone who has actually eaten Katsu in Japan—is just embarrassing.

Would I go back? Yes, but only for the dumplings, bao, and shrimp—everything...

A Culinary Delight in a Cozy Dumpling Haven!

If there's one word to describe my recent visit to the charming little dumpling house I've been yearning to try, it's simply - enchanting. This hidden gem has been on my list for some time, and yesterday, I finally had the pleasure of dining there. The experience was nothing short of extraordinary, leaving me with a taste of perfection that I couldn't resist bringing home.

Nestled in a quaint corner of the city, this dumpling house exudes warmth and coziness from the moment you step through the door.

The highlight of my visit was undoubtedly the Chef’s special Nasi Goreng and the delectable dumplings which were served as soon as I ordered. The Nasi Goreng was a revelation of flavors - every bite was an exquisite combination of sweet, savory, and just the right amount of spice. It left my taste buds dancing with joy, and I couldn't resist the temptation to order a take-out portion to enjoy at home later with a friend. The portion size was generous, ensuring that my craving for this delectable dish would be satisfied more than once.

The dumplings were a revelation in themselves. The delicate folds of perfectly steamed dumpling wrappers concealed the most mouthwatering filling.

The skill and passion that went into crafting the food served was evident in every mouthful.

The service was impeccable, with the staff's friendly and attentive demeanor enhancing the overall experience ensuring that every aspect of my visit was as delightful as the food itself.

This cozy little dumpling house is a place where comfort, flavor, and a welcoming atmosphere converge, creating a haven for food enthusiasts like myself. I cannot recommend it enough; it's a must-visit for anyone in search of an unforgettable dining experience.

My review would be incomplete without mentioning the owner/chef of the place. I went in when the place was closed and he was kind enough to offer me a takeout ( I dined in later that evening instead ). He was very humble , kind and was clearly great at what he was doing !

If you appreciate fine food in a cozy setting, do yourself a favor and pay a visit to this hidden gem. You won't be disappointed. ( It’s cash only by the way ! Tesco’s free cash machine is 2...