THE DUMPLING QUEEN, WENJUN XIANG XI'S INSIDER GUIDE TO SHOREDITCH
Xi Home Dumplings Founder's Ultimate Guide to the Best Cafes, Restaurants, Bars and Hidden Gems in Shoreditch

Wenjun Xiang Xi was one of the first to bring authentic Northern Chinese dumplings to the UK, and opened her first dumpling store at just 17.
Now aged 27 - cries in unfulfilled potential - she is celebrating the recent launch of her third restaurant, Xi Home Shoreditch, on Blossom Street.
Her Xi Home Dumplings havens in Liverpool Street and Covent Garden are inspired by her hometown - the bustling port of Dalian in Northern China.

It serves more than 20 authentic, handmade dumplings, alongside tea pairings, cocktails and detox juices. All dishes are freshly prepared by Dalian chefs chosen by Wenjun, and guests can watch all the dumpling action from the glass panelled open plan kitchen.
Alongside the dumpling menu, sits an array of buns, rolls, pancakes and rich soups including, the Pork Soup Bun - an Instagrammable dish where pork broth is sipped from a straw inside the bun.

Other must-try dishes include Sliced Beef & Ox Organs in Chilli Sauce, Stir Fried Liver with Chives & Bean Sprouts, Steamed Cold Noodles (perfect for Summer), Xi Home signature Wonton Soup and the Dalian street food snack Starch Potato Cubes with Mixed Seafood.
And Wenjun has taken a moment away from her dumpling revolution to bring us her guide to the best places to eat and drink in Shoreditch, from morning to night.
Xi Home Dumplings, 10 Blossom St, London E1 6PL
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COFFEE
% Arabica

Arabica is literally minutes from Xi Home Shoreditch in Spitalfields market. I always go for an espresso. I need at least one a day to keep me awake. They have a really good balance of acidity, there.
% Arabica, Near Living Pure Natural, Unit 2 Market St, London E1 6AJ
BREAKFAST
Savoy Cafe & Kitchen + Amber Kitchen E1

My two favourite spots are both local independents. Savoy Café & Kitchen in Shoreditch is tiny, but they have a great breakfast menu. I usually choose Amber Kitchen E1 if I want something healthy.
Savoy Cafe & Kitchen, 11 Great Eastern St, London EC2A 3EJ
LUNCH
Kastner & Ovens

When I’m in Spitalfields Market and craving a delicious, wholesome lunch, my go-to spot is Kastner & Ovens. Tucked away like a true hidden gem, this unassuming deli offers a daily-changing menu of hearty, freshly made dishes that feel like a warm hug on a plate. From vibrant salads to comforting pies and bakes, everything is packed with flavour and made with care. What I love most is the relaxed vibe - no fuss, just great food that hits the spot every time. It’s the perfect place for a satisfying lunch, and once you discover it, you’ll keep coming back.
Kastner & Ovens, 13 Frying Pan Alley, London E1 7HS
DINNER
Hawksmoor Spitalfields

Hawksmoor Spitalfields has the best quality steak locally, and Pho always delivers a good Vietnamese meal.
Hawksmoor, 157A Commercial St, London E1 6BJ
DRINKS
Eataly

Eataly is a great, buzzy spot for some early evening drinks. All of their wines are good quality.
Eataly, 135 Bishopsgate, City of London, London EC2M 3YD
INSIDER TIP
Inspitalfields Gift Shop

Whenever I find myself wandering through Spitalfields Market, I always make a point to stop by Inspitalfields Gift Shop.
It’s one of my personal favourite spots in the area. Hidden among the hustle and bustle, this quirky little shop is a haven for unique, thoughtful gifts and playful treasures that you won’t find anywhere else.
Whether you’re looking for something special to take home or just browsing for inspiration, I can’t recommend it enough. It’s the kind of place where you’ll always find a little spark of joy.
Inspitalfields Gift Shop, 3a Lamb St, London E1 6EA
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