Potstickers Worth a Pot of Gold

Let me dish to you, my OYK readers, about one food in particular: one that I rely on in times of sickness and health, times of ultimate hunger, and when in need of comfort and warmth. Right now, I have a case of congestion and the sniffles, and nothing beats the blues and kills hunger more than a solid batch of potstickers.

This week, it was my mission to seek out the OYK restaurants serving doughy pockets of deliciousness brimming with morsels of meat and minced vegetables. As you will soon find out, the mission is complete. It’s like I’ve found a pot of gold with these potstickers that are just waiting to be devoured.

Little Village Noodle House

My pursuit for potstickers began in the heart of Chinatown at Little Village Noodle House on Smith Street. Happy to return to one of my favorite Chinese restaurants, and as an avid fan of its potstickers, I knew just what to expect. Little Village harbors some of the most delicious potstickers on the planet. Whether you prefer them boiled or pan-fried, you’ll want to give these dumplings a try. Priced at $8.95 for eight pieces and $5.25 for four pieces, these pockets made from warm dough are filled to the brim with a choice of chicken and chives, pork and mustard cabbage or fried tofu and chives (vegetarian friendly). If you have no problem eating meat, then I highly recommend trying the chicken or pork offerings — these are the real deal. The supple pockets of flour are made from scratch and based off of a formula created by the restaurant. Of course, for the most authentic experience, it’s essential to dip each potsticker in the homemade sauce comprised of soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic and a pinch of ginger.

Little Village Noodle House
1113 Smith St.
646-3008

Pho My Lien

Pho My Lien’s Wonton soup ($9.50) N. WALKER PHOTO

This cold of mine has got to go. The congestion, tired eyes and low energy are eating away at my spirit. Thankfully, Pho My Lien is here to get me back to health. Located in Westridge Shopping Center in Aiea, this quaint Vietnamese restaurant, which boasts quite a few accolades, offers Wonton Soup ($9.50), which is an incredible pick-me-up for the weary. In a flavorful chicken-based broth swims a combination of noodles, vegetables and dumplings. A potsticker destined for soup may be a challenge to create. They must not be too thin-skinned, must hold its form while in the soup and must be tender (not soggy). Pho My Lien’s shrimp and pork-filled dumplings exactly meet such specifications. Hand-made by owner Lien Bui, who’s originally from Vietnam, the potstickers are a great addition to the pho, which will leave you warm and toasty on these recent chilly days.

Pho My Lien
Westridge Shopping Center 8-150 Kaonohi St., Ste. B213-B
488-4900