10,000 sold per day! Eat baked xiaolongbao while strolling around Yokohama Chinatown's "Pengtengaku New Building"

You'll be captivated by the dynamic cooking scenes

The shop is located in the middle of Chinatown Boulevard, the center of the neighborhood. It is about a 4-minute walk from Motomachi-Chukagai Station. "Pengtenkaku" has several affiliated stores, including "Pengtenkaku Shuka," which is popular for its baked xiaolongbao and Chinese porridge, and "Pengtenkaku Shichicha," which sells tapioca, cheese tarts, and freshly baked pineapple cakes, located next door across the alley next to the new building.

Founded relatively recently, its roots can be traced back to the order-based all-you-can-eat restaurant "Chinmi-en" that opened near Chikyumon Gate in Yokohama Chinatown in 2007. "Pengtenkaku New Building" opened in 2011 and became a popular restaurant after it gained attention for its ability to show the cooking scene through the glass in front of the store.

The sight is certainly something you never tire of. There are several dim sum chefs working in different sections of the kitchen, wrapping the ingredients in dough and baking them with astonishing speed. On busy days, each chef can wrap more than 2,000 pieces in a single day, and sell more than 10,000 pieces.

Baked Xiaolongbao have two types of skins: one is the usual white type, and the other is a jade-colored dough. The secret to this vividness is that it is kneaded with spinach. When you watch the baking process, the contrast between the two colors is visually striking. Combined with the aroma of the baked dumplings that fills the air, it whets your appetite.

Compare the different flavors and colors of baked xiaolongbao

The different colors of the dough correspond to the fillings inside, with the white type being the classic pork filling, while the jade green type is a seafood pork filling with shrimp and other ingredients mixed in. The set that allows you to enjoy both the "Pork Grilled Xiaolongbao" and the "Seafood Grilled Xiaolongbao" is the most popular item at the store.

When you try it, you'll be surprised by the juicy meat. The contrast between the crispy, fragrant surface and the soft, chewy crust on top is exquisite, and it's no wonder there's such a long line.

The "Pork Baked Xiaolongbao" is packed with the delicious flavor of meat in a chewy and juicy filling. The "Seafood Baked Xiaolongbao" has a deep flavor with a gentle seafood broth. Please note that the dumplings are piping hot when they are first made, so be careful not to burn yourself, and add black vinegar to taste.

Don't miss the souvenirs and the restaurant on the second floor.

"Pengtian Pavilion New Building" also sells traditional steamed xiaolongbao, which come in three flavors: pork, Shanghai crab miso, and jade. They also offer "sesame dumplings," so if you want something sweet, you should buy these as well.

There is also a souvenir corner on the first floor of the store, where you can buy frozen dim sum and traditional Chinese sweets called "mooncakes". The most popular item is the two-colored baked xiaolongbao set, which is recommended as a rare souvenir from Yokohama Chinatown. Of course, they can also arrange for frozen delivery.

Furthermore, the second floor is an eat-in restaurant that mainly serves Xiaolongbao. They have a wide range of dishes from small plates to authentic Chinese menu items, and for lunch they offer a "Xiaolongbao & Value Set" that combines Xiaolongbao with a classic Chinese dish. If you want to sit down and enjoy the restaurant's specialties, be sure to head to the second floor.

Yokohama Chinatown is a famous tourist spot, and according to its official website, there are about 200 Chinese restaurants alone (as of July 2022). The fact that there is a long line in such a competitive area is proof that the food is really delicious. If you're going to try a few restaurants, this is one you should definitely check out.

Pengtenkaku New Building

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