From the bustling port city of Dalian to the heart of London, Wenjun Xiang’s culinary journey is a story of tradition, innovation, and family legacy. At just 27, the visionary behind Xi Home has redefined Northern Chinese cuisine, creating a dining experience that is as heartfelt as it is adventurous. In this exclusive conversation, Xiang reveals the inspiration behind her signature Jade Lobster Dumplings, the art of tea pairings, and the challenges of bringing authentic flavours to a global audience. Step inside Xi Home, where every dish tells a story and every detail reflects the vibrant spirit of Dalian.
Growing up in Dalian, a city known for its bustling port and rich culinary culture, how have the sights, sounds, and flavours of your hometown shaped the menu and atmosphere at Xi Home?
Growing up in Dalian has deeply influenced both the menu and atmosphere at Xi Home. The sights and sounds of the busy port, with its fishermen bringing in fresh seafood daily, inspired our commitment to authenticity and quality. Many of the dumplings on our menu, like the Jade Lobster Dumpling and King Fish Dumplings, pay homage to the ocean's abundance, a staple in Dalian cuisine.
The lively markets of my hometown, filled with the aroma of freshly cooked street food, have inspired the diverse offerings at Xi Home, from dumplings to Dalian street snacks like Starch Potato Cubes with mixed seafood. We wanted to recreate that sensory experience, where food isn’t just a meal but a connection to culture and tradition.
In terms of atmosphere, the design of Xi Home reflects the spirit of Dalian’s port with wave-patterned walls, vibrant lanterns, and a neon lobster centrepiece. We wanted our guests to feel transported, capturing the energy and warmth of Dalian in every detail. Xi Home is my way of sharing the rich culinary heritage and dynamic spirit of my hometown with London.
The Jade Lobster Dumpling is a family recipe passed down through generations. Could you share the story behind this dish and why it holds such significance for you and Xi Home?
The Jade Lobster Dumpling is a dish that holds a very special place in my heart and the story of Xi Home. It’s a family recipe that I first learned from my grandfather, who was the cornerstone of our family’s kitchen. Growing up in Dalian, my grandfather and I used to prepare dumplings together during special occasions or family gatherings. Back then, we made it with fresh prawns brought home straight from the local market — a nod to the ocean that surrounds Dalian.
For my grandfather, dumplings weren’t just food; they were a way of bringing people together, creating memories, and showing love. He would always say that the key to a good dumpling wasn’t just in the filling but in the care and patience you put into making it. I can still picture him carefully folding each dumpling with precision and love, teaching me to do the same.
When I started Xi Home, I knew I wanted to honour those moments and my grandfather’s passion for food. We refined the recipe slightly to feature lobster, elevating the dish while keeping the heart of the original recipe intact. For me, the Jade Lobster Dumpling isn’t just a dish; it’s a story of family, tradition, and love. It’s a way to bring a piece of my childhood and my grandfather’s legacy to the table, sharing it with everyone who dines at Xi Home.
Tea pairings are a unique part of the Xi Home experience. How do you go about selecting the right teas to complement the flavours of your dumplings and other dishes?
Tea pairings are an integral part of the Xi Home experience, and we approach them with the same care and thoughtfulness as we do our food. Tea has always been deeply rooted in Chinese culinary culture, not just as a drink but as a way to enhance and balance flavours. When selecting teas, we focus on their ability to complement our dumplings.
For example, the Four Seasons Oolong Tea pairs beautifully with our Spicy Pork Dumplings. Its floral and lightly roasted notes balance the heat and richness of the filling while our Oriental Beauty Tea, with its natural sweetness and honey-like aroma, complements the delicate flavours of our Jade Lobster Dumpling.
We also consider the digestive benefits of tea, which is especially important in Chinese dining culture. For heavier dishes like our King Fish Dumplings or Pork Soup Bun, teas with cleansing and refreshing properties, such as Jasmine Green Tea, are ideal to cleanse the palate and enhance the dining experience.
Ultimately, we aim to create pairings that not only highlight the unique flavours of each dish, but also immerse our guests in the cultural tradition of tea appreciation.
Xi Home offers adventurous dumplings like Abalone, Black Cuttlefish, and Sea Cucumber. How do you balance innovation with authenticity when introducing these daring ingredients to your customers?
At Xi Home, balancing innovation with authenticity is at the heart of everything we do. The fillings like Abalone, Black Cuttlefish, and Sea Cucumber may seem adventurous to some, but they are deeply rooted in the culinary traditions of Dalian, my hometown. These ingredients are staples in Dalian cuisine, a city known for its rich seafood culture, and they reflect the authentic flavours I grew up with.
When introducing these dishes to our customers, we stay true to traditional techniques and recipes, ensuring that the essence of Dalian cuisine shines through. For example, the way we season and prepare the fillings is inspired by methods passed down through generations in my family, emphasising the natural flavours of the seafood.
By bringing authentic Dalian ingredients to the table, we’re inviting our guests to experience a true taste of Northern China, while also offering them a chance to try something unique.
Guests can watch the dumpling-making process through a glass panel in the open kitchen. What role does this transparency play in the Xi Home experience, and why is it important for you to showcase the craft behind each dish?
Transparency is a cornerstone of the Xi Home experience, and our open kitchen is designed not only to celebrate the craft behind our dishes but also to educate our guests. Through the glass panel, they can witness the intricate process of making dumplings — a skill deeply rooted in tradition. This isn’t just about showcasing technique; it’s an opportunity to share the story and cultural significance behind Northern Chinese dumplings.
Northern Chinese dumplings, like the ones we serve, are distinct from their Southern counterparts. They tend to have a thicker, more substantial wrapper and heartier fillings, reflecting the flavours and traditions of regions like Dalian. By contrast, Southern Chinese dumplings often have thinner wrappers and more delicate fillings. Watching our chefs work allows guests to understand and appreciate these differences, gaining insight into the regional diversity of Chinese cuisine.
This educational aspect is important to me because Xi Home isn’t just about serving food; it’s about sharing the heritage and craftsmanship of Dalian dumplings. By opening up our kitchen, we hope to bridge the gap between tradition and modern dining, creating an experience that’s as enriching as it is delicious. It’s a way for guests to not only enjoy authentic food but also leave with a deeper understanding of what makes Northern Chinese dumplings so special.
Xi Home offers a distinctive breakfast menu with dishes like Chinese Pancakes and Twisted Buns with Pork Mince. What inspired you to offer these morning options, and how do they connect with traditional Northern Chinese breakfasts?
Our breakfast menu at Xi Home reflects the traditions I grew up with, where breakfast is the most important meal of the day. In our culture, breakfast is not just about sustenance — it’s about starting the day right, with a satisfying and warming meal that provides both energy and comfort.
The offerings are very much the same as those served at the market near my school when I was growing up. These dishes were a daily ritual, a way to feel grounded and ready for the day ahead.
At Xi Home, we aim to bring that same tradition to London, offering our guests a chance to experience the comforting, fulfilling breakfasts that are a cornerstone of Northern Chinese culture. It’s more than just food — it’s a meaningful start to the day, filled with warmth that sets the tone for everything to come.
What drew you to open your flagship location on Blossom Street, near Liverpool Street Station? How does the vibrant energy of this area reflect Xi Home’s brand and identity?
Opening our flagship location on Blossom Street felt like the perfect fit for Xi Home. The area’s energy, with its blend of history and modernity, mirrors the essence of our brand. Liverpool Street is a dynamic hub that connects people from all walks of life — locals, professionals, and travellers alike — which aligns beautifully with our mission to share authentic Dalian food with a diverse audience.
Blossom Street’s rich cultural and urban vibrancy reflects the spirit of Xi Home. Just as the area is a melting pot of old and new, our menu honours traditional Northern Chinese cuisine while bringing it into a contemporary setting. The bustling streets and constant movement remind me of the lively markets of Dalian, where I grew up surrounded by the sights, sounds, and smells of authentic street food.
Being situated near such a central and iconic location allows us to introduce more people to the unique experience of handmade dumplings and the rich culinary heritage of Dalian. Blossom Street offers the perfect stage for us to share not just food, but the warmth, creativity, and energy that define the Xi Home identity.
At just 27, you already have three restaurants under your belt and plans for expansion. What have been some of the biggest challenges in scaling Xi Home, and how do you envision the brand evolving in the future?
Scaling Xi Home has been an incredible journey, but one of the biggest challenges has been earning trust and credibility as a young entrepreneur. At just 27, it hasn’t always been easy to gain the confidence of suppliers, landlords, and even potential team members in an industry where experience is often equated with trustworthiness. I’ve had to consistently prove that I have the vision and capability to lead and grow this business while staying true to its authentic roots.
To overcome this, I’ve focused on letting the quality of our food and the authenticity of our story speak for themselves. The success of our three current locations is a testament to that. Surrounding myself with an experienced and talented team has also been key, allowing me to lean on their expertise while continuing to learn and grow as a leader.
Looking ahead, we’re expanding to new locations and launching a nationwide frozen dumplings shipping service. These initiatives are exciting milestones that will bring Xi Home’s authentic Dalian flavours to more people across the UK. Trust is something that’s earned over time, and I’m committed to demonstrating that Xi Home is not just a restaurant — it’s a brand with a vision, a story, and a future.
How do you approach creating a memorable dining experience at Xi Home, beyond just the food? What aspects of design, service, and storytelling do you believe are key to building customer loyalty?
Creating a memorable dining experience goes far beyond just serving great food. I believe that design, service, and storytelling are all essential elements in building a strong connection with our customers and fostering loyalty.
One of the ways we’ve elevated the experience is by working closely with our design team to ensure the restaurant’s atmosphere reflects the vibrant spirit of Dalian. From wave-patterned walls to the neon lobster centrepiece, every detail is meant to transport guests to the bustling port city.
Storytelling is also central to the Xi Home experience. We recently created a newspaper-style menu that not only lists dishes but also shares the story behind our recipes, the inspiration from Dalian’s markets, and even insights into Northern Chinese cuisine. It’s a way for guests to learn about the cultural heritage that defines our food, making their visit both delicious and meaningful.
We’ve also introduced dumpling masterclasses, which have been a hit with customers. These classes provide a hands-on opportunity to connect with the craft and tradition behind our food, turning dining into an interactive and memorable experience.
Ultimately, the goal is to create an environment where guests feel immersed in the story of Xi Home. Whether it’s through thoughtful design, engaging storytelling, or personal experiences like the masterclasses, we aim to build lasting relationships with our customers by offering more than just a meal — offering them a cultural journey.
With a focus on authentic Northern Chinese ingredients, how do you ensure the quality and sustainability of the products used in your kitchen, particularly the seafood and exotic ingredients?
Maintaining the quality and sustainability of our ingredients is a top priority, especially given our focus on authentic Northern Chinese flavours and dishes that highlight seafood and more exotic ingredients.
For seafood, we work closely with trusted suppliers who share our commitment to freshness and responsible sourcing. We prioritise ingredients that are sustainably caught or farmed, ensuring that we not only deliver exceptional quality but also support practices that protect marine ecosystems. Each delivery is carefully inspected to meet the high standards we set for every dish, from our Jade Lobster Dumplings to our King Fish Dumplings.
Exotic ingredients are sourced with the same level of care. We collaborate with suppliers who understand the importance of authenticity while adhering to ethical and sustainable practices. Whenever possible, we choose seasonally available ingredients to minimise environmental impact and ensure peak freshness and flavour.
Additionally, we’re constantly refining our sourcing process, exploring ways to make our supply chain more transparent and eco-conscious. This commitment not only aligns with our values but also ensures that our guests can trust the quality and integrity of every dish we serve. By combining sustainability with authenticity, we’re able to stay true to our roots while being mindful of our responsibility to the environment.
Xi Home incorporates elements of traditional Northeastern Chinese cuisine but also embraces modern design and presentation. How do you strike a balance between preserving cultural heritage and appealing to contemporary diners?
Authenticity is at the heart of everything we do, and I firmly believe the authentic flavour of Northern Chinese cuisine must never be lost. That said, we also recognise the importance of evolving to meet the expectations of contemporary diners. Striking this balance is about staying true to the soul of our dishes while enhancing how they are experienced.
The foundation of our menu is rooted in traditional Northeastern Chinese recipes, passed down through generations. We ensure that the flavours, techniques, and ingredients remain authentic — dishes like our Jade Lobster Dumplings and King Fish Dumplings are prepared using methods that reflect the heritage of Dalian cuisine.
To appeal to modern diners, we focus on presentation and the overall dining experience. For instance, we use sleek, modern plating techniques that highlight the craftsmanship of each dish without overshadowing its authenticity. The contemporary design of our restaurant creates a welcoming and Instagrammable atmosphere that resonates with today’s diners.
We also embrace storytelling through elements like our newspaper-style menu, which educates guests about the cultural significance behind our dishes. By connecting them to the heritage of Northern Chinese cuisine, we create an experience that is both engaging and meaningful.
Ultimately, the balance comes from respecting the past while embracing the future. We ensure that every dish remains true to its roots while enhancing the way guests connect with our food and culture in a way that feels fresh and modern.