On the road in China: Dazzling dumplings 

Source: ONE NewsMichael Burgess and the prized dumplings

Dumplings are not unusual in China but these ones must have been.

They attracted a midday queue that not so much spilled out on to the street but took it over, at times numbering more than 50 people.

When the same thing occurred around dinner time curiosity got the better of me and I joined the line of the hungry.

It was touch and go.

A few customers walked out and were shaking their heads at me, perhaps trying to tell me that supplies were low.

I stayed the course and found myself at the head of the line, where I meant to ask for four but instead used the number three. Those Mandarin classes in Auckland seemed a long time ago!

For my 12 yuan ($2.40) I was given three sets of three dumplings.

Now came the taste test - just what was all the fuss about?

I'm happy to report that they were sensational.

Slighty crispy on the outside and pork, vegetables and spices on the inside that were dripping with flavour.

Competition must be fierce in this city of 15 million food lovers but the guys in this restaurant were definitely doing something right.

I can't promise an in-depth interview with the chefs to uncover their secrets, but I will be returning to savour the flavour once more.

Click here to read more of Michael's tales from China.

tvnz.co.nz's Michael Burgess is in China courtesy of the Asia New Zealand foundation and travelled there with Air New Zealand. He is aiming to investigate the impact and legacy of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and will be writing about the sights and sounds of China along the way.