A Battle of the Popular Potstickers in Yonghe: Jiang's or Lü's – Which to Choose?

Text and photos by /Kuni

I originally just went to try Jiang’s Restaurant, but ended up unable to resist the delicious food. After finishing my meal, I spontaneously decided to head over to Lü’s Potstickers. The two are related—Jiang’s former owner later moved near A-Mei Supermarket to open Lü’s Potstickers, and handed the old shop over to his brother-in-law, who has been running it ever since. Both shops serve exactly the same menu, specializing in freshly made potstickers and dumplings.

What we ordered:

Jiang’s Restaurant
10 potstickers (NT$60)
Hot and sour soup (NT$25)

Lü’s Potstickers
10 potstickers (NT$50)
Hot and sour soup (NT$20)

In terms of price, Jiang’s is slightly more expensive. The flavors are very similar, yet there are subtle differences. Just considering the hot and sour soup, Lü’s version had firmer tofu strips, while Jiang’s soup had a slightly richer seasoning. But overall, the difference isn’t major.

Jiang’s Restaurant.

The aunties are making potstickers fresh.

Tableside condiments.

Hot and sour soup.

Potstickers.

About ten minutes later, we headed to Lü’s Potstickers.

Lü’s had slightly fewer customers today.

Hot and sour soup.

Lü’s potstickers are a bit smaller in size.

The potstickers surprisingly differed this time—Lü’s were relatively smaller, and for some reason, the filling today lacked moisture and juice, a stark contrast to the great impression I had during my first visit last October. I tried to think of all possible reasons—maybe the chef overcooked them this time? Plus, today’s chili sauce wasn’t as good as last year’s. Either way, this round definitely goes to Jiang’s Restaurant, no doubt about it.

Lately, I’ve really enjoyed visiting this kind of eatery. Searching for traces of flavor shaped by the passage of time, or the influence of generational tradition. I’m hoping to find the differences—not just the obvious, standard answers.

Jiang’s Restaurant
Address: No. 7, Lane 76, Fuhe Road, Yonghe District, New Taipei City (Yongfu Bridge entrance)
Phone: (02)8928-8788
Hours: 11:00–20:00 (Closed Tuesdays)

Lü’s Potstickers
Address: No. 42, Lane 81, Minzu Street, Yonghe District, New Taipei City
Phone: (02)8668-6869
Time: 10:00-21:00 (Closed on Tuesdays)

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