Editor’s Pick: Steamy dumplings

Oriental Pearl’s two locations—the newest on Government Street—seem like the sort of place you would normally pass by. But having dwelled on the far side of the Great Wall and sampled dumplings in every hole-in-the-wall from Datong to Dongzhimen, you can take it from me: Their steamed pork dumplings are the real deal. Encased in a thick, doughy shell, they release a burst of meaty, piping-hot flavor the moment you bite into them. The interior, stuffed with a mixture of pork, green onions, water chestnuts and garlic, is key to the dish’s success, but the sweet dipping sauce is a perfect compliment to the ground meat’s rich flavor. Though an appetizer, the dumplings are generously large and filling, so make sure you bring someone to split them with. And a tip for dining in: Skip the buffet and order off the menu—their prices are low, their portions are generous and their kitchen-cooked food is far superior to what they put out on the warming trays.—Rachael Upton