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dan modern chinese (Sawtelle)
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
dan modern chinese (Sawtelle)
8.6
Vibes:
Trendy Table Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Business Lunch Power Players
A modern, polished take on Chinese comfort food anchored by excellent handmade dumplings and noodles. The menu stays focused, with crowd-pleasers like xiao long bao and rich noodle soups executed reliably, making it one of the Westside’s most dependable spots for a full Chinese meal. Expect a lively dining room and a steady local following.
Must-Try Dishes:
Xiao Long Bao (pork soup dumplings), Short Rib Dan Mein, Dungeness Crab Fried Rice
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: High-volume favorite for consistently strong handmade dumplings and noodles.
Who should go: Westside locals craving reliable modern Chinese.
When to visit: Weeknights before 7pm to dodge peak lines.
What to order: Xiao long bao, short rib dan mein, crab fried rice.
Insider tip: Add their house chili oil to dumplings for extra depth.
dan modern chinese (Sawtelle)
7.7
A modern dumpling-and-noodle house that doubles as a dim-sum-adjacent stop thanks to its excellent xiao long bao and handmade bites. The room is contemporary and lively, leaning more fast-casual than banquet hall. Great for a quick Sawtelle meal that still scratches a dim sum itch.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pork xiao long bao, Pork & crab dumplings, Pan-fried dumplings
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Handmade soup dumplings and dumpling plates in a sleek Sawtelle setting.
Who should go: Dumpling lovers wanting a modern Westside option.
When to visit: Early dinner to dodge the Sawtelle rush.
What to order: Xiao long bao, pork & crab dumplings, pan-fried dumplings.
Insider tip: Order one steamed and one pan-fried dumpling set to compare textures.
dan modern chinese (Sawtelle)
7.9
Modern Shanghainese-leaning comfort food geared for sharing, with polished dumplings and wok-fired rice plates. The room is simple, but lunch is efficient and reliably satisfying.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pork Xiao Long Bao, Oxtail Beef Noodle Soup, Pork Chop Fried Rice
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Soup dumplings and noodle bowls with a contemporary edge.
Who should go: Coworkers splitting dumplings and rice plates.
When to visit: Weekdays for a quick sit-down lunch.
What to order: Xiao long bao, oxtail noodle soup, pork chop fried rice.
Insider tip: Order one dumpling basket per two people for balance.