Henan steamed-dumpling chain whose thin-skinned pork and beef jiaozi are steamed in small baskets and eaten with vinegar and garlic. A simple lunch or breakfast stop.
Cai Ji Steamed Dumplings (蔡记蒸饺) is a Henan steamed-dumpling chain with branches around Zhengzhou, the provincial capital. It is known for thin-skinned jiaozi filled with pork or beef and steamed in small baskets, then eaten with vinegar and garlic. It is a simple, inexpensive place for breakfast or lunch, and it gives visitors a direct taste of the wheat-based cooking that defines Henan cuisine.
The menu revolves around two main items. The steamed beef dumplings (牛肉蒸饺) cost about ¥18 to ¥26 per basket, and the pork and chive dumplings (猪肉韭菜蒸饺) about ¥16 to ¥24. The skins are rolled thin so that the filling shows faintly through, and each basket arrives piping hot. Diners mix vinegar, chilli and crushed garlic in a small dish and dip each dumpling as it is eaten. A bowl of soup or porridge is a common side order, and several baskets are usually shared or ordered individually depending on appetite.
The dining room is a casual dumpling shop with simple tables, fast service and a steady stream of local customers. The atmosphere is functional rather than atmospheric, the noise level is moderate, and there is no dress code. There is no wine or beverage programme beyond tea, soy milk, soft drinks and the occasional bottled beer; the focus is on the food and the speed of service.
No reservation is needed. The shop takes walk-ins only, and because the baskets are steamed in batches the wait is usually a few minutes. Approximate opening hours are 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily, so the shop serves breakfast, lunch and an early dinner. Since the venue is a chain rather than a single location, visitors should search 蔡记蒸饺 in Amap (高德地图) or Baidu Maps (百度地图) to find the closest branch in Zhengzhou. A full meal for one person generally costs well under ¥40, making it one of the cheaper sit-down meals available in the city. Payment is normally by Alipay or WeChat Pay.
| Price | $ |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily approx 7:00 AM-9:00 PM |
| Reservations | Walk-ins only; no reservation needed. Find the branch by typing the Chinese name into Amap (高德地图) or Baidu Maps (百度地图). |
| Address | Zhengzhou, Henan (search 蔡记蒸饺 in Amap for the nearest branch) |
Signature dishes
- Steamed beef dumplings (牛肉蒸饺), per basket — ¥18-26 (~$2.7-3.9)
- Pork and chive dumplings (猪肉韭菜蒸饺) — ¥16-24 (~$2.4-3.6)
Good to know
- Known for
- Thin-skinned steamed dumplings
Location
Zhengzhou, Henan (search 蔡记蒸饺 in Amap for the nearest branch)
34.7500, 113.6700 View on map
Highlights
- Thin-skinned steamed beef and pork dumplings in small baskets
- Vinegar and garlic dipping sauce mixed at the table
- Breakfast-to-dinner hours from about 7:00 AM
- Full meal well under ¥40 per person
Tips for visiting
- Order the beef dumplings first; add pork and chive to share.
- Mix vinegar, chilli and garlic in the small dish provided and dip each dumpling.
- Bite a small opening and let steam escape, as fillings are served very hot.
- Search 蔡记蒸饺 in Amap to find the nearest branch.
- Arrive before 8:30 AM for a quiet breakfast seating.
When to visit
Breakfast and mid-morning are the freshest and quietest; the lunch hour from noon to 1:00 PM is the busiest.
Accessibility
Casual dumpling shop with simple table seating, normally at street level. Wheelchair access is not confirmed and depends on the branch.
Frequently asked questions
What do the dumplings cost?
A basket of beef dumplings is about ¥18-26 and pork and chive about ¥16-24. Most diners finish a meal for under ¥40.
Are reservations needed?
No. The shops are walk-in only and turnover is quick.
Is this a single restaurant?
It operates as a chain in Zhengzhou, so the address depends on the branch. Searching the Chinese name in Amap or Baidu Maps shows the nearest one.
When is it open?
Hours are roughly 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily, though branches may differ.