With a Taiwan origin, crystal dumplings are not a regular item on most dim sum restaurants' menus. Contrary to what the name suggests, it is not made of crystal (duh!) but rather has a translucent delicate skin wrapping the burst of sweetness. After 3 failed visits to this particular stall at Alexandra Village Food Centre, I was determined this time round and went down just before the lunch rush hour peak. (Whew, dint sell out this time!)
Yam paste crystal dumpling
(+) Very refined, smooth and well graded yam paste.
(+) Unique soft skin texture, slightly chewy. Requires a slight tug with your teeth unlike those xiao long bao.
(+) Fair tinge of sweetness which enhances the pureness of the yam paste. Perfect for light bite post-main course.

(-) The skin is not as elastic as expected and some might find it rather 'rubbery'.
(-) Does not look very appetizing as we bought an assortment of yam paste, red bean and turnip fillings and the soft                   dumplings were just piled on each other rather distastefully.


Red bean crystal dumpling
(+) Subtly sweet which was just enough to titillate your tastebuds and not overwhelm.
(+) Texture wise is same as above.

(-) Good food should arouse all senses, and I was largely appalled by the 'stale oil' smell. Not sure what contributed to that, perhaps the preparation methods? It was only for the red bean crystal dumpling though.


Sadly, before we managed to photograph the other turnip filled crystal dumpling, it was yummy gummy no more. I blame it on fast fingers and growling stomachs, another day then! However of the 3 crystal dumplings offered and tested, we actually liked the turnip dumpling most. The turnip was sufficiently moist to bring out the succulence and savoriness of the crystal dumpling. It was a different offering altogether from the above 2 sweet dumplings. The light crunch from the turnips complements the soft skin perfectly, which makes it an edge over the typical vegetable-filled dumplings. Would definitely return for it. Despite my love for red bean delicacies, might take me a while to overcome that pungent overwhelming smell before I attempt a second shot.