market research.

if you know me well, you know that i've been dreaming of starting my own dumpling business. one very important task is to see what the competitors are doing. so, finally, i got around to visiting mimi cheng's in the east village.

the store front is clean, but i missed it walking by on the first try. it's a cute, modern looking shop, and the menu is simple. though it's so much smaller than i had imagined; i would say, between the shared picnic table and bar seating, it probably seats 20 max.

ordering counter

nat and i shared and ordered 8 pan-fried (most popular method) dumplings: 4 mimi's and 4 classics. and of course the crushed cucumbers with garlic.

dumpling feast!

the monthly special is a beef taco dumpling, with a small side salsa. i have to say, it was pretty good! when i bit into the dumpling, i was quite surprised, even though i knew that it was a beef taco, it still felt weird to be tasting a taco in a dumpling. i think the monthly special was a bigger success than their "classic" dumplings.

mexican dumpling with beef and black beans

i found the mimi cheng and the classic to taste the same, both too salty, with little flavor to differentiate the two. the secret sauce is vinegar-y, which was good, but again, way too salty for my taste. i'm not sure if they are trying to cater to the hipster/american crowd.

overall, it was a good experience...with o-k food from my perspective. i think i can definitely do better with the classic dumplings, though i have to give them props for the monthly special.

nat and i brainstormed on more side options and dumpling "flavors" i can come up with that will set me apart from the rest...when i do decide to start this business :)