In the bustling Hollywood District of Portland, Oregon, you’ll find Jin’s Kitchen—a restaurant rich in history and flavor. Opening its doors in 1949, this hidden gem has seen several owners, each adding their own touch to its legacy. Today, Wendy Lee proudly brings her mother’s authentic Northeastern Chinese recipes to the table, creating a culinary experience that has captivated locals and visitors alike, including Guy Fieri.
Rediscovering Tradition in Portland
Guy Fieri’s journey leads him to Jin’s Kitchen, a place delivering “Real Deal Northeastern Chinese” food. The restaurant might have evolved over the decades, but its commitment to authenticity remains unchanged. “This isn’t the Americanized Chinese food,” Guy notes. “This is right up there with my mom’s food.” It’s this authenticity that draws crowds to Jin’s Kitchen, eager to taste dishes reminiscent of Dongbei, a region in northeastern China.
The Art of Making Dumplings
One of the first dishes Guy explores is the beloved dumpling, a staple from Wendy’s hometown. Known for their plumpness and flavor, Jin’s Kitchen’s dumplings are described by Guy as “like little pillows of heaven.”
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The dumpling-making process starts with high-gluten flour, soybean oil, and water to create the dough. Wendy ensures the dough is kneaded and rested multiple times to achieve the perfect consistency. The filling is a blend of pork butt, soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, ginger, green onions, chicken base, and a touch of sesame peppercorn for that signature tingle.
Guy tries his hand at forming dumplings, impressing himself with his beginner’s luck: “One, two, three, four, five—good, not bad for a rookie.” The dumplings are boiled for six minutes and served with a simple yet delightful garlic and soy dipping sauce. “Juicy, with the tenderness of the shrimp and a little crunch from the leek,” Guy exclaims. “The noodle that wraps the dumpling is key—pillowy soft but not too thick.”
A Deep Dive into Beef Noodle Soup
The journey at Jin’s Kitchen doesn’t stop with dumplings; the beef noodle soup is another standout. The handmade noodles and rich, aromatic broth offer a comforting and flavorful experience. The dough, similar to the dumpling dough but with added egg for richness, is meticulously prepared. “She does not need to go to the gym; this is quite the workout,” Guy jokes.
The broth, simmered with beef, ginger, green onions, and Chinese five spice, cooks for two hours to infuse deep flavors. The braised beef is another highlight, seasoned with a mix of cardamom, bay leaves, chilies, sesame peppercorn, and star anise. It’s then cooked with oyster sauce, sugar, and salt.
“This is outstanding,” Guy remarks as he tastes the soup. “All those spices really perfume all the way through. The nice, rich, luxurious beef flavor combined with the incredible texture of the noodles—wow, wow, wow.”
A Culinary Experience to Remember
Jin’s Kitchen captures the essence of authentic Northeastern Chinese cuisine, offering a comforting and memorable dining experience. For those, like Guy, seeking genuine flavors, this Portland icon delivers.
“I lived in China for eight years, and when I moved back to the U.S., I went out on a search to find the best in Portland—it brought me here,” says a satisfied customer. Indeed, Jin’s Kitchen stands as a testament to doing it right.
