Leading up to September's Best of Dallas® 2016 issue, we're sharing (in no particular order) our 100 Favorite Dishes, the Dallas entrées, appetizers and desserts that really stuck with us this year.

It's nearly impossible to mis-order at Deep Ellum's Monkey King Noodle Company — the menu is small but filled with memorable bites. One that really sticks with you: the wontons in chili sauce, a dish that's well worth the $7 price tag.

Flavorful pork is hand-wrapped in a thin wrapper, steamed and topped with fresh herbs and a spicy chili sauce made with soy sauce and black vinegar base blended with Monkey King's house chili oil. These little guys are delicate — if you're not on your chopsticks A-game, you're likely to make a mess of things — but pack an incredible punch of sweet, spicy, doughy, umami flavors, all of it complemented by the bright crispness of the fresh herbs like cilantro and scallion on top.

If you're adventurous — and it's not 5,000 degrees outside — ask to try Monkey King's wonton soup. It bears little resemblance to the sodium-laden monstrosity that comes delivered lukewarm from most American-Chinese restaurants. 

• 100 Favorite Dishes