Chinese natives, Hugo “Bao” Gao and Jeff “Tao” Goa, along with Jeff’s wife Jennifer quietly opened Flower Pepper Restaurant in North Boulder last month. The eatery serves an array of Chinese dishes that capture the flavors, textures, and aromas of the vast country’s culinary hotspots.

Order at the counter in the tiny, casual space and then wait for the simple but tasty dishes to arrive at your table. Think Dan Dan noodles with spicy pork and pickled vegetables simmering with flavors from Sichuan Province, or a tamer (maybe a bit too tame) Chinese crepe sandwich inspired by Tianjin City, or a Taiwanese bowl of braised beef noodles with a deep broth, tender strips of beef, and steamed baby bok choy. Another standout is the bowl of paper-thin house-made dumplings filled with either fresh pork and Napa cabbage or garlicky Chinese leek and egg. Made from Grandma Gao’s recipe, the cresents arrive with a special soy dipping sauce and freshly steamed baby bok choy.

Even with a few seasoning hiccups, Jeff Gao’s experience as an award-winning chef (he won a 2012 Beijing Dining Award for his first restaurant, Little Yunan) shines through.

2655 N. Broadway, Boulder, 720-381-1594