Michelin Star-Worthy Xiao Long Bao in Shanghai
SIt’s almost impossible to attain a Michelin-star for specializing in Xiao Long Bao. However, there are plenty of restaurants here in Shanghai that sure deserve one, they’ve perfected these little pieces of heaven.
LU BO LANG
CRABMEAT XIAO LONG
Address: 115 Yuyuan Nei Yuyuan Lu, Huangpu District
Tel: 021 63280602
Price: RMB 60
Loved by many old Shanghainese, the local 5-star restaurant previously hosted American President Clinton, and many other government officials and diplomats throughout the years. Known for its Crabmeat Xiao Long, the soup oozes out on the first bite and is quite simply remarkable.
PUSHI XIAODIAN
XIAOLONGBAO
Address: 98 Yuyuan Lu, Jingan District | No. 18 339 Changle Lu, Xuhui District
Tel: 021 62378068 | 18221183758
Price: RMB 25
With their perfectly made thin skin, stuffed with high quality black-haired pork, each juicy Xiao Long Bao at Pushi weighs exactly 28 grams. The restaurant has a strict food quality policy, so diners can be reassured about that when dining here and freely enjoy this aromatic and hearty dish.
DIN TAI FUNG
SPECIALTY XIAO LONG
Address: Multiple Branches around Shanghai
Price: RMB 29
Internationally renowned, Michelin One Star restaurant Din Tai Fung, is famous for its Xiao Long Bao. Following a strict production and cooking process, pick up each Xiao Long Bao easily without bursting, yet indulge in the tasty broth with a small bite and be brought to Xiao Long Bao bliss.
MISS MEI DIAN XIN
XIAO LONG BAO
Address: 7/F, North Building, Joy City, 198 Xizang North Road
Price: RMB 18
A worthy competitor to the famed Din Tai Fung, Miss Mei Xiao Long Bao is rich in flavour, yet irresistibly hard to put down. If you don’t feel like lining up for a meal at Din Tai Fung, Miss Mei Dian Xin is a perfect alternative.
FUCHUN XIAOLONG
FUCHUN XIAOLONG BAO
Address: Multiple Branches around Shanghai
Price: RMB 11
Despite its mundane decor and service, Fuchun Xiao Long Bao is one to remember. Its other speciality is the crispy, thick pork cutlet that is mouth wateringly good. Get your fix at any time of the day as the restaurant is opened daily from 6am to midnight.
XISHENGYUAN
WUXI XIAO LONG
Address: 389 Feng Zhuang Lu, Jiadiang District
Tel: 021 59188637
Price: RMB 10
Just like the original Wuxi Xishengyuan, save a Xiao Long Bao trip to Wuxi and try out their local favorite here in Shanghai. Their red soup wonton is also pretty good and is not nearly as spicy as it looks.
CRYSTAL JADE
SHANGHAI XIAO LONG
Address: Multiple Branches around Shanghai
How Much: RMB 32
Another internationally-recognized brand, Crystal Jade brings its Cantonese twist to the Shanghainese delight, creating an original and well-loved dish. With a slight Cantonese flavor, enjoy it with some ginger and vinegar for maximum tastiness.
NANXIANG STEAMED BUN
SPECIALTY CRABMEAT XIAO LONG
Address: Multiple Branches around Shanghai
How Much: RMB 55
Renowned in the Xiao Long Bao world, whether you are eating in or taking out, join the queue and try their famous Xiao Long Bao. Serving the classic speciality crabmeat xiao long, expect a big burst of their fragrant broth, complemented with the springy and well-marinated filling with every bite.
JIAJIA TANG BAO
TANG BAO
Address: Multiple Branches around Shanghai
Price: RMB 15
Do not be fooled by the small store front as the restaurant is often filled with throngs of customers and bustling business. Serving an assortment of Xiao Long Bao, try the original or opt for other flavors like crabmeat, egg yolk, prawn and more. We recommend the egg yolk flavor due to its unique taste that cannot be found elsewhere.
LONGBAO CRAB ROE TANG BAO
GOLD EMPEROR CRAB TANG BAO
Address: Multiple Branches around Shanghai
Price: RMB 30
Located along the streets of Qibao, Tang Bao consists of 10% shark fin, 70% crab meat, and 20% pork jelly. Combining perfectly to make their trademark Tang Bao, it is impossible to have just one.