Top 12 Xiao Long Bao Shops in Shanghai
When done right, there are few local dishes that can compare to xiao long bao, and while most of us here in Shanghai are familiar with Din Tai Fung, there are plenty of other places that offer stunning, must-try versions of this classic dish. Here are 12 of the city’s best.
Shan Shan Xiao Long Restaurant
Combining the light and refreshing flavors of the Nanxiang xiao long bao with the savory sweet flavors of the Wuxi xiao long bao, Shan Shan xiao long bao is slightly lighter in sweetness and oiliness but rich in flavor.
Address: 749 Kangding Road (Near Jiaozhou Road)
Tel: 021-62532858
He Zheng Lou
Known for their Wuxi xiao long bao, the dumplings here are well-filled with a thin skin that does not break easily. The filling’s broth is sweet and rich, and very similar to the classic Wuxi styled ones.
Address: 496 Zhonghuaxin Road (Near Gonghexin Road)
Tel: 021-56798912
Shi Ji Nanxiang Xiao Long
The filling here is especially rich and filled with piping hot broth. Their original flavored ones are utter perfection but don’t forget to try the crab ones as well.
Address: 563 Zunyi Road
Tel: 13916108597
Xi Shengyuan
Known for their big servings and bold flavors, Xi Shengyuan sells classic Wuxi style xiao long bao with sweet and savory fillings.
Address: 389 Fengzhuang Road
Tel: 021-59188637
Fuchun Xiao Long
Fuchun xiao long is a famous chain that offers Wuxi xiao long bao, and while there are numerous locations around Shanghai, quality varies from location to location.
Address: Multiple locations
Lin Long Fang
Lin Long Fang, whose owners also run Jiajia Soup Dumpling, sell freshly made Nanxiang-styled xiao long bao. We recommend trying out the original and salted egg flavored dumplings, and for those who prefer slightly sweet tasting vinegar, top up RMB 1 for the store’s secret recipe sliced ginger with vinegar.
Address: 10 Jianguo Dong Road
Tel: 021-63867021
Big Dragon Soup Dumpling
Selling Yangzhou dim sum in Hongkou, the dumplings here have a rich and fragrant soup base that bao lovers really ought to try out.
Address: Room 101B, 1/F, CITIC Plaza, 865 Sichuan North Road (Near Jiang Xi Bei Road)
Tel: 021-63565986
Ah Fu Hotel
Located near Xia Hai temple, Ah Fu Hotel is a classic Shanghainese dim sum restaurant. Their xiao long bao may have a slightly thicker skin than most, the aromatic filling and slightly sweet flavor definitely make up for it.
Address: 567 Tangshan Road (Near Kunming Road)
Tel: 021-65468101
Yong Xing Soup Dumpling Restaurant
Suzhou-styled soup dumplings at Yong Xing have a savory and sweet flavor, with fillings marinated in soy sauce. Their salted egg xiao long bao are as good as they get.
Address: 1/F, 148 Lanxi Road (Near Guixiang Road)
Tel: 021-60126523
Wu You Xian
Opened by a chef from Lu Bo Lang restaurant, this shop is known for their crab meat xiao long bao, which taste heavenly during the crab season. Make sure you get there early though, their soup dumplings are typically sold out by late afternoon. They only accept cash, and no mobile or card payments are allowed.
Address: Zhao Jia Building, 2073 Shendu Highway
Tel: 1356486490
You Yi Chun
One of the older dim sum restaurants in Hongkou, the eatery is more known for their pot stickers. Nonetheless, they sell amazing xiao long bao that are well worth trying.
Address: 591 Siping Road
Tel: 021-65084002
Manchu Spring
For many Shanghainese, xiao long bao are a must-have in their daily diet. Manchu Spring is a classic xiao long bao brand, particularly known for not using any preservatives or artificial flavors.
Address: 73 Yongkang Lu
Tel: 021-54651667
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