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Shanghai Shared with Care

What are xiao long bao dumplings? A pork meatball in a flavoursome broth, all encased in a thin, smooth dough, paired with a tangy vinegar and ginger dip. Jia Jia Tang Bao, which opened in 1986, is a mainstay of the Shanghainese xiao long bao scene. There’ll probably be a queue at rush hour, but it moves fairly quickly. When you’re in, expect a straightforward, no-frills ambiance where the highlight is the food. They’ve got English menus so ordering is easy. As well as the classic pork dumplings, you can also taste dumplings filled with pork and crab, or crab and roe. Round off your meal with classic spring onion noodles, or be adventurous and try the spicy noodles.

Try xiao long bao dumplings at Jia Jia Tang Bao

Xiao long bao are without doubt one of Shanghai’s most globally recognised dishes. These bite-sized dumplings are made of a thin dough, with a unique pork mince and soup filling. At Ling Long Fang, you’ll find a classic hole-in-the-wall eatery that serves up homey, delicious food. Order your food from the English menu at the front desk as you walk in, then perch on a wooden stool while you wait. Apart from classic pork xiao long bao, they’re also known for their egg yolk and crab meat versions. Other dishes to try include their egg and seaweed soup, wonton dumpling soup and spicy meat noodles.

Taste Ling Long Fang's xiao long bao dumplings

Din Tai Fung restaurant traces its roots back to 1958, to a small shop in Taipei selling cooking oil. In the early 1970s, the owners started making and selling xiao long bao. This proved so popular that dumplings became their main business. Today, Din Tai Fung is a family-owned global chain with restaurants in 13 countries. It remains a favourite among locals and visitors for good reason — the menu is straightforward, service is usually prompt, and, of course, their xiao long bao are among the best that you’ll ever try. 

Expect a clean and bright ambiance, and laminated menus with pictures of the food. You could easily make an entire meal of the delicious xiao long bao, but Din Tai Fung is also known for its dim sum and noodles, so do try a few other dishes – you won’t go wrong with classics like steamed buns or noodles in spicy sauce.

Discover xiao long bao dumplings at Din Tai Fung

Xiao long bao dumplings, recognised worldwide as a Shanghainese culinary treasure, are traditionally filled with minced pork and a tasty broth. And Mi Mian Hui Xin has a full menu of classic dumplings, too. This restaurant is casual yet classy, with plenty of natural light, booth seating and wooden tables. The kitchen is behind a glass window, so you can watch the chefs at work. In addition to the pork xiao long bao, the crispy fried radish cubes and shrimp dumplings in a spicy sauce are favourites. But the sesame xiao long baos, sweet and smooth, are a dish you won’t find anywhere else, so don’t forget to order those!

Sesame xiao long bao dumplings at Mi Mian Hui Xin

A Shanghainese culinary classic, xiao long bao dumplings are famed for their smooth dough filled with minced pork and broth. You can find them at virtually any noodle and dumpling eatery across the city, but for a luxury experience, try Sui Tang Li. This contemporary restaurant, with a stylish black-and-bronze interior and tranquil vibe, offers creative takes on classic Chinese dishes. Try their xiao long bao filled with Ibérico ham – 5J Cinco Jotas, no less, said to be the best jamón in the world. Other popular dishes include the duck tagine with Sichuan pepper and the braised beef short ribs. Pair your meal with a craft cocktail or your favourite pick from their wine menu.

Sui Tang Li: Upscale xiao long bao dumplings

Unassuming yet delicious, these wheat noodles (cong you ban mian) are generously coated in spring onion-infused oil, topped with caramelised spring onions. A Niang Mian Guan is a Shanghainese institution for noodles – it’s even got a Michelin Bib Gourmand. You’ll almost always find a queue snaking out the door, but don’t worry because it moves fast. Use this time to decide what you want to eat, as you’ll need to place your order at the front counter before finding a seat. Inside, the eatery is small, with simple rectangular tables and plastic stools. As well as the scallion oil noodles, this place is known for its yellow croaker fish noodles and crab noodles. Side dishes like the shredded pork with pickled veggies can also jazz up your meal. Eat up and get going – there are other people waiting their turn!

Taste scallion oil noodles at A Niang Mian Guan