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Delicate on the outside, rich and brothy on the inside. Xiaolongbao, or traditional Shanghai soup dumplings, are a street food with a simplicity that belies their profound, utter deliciousness.

Whether it’s pork, crab, or other fillings that you prefer, we’ve compiled a list of the top places to scout out these Shanghainese delicacies in their hometown.

 

 

Fu Chun

This hole-in-the-wall restaurant is a must-visit on any quest for the perfect xiaolongbao. Flavours of soy sauce and rice wine mingle with a rapturously meaty pork and broth filling.

With its cheap prices, Fu Chun is always buzzing with hungry customers, so be prepared to share a table with strangers. And while the line outside may be a deterrent, see it instead as a testament to the eatery’s quality.

 

 

Din Tai Fung (Xintiandi)

Launched in the 1980s as a casual family business, Din Tai Fung has now expanded through Asia and beyond. But that doesn’t mean they’ve lost the authentic taste xiaolongbao lovers crave.

The dumplings here are handmade and steamed to perfection in an open kitchen. With unctuous pork and crab roe fillings accompanied by delicate skins, it’s no wonder that two of Din Tai Fung’s Hong Kong branches have been awarded Michelin stars.

The restaurant also serves vegetarian dumplings stuffed with mushrooms and alternative fillings such as chicken or goose liver.

 

 

Linlongfang

With fresh ingredients and a cosy location, Linlongfang serves authentic xiaolongbao dumplings at bottom-of-the-barrel prices.

Try the much beloved egg yolk and pork variety, and make sure to get in there early as the venue closes once the dumplings run out. And they run out quickly.

The xiaolongbao are cooked to order, but there is no English menu; count on lots of gesticulation to help you get to that juicy dumpling.

 

 

Nan Xiang Xiaolong Mantou

On the Shanghai dumpling scene for more than a century now, Nan Xiang Xiaolong Mantou is a historic landmark and restaurant that serves some of the best crab-roe filled xiaolong dumplings in the world.

Best tried during the hairy crab season (September and October), the xiaolongbao have moderately thick skins with a rich and creamy filling.

 

 

Jia Jia Tang Bao

The older sister of Linlongfang, Jia Jia is run by a team of all female chefs and is a favourite amongst locals. With queues at all hours, arm yourself with a lot of patience, as it might take a good while before you get your hands on a delicious dumpling.

Try the Huanghe Lu branch, arguably the best of the bunch.

 

 

De Xin Guan

Dating back to the Qing Dynasty, this noodle shop is more famous for its sweet, porky xiaolongbao than its actual noodle dishes.

De Xin Guan serves traditional xiaolongbao, full of flavour and accompanied by modest prices.

 

 

 

Written by insider city guide series Hg2 | A Hedonist’s guide to… whose guides cover all the best hotels, restaurants, bars, clubs, sights, shops and spas

 

(Feature © Josephine Lim)

About the author

Claire BullenGlobetrotter, chowhound, travel writer for Hg2 | A Hedonist’s guide to... and contributor to Cheapflights Travel Blogs.

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