A speciality of Shanghai, proper xiao long bao (aka soup dumplings, aka XLB) are traditionally made with a minced pork filling that includes a hefty dollop of rich pork gelatine, with this goodness encased in a thin, tender, and nearly translucent pinched-top flour wrapper.
When XLB are steamed, the gelatine dissolves to create a divine soup, which is best eaten by first picking up the dumpling with chopsticks, chewing a small hole in the centre knot, and slurping away (trust us – handling XLB is a delicate act, one that has nearly reduced us to tears on the occasions when the wrapper has split). Spooning a bit of the standard accompanying sauce – normally black vinegar flavoured with strips of ginger – is optional but highly recommended.
Because getting the right amount of flavourful soup and delicate dumpling-skin texture is such a tough culinary task to master, we’ve sadly eaten many a disappointing XLB in our time. On the other hand, we’ve also been lucky enough to find several local spots that serve sensational XLB. Here’s where to head for the top XLB-eating sessions in Hong Kong in all their messy, juicy, chin-dribbling glory.
The best xiao long bao in Hong Kong
Din Tai Fung
Din Tai Fung is probably the most famous XLB chain in the world, although it originated in Taipei, not Shanghai. But, boy, do those Taiwanese know how to craft a mean xiao long bao (HKD70/6pcs). The standard steamed pork version is the way to go, although we also recommend plumping for the black truffle xiao long bao (HKD190/6pcs) if it happens to be available. Be prepared for queues at lunchtime, especially at the Causeway Bay branch.
Din Tai Fung, multiple locations across Hong Kong
yè shanghai
This Michelin-starred fine-dining restaurant is our pick for savouring xiao long bao (HKD92/4pcs) in elegant surrounds. The wrappers are delicate, almost to a fault, and the gracious service is just as pleasing as the Shanghainese cuisine on offer. If you’re dining at yè shanghai during hairy crab season, the steamed pork and hairy crab roe dumpling (HKD200/4pcs) is not to be missed.
yè shanghai, Shop 332, 3/F, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, 2918 9833, WhatsApp 6390 0329
yè shanghai, Shop 702, 7/F, K11 MUSEA, Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2376 3322, WhatsApp 5199 3703
Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao
Crystal Jade is our choice when we’re craving top-notch XLB without much time to spare. The service is fast and efficient (if a bit on the surly side), and we can gobble down two or three orders of this famous Shanghainese chain’s xiao long bao (from HKD48/4pcs) in one go. The handmade noodles also go down a treat here (watch them being made right before your very eyes).
Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao, multiple locations across Hong Kong
Paradise Dynasty
Paradise Dynasty is part of a Singapore-based restaurant group, famous for its colourful xiao long bao made in a multitude of flavours. Each of this chain’s XLB weighs in at an impressive 25 grams of flavourful meat and broth and is said to feature 18 intricate folds. The must-order here is the specialty Dynasty xiao long bao (HKD148/8pcs), showcasing a rainbow of eight creative soup dumpling flavours: signature original, Sichuan, garlic, cheese, luffa gourd, crab roe, foie gras, and black truffle.
Paradise Dynasty, multiple locations across Hong Kong
Shanghai Yat Pang Heung
You’ll have to travel to Kwun Tong to try Shanghai Yat Pang Heung’s stellar soup dumplings, but the journey will be worth it to gobble down these juicy, tasty, and plump pockets of joy. It’s a bonus that this spot’s xiao long bao (HKD52/8pcs) – albeit with a thicker wrapper than others on our list – are the most wallet friendly of the lot. Note that the menus at this bare-bones Shanghainese eatery are only in Chinese.
Shanghai Yat Pang Heung, 2/F, Kwun Tong Square, 68 Hoi Yuen Road, Kwun Tong, 2344 1280
