Xiaolongbao: Shanghai's Legendary Soup Dumplings (2026 Guide)
Master the art of eating xiaolongbao and discover Shanghai's best soup dumpling spots. From Michelin-starred restaurants to hidden local gems.
Xiaolongbao: Shanghai’s Most Famous Bite
Xiaolongbao (小笼包)—Shanghai’s signature soup dumplings—are the city’s most beloved culinary export. These delicate parcels hide a revelation: a thin pleated wrapper concealing seasoned pork and a pool of hot, savory broth. One bite, properly executed, delivers pure Shanghai bliss.
📅 Last Updated: January 2026 (verified on location)
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Typical Price | Pork: ¥20-50, Crab: ¥50-100 |
| Serving Size | 6-8 per basket |
| Peak Season | Crab: October-December |
How to Eat Xiaolongbao (Without Burning Your Mouth)
The technique matters. Get it wrong, and you’ll either scald your tongue or lose that precious soup.
The Proper Sequence
- Gently lift with chopsticks—the skin is paper-thin
- Place on a spoon to catch the juice
- Nibble a small hole in the top to release steam
- Sip the soup first—this is the best part
- Dip in ginger-vinegar and eat the dumpling
⚠️ Warning: Pop the whole thing in your mouth and you’ll regret it. The soup inside is scalding hot.
Shanghai’s Best Xiaolongbao Spots
1. Lai Lai Xiaolongbao (莱莱小笼) - Michelin Bib Gourmand
The local favorite—no frills, just exceptional dumplings. Their crab xiaolongbao is legendary, made with 250kg of hairy crabs processed by hand daily.
| Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 506 Tianjin Road (天津路506号) |
| Metro | People’s Square, Lines 1/2/8 |
| Hours | 8:00 AM-2:00 PM, 3:00-8:00 PM |
| Wait | 20-60 minutes |
| Price | Pork ¥30, Crab ¥80 |
Order:
- 蟹粉小笼 (Crab xiaolongbao) ⭐ Signature
- 鲜肉小笼 (Pork xiaolongbao)
- 大馄饨 (Large wontons)
💡 Pro Tip: Crab xiaolongbao peaks October through December during hairy crab season. Worth planning your trip around.
2. Din Tai Fung (鼎泰丰) - Michelin One Star
The Taiwanese chain that became a global phenomenon. Their Shanghai outposts deliver the signature 18-fold pleats and consistently excellent quality.
| Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Locations | Grand Gateway, IFC Mall, and more |
| Metro | Xujiahui, Lines 1/9/11 |
| Hours | 10:00 AM-10:00 PM |
| Wait | 30-90 minutes (peak times) |
| Price | ¥50-120 |
Order:
- 招牌小笼 (Signature xiaolongbao)
- 松露小笼 (Truffle xiaolongbao)—not available everywhere
- 蟹粉小笼 (Crab version)
💡 Pro Tip: Shanghai Din Tai Fung is 30-40% cheaper than other international locations. Try the truffle version while you’re here.
3. Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant (南翔馒头店) - The Original
Operating since 1900, this 120-year-old institution sits inside Yu Garden. It’s touristy, but there’s a reason it’s survived this long.
| Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 85 Yuyuan Road (inside Yu Garden) |
| Metro | Yuyuan Garden, Line 10 |
| Hours | 9:00 AM-9:00 PM |
| Wait | 20-40 minutes |
| Price | ¥25-50 |
Layout: First floor is takeaway, second floor is regular seating, third floor is premium seating.
4. Jia Jia Tang Bao (佳家汤包) - Hidden Gem
A no-frills neighborhood spot near People’s Square where locals queue for breakfast. Arrive early for minimal wait.
| Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 90 Huanghe Road (黄河路90号) |
| Metro | People’s Square |
| Hours | 7:00 AM-8:00 PM |
| Wait | 15-45 minutes |
| Price | ¥20-40 |
💡 Pro Tip: Visit for breakfast—no line, fresh dumplings, authentic experience.
Quick Comparison
| Restaurant | Best For | Price | Wait | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lai Lai | Crab dumplings | ¥30-80 | Medium | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Din Tai Fung | Consistency | ¥50-120 | Long | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Nanxiang | History/Location | ¥25-50 | Medium | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Jia Jia | Value | ¥20-40 | Short | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Useful Phrases
| English | Chinese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| One basket of xiaolongbao | 小笼包一笼 | Xiaolongbao yi long |
| Do you have crab? | 有蟹粉的吗？ | You xiefende ma? |
| Vinegar please | 请给我醋 | Qing gei wo cu |
| To go | 打包 | Da bao |
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between xiaolongbao and regular dumplings?
Xiaolongbao contain soup inside the wrapper, created by mixing aspic (gelatinized broth) into the filling before steaming. Regular dumplings don’t have this liquid interior.
Are there vegetarian options?
Some places offer vegetable xiaolongbao, but they’re uncommon. Ask specifically if this matters to you.
When is crab xiaolongbao best?
October through December is hairy crab season. The crab roe is richest during this period, making the dumplings especially flavorful.
Can I take them to go?
Technically yes, but xiaolongbao are meant to be eaten immediately. The skin gets soggy and the soup solidifies as they cool.
Related Guides
- Shanghai Food Trio Guide - Must-eat experiences
- Shanghai City Walk Tour - Food + sightseeing combo
This guide was last updated in January 2026. Prices and hours may vary.
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