What's On HK
Eat & Drink
Travel
Style
Beauty
Health & Wellness
Home & Decor
Lifestyle
Weddings
Wondering where you can (carefully) bite into delicious xiao long bao in Hong Kong? There are the no-brainers like Crystal Jade and Din Tai Fung, but we’ve also rounded up other classics and lesser-known spots serving the best chin-dribbling soup dumplings around!
Xiao long bao (also known as soup dumplings, XLB or sometimes siu long bao) are one of our all-time favourite dumplings to snack on. The delectable Shanghainese treat are well loved and can be found in Chinese restaurants across Hong Kong. But how do you distinguish the knock-offs from the truly good when there are so many to choose from? That’s where we come in!
Jump to:
How to eat xiao long bao
Where to get xiao long bao
How To Eat Xiao Long Bao “The Right Way”
First things first: your xiao long bao should arrive in bamboo steamers. If they are served with tin foil underneath – run! Expect a thinly (almost translucent) wrapped dumpling with a cinched top filled with minced meat and hot broth. These are the basic building blocks of good xiao long bao, though a couple of our favourite dim sum spots in Hong Kong take creative license with colours and fillings. Because of how fragile the wrapping is, it can be ridiculously hard to avoid ripping the wrapping when you pick your dumpling up – but that’s half the fun (and heartbreaking if you don’t succeed).
As far as how you should eat it, there a few ways you can go. The agreed upon traditional route is:
- Hold your xiao long bao in your chopsticks
- Take a small bite off the cinched top of the dumpling
- Let some steam out
- Slurp the soup (careful not to burn your tongue!)
- Eat the rest of the dumpling and enjoy!
You also have the option of dipping it into an accompanying sauce of vinegar and ginger (usually recommended). If you’re a little less confident in your chopsticking, use them to place the xiao long bao on a soup spoon with a bit of sauce already on it, then take a small nibble, slurp and bite. In theory, you could poke a hole in your dumpling and pour all the hot soup out into a bowl or your spoon and drink it separately before eating the dumpling – but be warned, you will be judged. And whatever you do, don’t try to pop a whole fresh xiao long bao in your mouth in one go, you will regret it – trust us, we’ve been there.
Read More: Mastering Dim Sum – Your Guide To Eating Like A Pro
Where To Find The Best Xiao Long Bao
Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao – Singapore-based chain with locations in IFC, Admiralty, Mong Kok and more
Not only is Crystal Jade beloved by our CEO and members of our Partnerships and Editorial teams, but it has gained fame across the continent. After winning over Singapore, this chain made its way to Hong Kong and now has several locations here and a Michelin star! Its xiao long bao is reliably delicious and very affordable, plus its other la mian dishes make for an excellent second course.
Price: Four pieces of xiao long bao from $42
Opening hours: Most locations are open 11am to 10pm
Sassy Tip: Some branches offer a Handmade La Mian/Classic Dish Set on weekdays for $105. See yourself munching down a ton at Crystal Jade? Go ahead and become a member at CJ Club to get special discounts and treats.
Crystal Jade, various locations across Hong Kong, www.crystaljade.com.hk
Read More: The Best Michelin-Recommended Cheap Eats In Hong Kong – New Bib Gourmand Restaurants & More
Yè Shanghai – Impeccable Shanghainese cuisine in Pacific Place and Tsim Sha Tsui
Committed to preserving the essence of Shanghainese cuisine and style, yè shanghai’s two Hong Kong locations embrace the spirit of old Shanghai with art deco inspo. Both locations have delicious xiao long bao and private rooms available, plus the Michelin-starred Kowloon branch boasts beautiful harbour views.
Price: Four pieces of xiao long bao for $92
Opening hours: Admiralty – 11:30am to 2pm, 6pm to 11pm; TST – 11:30am to 11pm
Sassy Tip: Remember to make your reservations at least one day in advance.
yè shanghai, Shop 332, 3/F, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong, 2918 9833
yè shanghai, 702, 7/F, K11 MUSEA, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2376 3322, www.elite-concepts.com
Read More: Tsim Sha Tsui Guide – Restaurants, Bars & Shops In TST
Paradise Dynasty – Unique rainbow xiao long bao with nine branches across Hong Kong
Part of Paradise Group from Singapore, this group is known for its top-notch culinary delights and service. Paradise Dynasty is particularly lauded for having the world’s first eight flavoured xiao long bao – it’s the must-order dish when you visit (and highly Instagrammable). Each piece is carefully measured and crafted with 18 delicate folds, making every dumpling a true masterpiece. We can’t look past the dan dan, truffle and garlic flavours — delish!
Price: Six pieces of xiao long bao from $83, Eight-flavour specialty for $148
Opening hours: Most locations are open 11:30am to 10:30pm
Paradise Dynasty, various locations across Hong Kong, www.paradisegp.com
Maxim’s Chinese Cuisine – Combining authenticity and elegance for over 50 years
A favourite amongst locals and tourists alike, Maxim’s Palace is an HK institution. While most flock here for its dim sum served old-school style a la trolley, its succulent XLB are not talked about enough! Best of Cantonese and Shanghainese worlds in one spot with its buzzy, authentic vibe.
Price: Six pieces of xiao long bao from $83, 8-flavour specialty for $148
Opening hours: Most locations are open 7:30am to 4:30pm and 6pm to 11pm
Sassy Tip: Download the app to avoid queuing. No more frantic line ups at 11am on the weekends.
Maxim’s Palace, various locations across Hong Kong, www.maximschinese.com.hk
View this post on Instagram
Mak Kee Food – Affordable xiao long bao loved by locals
This is where you’re likely to find the locals! Tucked away in North Point, you’ll be hard-pressed to find more affordable xiao long bao than here (and definitely not as drippingly delicious!). In fact, this unassuming restaurant earned itself a Michelin Cheap Eats recommendation, so you know you’ll be getting bang for your buck here!
Price: Four pieces of xiao long bao for $32
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 11am to 10pm; Sunday, 11am to 8pm; closed on Mondays
Mak Kee, May Ka Mansion, 21-23 Fort Street, North Point, Hong Kong, 5711 3599, IG: @makkeeyummyfood
Read More: Team Sassy’s Favourite Hole-In-The-Wall Restaurants
Dim Sum Library – Contemporary xiao long bao dishes with a creative touch
You can count on Dim Sum Library for consistently great dim sum – it’s in the name! But what we really love about this elegant tea room is its unique take on classic dishes. You’ll find traditional xiao long bao or take it to the next level with the dan dan xialong bao for a perfectly spiced explosion of flavour. Mouth watering yet?
Price: Three pieces of xiao long bao from $78 to $88
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 11:30am to 10pm; Weekends and public holidays, 10:30am to 10pm
Sassy Tip: Don’t sleep on the black garlic siu mai, Wagyu beef puffs, roasted Iberico pork cheung fun or mushroom e-fu noodles either!
Dim Sum Library, Shop 124, Level 1, Pacific Place, Admiralty, Hong Kong, 3643 0088, dimsumlibrary.com.hk
Read More: The Best Hong Kong Dim Sum – Where To Find Yum Cha In Hong Kong
Shanghai Wing Wa Szechuen Restaurant – Serving the true taste of xiao long bao since 1975
Shanghai Wing Wa Szechuen Restaurant might be the next best thing to flying to Shanghai to experience its best loved dumpling. Our Social Media Manager vouches for its xiao long bao that is the perfect combination of piping hot, flavourful and terrifyingly fragile!
Price: Four pieces of xiao long bao from $62
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 11am to 11pm; Weekends and public holidays, 11am to 10:30pm
Sassy Tip: Many menus are in Chinese, so if you can’t read it you might want to bring a friend who can read Chinese. Also, this restaurant is cash only, so come prepared!
Shanghai Wing Wa, 15 Shung Yan Street, Kwun Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, IG: @shwingwah
Read More: Kwun Tong Guide – Restaurants, Cafes, Shops & More
Main image courtesy of Yu via Unsplash, image 1 courtesy of Jungjin Moon via Unsplash, image 2 courtesy of Crystal Jade, image 3 courtesy of Ye Shanghai Group via Facebook, image 4 courtesy of Din Tai Fung via FoodPanda, image 5 courtesy of Paradise Dynasty, image 6 courtesy of Maxim’s Palace, image 7 courtesy of Makkeeyummyfood via Instagram, image 8 courtesy of Dim Sum Library via Facebook, image 9 courtesy of Schwing Wa via Facebook.
