Nanxiang Xiaolongbao

Nanxiang Xiaolong is the original soup dumpling from which all xiaolongbao descend. These dumplings are noticeably smaller than the standard Shanghai version, with an even thinner, more translucent wrapper that reveals the soup and filling within. The filling is pure pork (no crab or other additions), seasoned simply with ginger and soy. Each dumpling has a minimum of 18 pleats — a mark of the skilled dim sum chef. The broth inside is exceptionally clear and delicate.

📖 History

Invented in 1871 by a Nanxiang native named Huang Mingxian. The original restaurant, Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant, still operates at Yu Garden in Shanghai.