Top xiao long bao in Shanghai? Jia Jia Tang Bao (佳家汤包) is a small but popular Shanghai steamed dumpling or Xiaolongbao shop in Shanghai established in 1986. Our first visit was in 2010, then 2014. Our most recent visit was in Summer 2025 when they had moved down the block to nicer location. Jia Jia has several locations (Dianping) but this one on Huanghe Rd near People’s Square is very convenient. There was a short line when we went there. The cheapest dumplings are also some of the most delicious but small pork dumplings. (¥13) Dumplings with other ingredients also available. Beware that they can sell out  and only have the expensive crab meat dumplings. They open at 730AM, so dine here early! Authentic Xiao Long Bao? In late 2014 we made a pilgramage to a branch of Fu Chun (富春) – Dianping listing all branches, an authentic old school xiaolongbao restaurant. Modern day Xiao Long Bao should really be called Nanjing tangbao with the thin skin and lots of soup.  The real deal at Fu Chun was meatier with a leaner filling, thicker skinned, and possessed not that much soup. They have several locations in Shanghai. Any real XLB enthusiast needs to understand what […]

This post originally from Jia Jia Tang Bao 佳家汤包, Shanghai

Last Update: June 2025 We love Xiao Long Bao (XLB) aka Shanghai Steamed Soup Dumplings and have eaten all over the world seeking the best. Are you a Xiao Long Bao addict too? Read on. One tip: If you are looking for good XLB, do not order them from a Cantonese Chinese restaurant. You are almost always guaranteed disappointing results even at the Best Chinese Restaurant in San Francisco: Koi Palace.  Order these little balls of wonder from a Shanghainese Chinese restaurant. Making Dumplings at Jia Jia Tang Bao Shanghai, China Authentic Xiao Long Bao? What the heck is a real authentic Xiao Long Bao Soup Dumplings? In late 2014 we made a pilgramage to a branch of Fu Chun in Shanghai, China (富春) – Dianping listing all branches of this authentic old school xiaolongbao restaurant. Modern day Xiao Long Bao should really be called Nanjing tangbao with the thinner skin and lots of soup.  The real dumpling deal at Fu Chun was meatier with a leaner filling, thicker skinned, and possessed not much soup. This restaurant has several locations in Shanghai, be sure to visit one when you are in Shanghai. Any real XLB enthusiast needs to understand what authentic XLB is. Here is […]

This post originally from Best Shanghai Steamed Soup Dumplings or Xiao Long Bao in San Francisco