Xiao Long Baos - Only In Shanghai !

Xiao Long Baos literally means "little basket bun". These are the famous soup dumpling from the Southern provinces of China, namely Shanghai. It is very important to understand that the real deal here are not called soup dumpling because you would serve these in a soup bowl, emerged in some sort of a soup or broth. Xiao Long Baos are traditionally served in a over sized, decorative spoon and the liquid of the soup is supposed to be inside the dumpling. That is what makes these dumplings so special and different. Xiao Long Bao are traditionally steamed in bamboo baskets. They are usually filled with soup and meat fillings. The fillings are wrapped in a very thin Jiaozi rapper that turns almost translucent after being steamed. These steamed buns can be recognised by their unique design, as the filled wrapper is gathered up into fine folds at the top, prior to steaming. In Chinese culture they are eaten at any meal and are often served as part of dim sum service. The liquid of the soup inside the dumpling is created by placing some meat gelatin inside the dumpling before steaming. The heat of the steam will melt the gelatin inside the dumpling. These things are just delightful. Anytime I'm in a Chinese restaurant that offers these delights I try them, but I need to warn you - I have never had them outside of China in a way they are supposed to be. Usually the wrappers are way to thick and tough and the liquid does not really stay inside the dumplings. You will have to try them, on your next trip to Shanghai. When in Shanghai go visit the Nanxiang Mantou Dian restaurant for the most delicious Xiao Long Baos on this planet. Maybe this is a challenge to Chinese Chefs outside of China to make this dumpling sensation available in the rest of the world in the way they are supposed to be made.