Hey Leosquad! If you’ve ever ordered Xiǎo lóng bāo (小籠包) 🥟 and felt unsure what to do next, you’re not alone. These delicate soup dumplings look simple, but one wrong move—like crushing them too early—and all that precious soup is gone. Knowing how to eat xiao long bao the right way makes a huge difference in both taste and experience 👍.
Xiǎo lóng bāo (小籠包) originates from China and is best known for its thin skin, juicy pork filling, and hot soup trapped inside. Because of this, the way you eat it matters. The goal isn’t speed or style—it’s to enjoy the soup, the filling, and the wrapper together, without wasting anything 😋.
🎥 Afraid of breaking the Xiao Long Bao skin?
🥟 Where Xiao Long Bao Comes From?
Xiǎo lóng bāo (小籠包) originates from Nán xiáng (南翔), a town in Shanghai’s (上海) Jiading District. It dates back to the late Qing Dynasty, when it was originally called Nán xiáng xiǎo lóng mántou (南翔小笼馒头). What made it special then—and still today—is its delicate wrapper, juicy pork filling, and hot soup sealed inside.
From Nán xiáng (南翔), Xiǎo lóng bāo (小籠包) spread across Shanghai, then to Jiāngsū (江苏) and Zhèjiāng (浙江), before making its way around the world. While many regions have their own versions, Shanghai-style Xiǎo lóng bāo is still considered the reference point.
Despite its name, “Xiao Long” (小笼) doesn’t mean small dragon. It refers to the small bamboo steamer (long, 籠) used to cook the dumplings.
🤤 Eat Like Mom: How to Eat Xiaolongbao (No Spills)
One of the most traditional ways to eat Xiǎo lóng bāo (小籠包) is what many locals casually do at home—no complicated techniques, no fancy tools. You simply bite into the whole dumpling carefully 🤤🥟.
1. Put the Xiao Long Bao on a Spoon
Start by picking up the Xiǎo lóng bāo (小籠包) gently with chopsticks and placing it onto a spoon. This step is important because the spoon acts as your safety net, catching the soup in case it spills.
2. Bite a Small Hole
When you take a bite, don’t rush. Let the soup release naturally into the spoon 🍲🥄.
3. Let the Broth Pour Out
At this point, you’re not just eating—you’re tasting. The soup is rich, savory, and slightly sweet, carrying the essence of the filling. This is why people say you shouldn’t crush Xiǎo lóng bāo (小籠包) first. Doing that loses the best part 🥺.
Many beginners skip the spoon, but that’s where problems start ⚠️. The wrapper is thin by design, and the soup inside is hot. Placing the dumpling on a spoon helps you avoid burns, spills, and mess, especially if you’re eating Xiǎo lóng bāo (小籠包) for the first time.
4. Sip the Broth Slowly
Once the soup pools in the spoon, you can sip it directly. Some people jokingly call this “drinking the dumpling,” but it’s actually the most satisfying part 😋.
5. Dip the Dumpling in Vinegar Sauce
After sipping the soup, you can dip the remaining dumpling back into black vinegar, sometimes mixed with ginger 🫚. This step balances the richness of the meat with a light acidity, making each bite feel less heavy and more layered in flavor.
You don’t need a lot of sauce—just a quick dip. Too much can overpower the natural taste of the dumpling 🥟.
😋 The Big Question: Bite First or Eat It Whole?
Some people prefer biting a small hole first to release the soup, while others eat the whole Xiǎo lóng bāo (小籠包) in one go. There’s no single “correct” way—what matters is not rushing and not crushing it.
If the dumpling is very hot or large, biting first is safer. If it’s smaller and manageable, eating it whole can be incredibly satisfying. Over time, you’ll naturally find the method that suits you best 👍.
🥡 A Spot Worth Trying Xiao Long Bao
莱莱小龙 (Lái Lái Xiǎolóng) is a cozy spot known for serving fresh, juicy Xiǎo lóng bāo (小籠包) with thin wrappers and rich soup—simple, comforting, and perfect for first-timers.
📍 Locations: Lái lái xiǎolóng (莱莱 小龙) 506 Tianjin Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
🕒 Opening Hours: Open Everyday 08:00 – 14:00 & 15:00 – 20:00
💰 Price : 62 RMB (8.9 USD) for Crab Shrimp Xiǎo lóng bāo (螃蟹虾小籠包)
💭 Final Thoughts: Here’s How You Enjoy It The Right Way
Learning how to eat Xiao Long Bao (小籠包) isn’t about rules—it’s about respect for the food and enjoying the moment 🤗. Use a spoon, take your time, savor the soup, and don’t be afraid to experiment with your own style.
Everyone has their own way.
So, do you bite first—or eat it whole?
Share your way in the Youtube video 💬.
Follow Leotrails for more exciting adventures and insider tips from China
That’s it for this blog post! If you found this helpful, give it a thumbs up! See you in the next post! Love you all! Thank you!
Travel Deeper, Eat Bolder, Live the Moments, and Follow the Trails.✈️🍜🔥🌏
Bye Bye!
🎥 Watch The Full Video Here
🏨 Where to Stay in Shanghai?
Source: Trip.com
Where I Stayed: Atour Hotel Shanghai HuangPu Xintiandi Metro Station
Staying at Atour Hotel Shanghai Huangpu Xintiandi Metro Station feels easy and comfortable, with cozy, well-designed rooms that are perfect for unwinding after a full day out. Being right near Xintiandi and the metro makes exploring Shanghai effortless, and I really liked how central yet calm it feels—right in the heart of the city without the chaos.
