The ultimate Shanghai dumpling guide - taste authentic Xiaolongbao

"Xiaolongbao", meaning "little basket buns," are Shanghai's iconic soup dumplings. Delicate pork-filled parcels with a burst of savoury broth, a cornerstone of Shanghainese cuisine that's as much a cultural ritual as a daily necessity for the locals. Alongside Shanghainese pan-fried buns "shengjianbao", they capture the city's vibrant street food soul, where locals queue up for those fresh, juicy bites that define authentic Shanghai dumplings, making it a must-try experience when you're in the city.

We spent days eating our way across town to find the best dumplings in Shanghai. If you’re hunting for famous xiaolongbao spots or top shengjianbao restaurants, try out our tried-and-tested picks that locals flock to – guaranteed no tourist traps.

Check out our guide below, and watch J Lou eat her way through all of them in our 'Best Dumplings in Shanghai' video, where we show you exactly how to tackle these steaming hot dumplings without burning your mouth.

Jia Jia Tang Bao: The Institution

Jia Jia Tang Bao stands out as one of Shanghai's most famous xiaolongbao restaurants, a family-run legend since 1986 that's earned Michelin Bib Gourmand nods for its masterful soup dumplings. Tucked near People's Square, this no-frills spot draws long queues for authentic Shanghai xiaolongbao featuring ultra-thin wrappers, 18 precise folds, and its signature pork-crab filling at just 39 RMB (USD$5.50) per basket, but arrive early as they sell out fast.

Location: Jia Jia Tang Bao
Main Branch: 62 Liyuan Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
Huanghe Road Branch: 90-127 Huanghe Road, near Fengyang Lu, Huangpu District, Shanghai

How to Eat Xialongbao

Eating the delicacy is an art in itself. Follow this quick guide to get the most out of your dumplings (and to avoid weird looks from the locals).

Step 1: Lift Gently
Use chopsticks to pick one up by the thick top knot. Place on your spoon.

Step 2: Nibble the Top
Bite a tiny hole in the wrapper to release the scalding broth and sip it carefully.

Step 3: Dip It
Pick it up again, and dip it in the vinegar with ginger slivers for zing.

Xiaolongbao being dipped into vinegar with slivers of ginger

Step 4: Pop Whole
Eat the rest in one go and enjoy the meaty, juicy explosion of flavours.

Yang’s Dumpling: The Best Shengjianbao

After filling up at Jia Jia Tang Bao hope across the road to the famous Yang's Dumpling. Started in 1994 by Mrs. Yang and now a legendary chain, this is the most famous shengjianbao in Shanghai, and we think it fully lives up to the hype. Its iconic pan-fried pork buns feature perfectly crispy bottoms, stretchy thin tops covered in sesame, and explosively juicy pork, shrimp-pork, or mixed fillings in servings of four or six.

Hit the main branch at 97 Huanghe Road, close to People's Square and the Bund; or for fewer queues, opt for Ningbo Road or Hongqiao branches.

Location: Yang’s Dumpling
Huanghe Road Branch: 97 Huanghe Road, Jing'an District, Shanghai
Ningbo Road Branch: 178 Ningbo Rd, Huangpu District, Shanghai

Lin Long Fang: Interesting Flavours

Lin Long Fang is a brilliant spot for xiaolongbao lovers who want to go beyond the usual flavours and hunt down some of the best dumplings in Shanghai. As well as the classic pork and crab xiaolongbao, Lin Long Fang is known for more unusual flavours like egg and pork, which makes it a great place to try something different while still getting that authentic Shanghai dumpling experience. Although the original 10 Jianguo East Road branch has now closed, you can still enjoy plenty of their signature xiaolongbao at their other locations across the city. A solid choice to add to any Shanghai xiaolongbao or Shanghai street food itinerary.

Location: Lin Long Fang
Address: 338 Zhapu Road, Hongkou District, Shanghai

Different Xiaolongbao at Lin Fong Fang in Shanghai

Wan Shou Zhai: Full of Tradition

We love Wan Shou Zhai for its local Shanghainese vibes and authentic xiaolongbao. With over 60 years of tradition evolving from a state-run canteen in Hongkou to a private establishment, this down-to-earth joint offers petite, flavoursome buns with a thicker wrapper and sweet pork broth that locals prefer over flashy chains, making it one of the finest xiaolongbao spots in Shanghai by our standards.

Visit the flagship store on Shanyin Road, tucked away in a nice neighbourhood perfect for a leisurely stroll, with cultural gems like Lu Xun's Former Residence, Duolun Road Cultural Street, Luxun Park, and the Jewish Refugees Museum all nearby.

Location: Wan Shou Zhai
Address: 123 Shanyin Road, near Jixiang Road, Hongkou District, Shanghai

Dong Tai Xiang: The Midnight Shengjianbao Spot

Nothing beats ending at Dong Tai Xiang after midnight. This establishment is a century-old Shanghai favourite with intangible cultural heritage status, and its 24/7 flagship branch ranks it among the best shengjianbao in Shanghai. Its authentic dumplings offer a fluffier, bready top that contrasts with Yang’s Fried Dumplings' thinner style for that ideal local balance.

Perfect a late-night Shanghai street food crawl near Huanghe Road, pair it with scallion oil noodles or sesame-paste wontons for an affordable, authentic bite at any hour.

Location: Dong Tai Xiang
Address: 188 Chongqing Bei Lu, near Dagu Lu, Huangpu District, Shanghai

So there you go, we've mapped the ultimate Shanghai dumpling guide! Want more Shanghai? Dive into our "Top 30 things to do in Shanghai Guide" for the must-see, do's and eats in China's largest city.

CREDITS

Director & Writer: Vikash Autar
Cinematographer: James Gilligan
Editor: James Gilligan & Michael Thompson
Presenter: J Lou
Producer: Chelsea Li
Production Company: ANYDOKO Studios
Story Writer: Catherine Ou Yang