Xiao Long Bao (Soup Dumplings)
Steamed delicate dumplings filled with savory broth and pork. A Dinesty signature dish.
Nutrition Facts
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Dinesty Dumpling House
Xiao Long Bao originated in Nanxiang, a suburb of Shanghai, during the Qing Dynasty in the late 19th century. It is believed to have been created by a restaurateur named Huang Mingxian, who sought to improve the traditional steamed buns (mantou) by adding savory broth and delicate folds.
Xiao Long Bao is a beloved dish in Chinese culture, often associated with family gatherings, celebratory meals, and the vibrant culinary scene of Shanghai. It represents skill, precision, and the art of balancing flavors and textures.
Culinary Art
The creation of Xiao Long Bao requires significant skill and precision. The thin wrapper must be strong enough to hold the broth and filling without breaking during steaming, and the delicate pleats are a sign of expertise.
Shanghai Icon
While originating from Nanxiang, Xiao Long Bao is strongly associated with Shanghai cuisine and is a must-try dish for visitors to the city.
Social Dining
Xiao Long Bao is often enjoyed in a group setting, allowing for sharing and discussion about the flavors and techniques involved in its preparation.
Xiao Long Bao offers a complex interplay of savory, rich, and subtly sweet flavors, complemented by a delicate, slightly chewy texture.
The defining characteristic is the flavorful broth encased within the thin dough wrapper. This broth is typically made from pork or chicken bones, simmered for hours with aromatics like ginger and scallions, and often contains gelatin (or pork skin) which solidifies when cooled and melts back into liquid when steamed. The pork filling is typically a blend of ground pork, soy sauce, rice wine, ginger, and sesame oil. The wrapper is thin and slightly chewy, providing a delicate contrast to the rich filling and broth.
The Gentle Lift
Use chopsticks to gently lift the dumpling from the steamer basket, being careful not to puncture the wrapper.
The Broth Release
Place the dumpling on a spoon and carefully poke a small hole in the side to release the broth. Sip the broth slowly to savor its rich flavor.
Ginger Vinegar Dip
Dip the dumpling in a mixture of black vinegar and shredded ginger to add a tangy and spicy counterpoint to the richness of the filling and broth.
Eating with Caution
Be cautious as the broth inside can be very hot! Take small sips and allow it to cool slightly before consuming the dumpling.
Explore additional Dumpling dishes and restaurants
Explore DumplingDiscover top dining spots and culinary experiences in Burnaby.
Explore BurnabyLearn more about the food culture, restaurant scene, and culinary heritage of Canada.
Explore Canada