🥟 Shanghai Dumpling Dream Guide: A Xiaolongbao & Shengjianbao Journey
Step into a world of sizzling pans, steaming baskets, and savory bites that burst with flavor — this is the heart of Shanghai, wrapped in thin dough and seasoned with stories.
I still remember the first time I bit into a xiaolongbao in a tiny corner shop near People’s Square — the moment the hot broth hit my tongue, I knew I was hooked. If you've ever slurped soup from a dumpling, you’ll understand: this isn’t just food. It’s Shanghai in a single bite.
From bustling street corners to quiet alleys, Shanghai’s dumpling culture runs deep. Whether you’re team xiaolongbao (steamed soup dumplings) or shengjianbao (pan-fried buns), this city has a place for you — and I’ve spent years collecting my favorites.
Here’s my personal guide, a dumpling trail through the city I love and you can explore the soul of Shanghai through its most iconic bites! Plus Learn and Practice Mandarin on the way!!
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local foodie, Shanghai’s dumpling scene is a must-experience.
📍 My Must-Try Dumpling Spots:
Each one of these places has a story, a flavor, or a feeling that makes it worth visiting:
珊珊小笼馆 – Shan Shan Xiaolong
📍 No.774 Xianxia road.
Tucked away on Kangding Road, this cozy shop serves up delicate dumplings with perfectly pleated tops and rich broth inside.you can stroll around after this with Korean and Janpanese community ( Gubei) area!!佳家汤包 – Jia Jia Tangbao
📍 No.127,Huanghe road.
The holy grail of soup dumplings — expect a line, but trust me, it's worth every minute. Locals say it’s the benchmark.Huanghe road store is the area you can explore the old Shanghai and new Shanghai - As in Shanghai Blossom!!! Plus you can visit marriage market on weekends in People’s park!!大壶春 – Da Hu Chun
📍 No.136 Middle zhejiang road.
A slice of history. This place has been flipping shengjianbao since the 1930s. The crispy base is unbeatable.舒蔡记生煎菜饭 – Shu Cai Ji
📍 No.120 Middle zhejiang road.
If you’re craving something homestyle, this is where locals grab quick, comforting 生煎 and veggie rice.许记生煎（遵义路店） – Xu Ji Shengjian
📍 No.565 Zunyi road.
A little greasy, a little messy — just the way shengjianbao should be.法华汤包馆 – Fahua Tangbao
📍 No.593 Fahuazhen road.
A low-key gem where soup dumplings are made fresh in front of you. No frills, just flavor.鸡鸣汤包（中山公园店） – Jiming Tangbao
📍 No. 422 Kaixuan road.
A little outside the usual tourist trail, but their flavorful fillings and clear soup will keep you coming back.晓燕生煎（大盈商务中心店） – Xiaoyan Shengjian
📍 No.1226 Dingxi road.
Golden bottoms, juicy meat, and that satisfying crunch with every bite.老盛兴汤包馆） – Lao Sheng Xing (Branch stores)
Known for their classic technique and strong pork flavor — great for purists. Vegetarian Friendly!!阿德生煎（龙华西路店） – Ade Shengjian
📍 No.219-3,west Longhua road.
Generous portions, strong garlic flavor — this one's a local secret. You can visit Longhua temple afterwards,Free entrance and see one of the famous but authentic temples in Shanghai! It has vegetarian noodles inside!!苏小柳点心（徐家汇分院） – Su Xiaoliu (Branch stores)
📍 1F,No.160 Gongcheng road.
Clean, modern vibes with solid dumplings — perfect for beginners or those who want a comfy dine-in.东泰祥生煎馆 – Dongtaixiang Shengjian
📍 No.309 South Shaaxi road.
Reliable and always satisfying. Their shengjian hits that juicy-crispy balance just right. One at FFC ( former french concession), perfect to digest and explore French vibe & Local vibe there!富春小笼（建国西路店） – Fuchun Xiaolong
📍 No.653 West Jianguo road.
An old-school eatery that makes you feel like you’ve time-traveled to 1980s Shanghai. Nostalgic and tasty.莱莱小笼 – lailai Xiaolong
📍 101,No277 North Maoming road.
A great veggie-friendly option — clean flavors, delicate skins. Origin one at people’s square,very nice to have a food scanveger hunt game there with families and friends!
🥟 So What’s the Difference?
Xiaolongbao 小笼包: These are steamed dumplings, thin-skinned and bursting with broth. You’ll want to sip the soup first before devouring it whole.
Shengjianbao 生煎包: Fried to golden perfection on the bottom, fluffy on top, and packed with juicy filling — they’re crispy, chewy, and deeply satisfying.
🥟 Essential Dumpling Shop Mandarin Phrases
你好，你们的招牌是什么？
Nǐ hǎo, nǐmen de zhāopái shì shénme?
Hi, what’s your signature dish?我要一两锅贴，一两生煎，一碗咖喱牛肉汤。
Wǒ yào yì liǎng guōtiē, yì liǎng shēngjiān, yì wǎn gālí niúròu tāng.
I’d like one portion of potstickers, one portion of pan-fried buns, and a bowl of curry beef soup.一笼鲜肉小笼包，一笼纯蟹粉小笼包。
Yì lóng xiānròu xiǎolóngbāo, yì lóng chún xièfěn xiǎolóngbāo.
One basket of pork soup dumplings, and one basket of pure crab roe dumplings.我第一次来，你有什么推荐吗？
Wǒ dì yī cì lái, nǐ yǒu shénme tuījiàn ma?
It’s my first time here — do you have any recommendations?我要一笼黑松露小笼包。
Wǒ yào yì lóng hēi sōnglù xiǎolóngbāo.
I’d like one basket of black truffle soup dumplings.你有蔬菜小笼包吗？我不能吃肉。
Nǐ yǒu shūcài xiǎolóngbāo ma? Wǒ bù néng chī ròu.
Do you have vegetarian dumplings? I can’t eat meat.生煎和锅贴的差别是什么？
Shēngjiān hé guōtiē de chābié shì shénme?
What’s the difference between shengjian and potstickers?两个人够吃吗？
Liǎng gè rén gòu chī ma?
Is that enough for two people?有座位吗？需要等位吗？
Yǒu zuòwèi ma? Xūyào děngwèi ma?
Are there seats? Do we need to wait?哪里点单？哪里取餐？
Nǎlǐ diǎndān? Nǎlǐ qǔcān?
Where do I order? Where do I pick up the food?你们送过来还是我自取？
Nǐmen sòng guòlái háishì wǒ zì qǔ?
Do you deliver or should I pick it up myself?我不认识汉字，你有图片吗？
Wǒ bù rènshi hànzì, nǐ yǒu túpiàn ma?
I can’t read Chinese — do you have pictures?
Find the audio in my Tiktok or Instagram ( mandarinplus_) !!
💬 Real Talk from a Local
You haven’t really experienced Shanghai until you’ve stood shoulder-to-shoulder in a tiny dumpling shop, sipping vinegar and ginger between bites of molten soup. You’ll hear the sizzle of pans, see aunties wrapping dumplings with lightning speed, and feel the buzz of city life — all while holding a pair of chopsticks.
🧭 Pro Tips for the Best Dumpling Adventure
Go early. Jia Jia,lailai and Fuchun sell out by lunch and if you find a lot elders waiting for the que,that means authentic!!
Ask locals what’s good — it’s the best way to find hidden gems and practice Mandarin!
Use the Mandarin phrases I listed in my dumpling survival guide .
Don’t rush it. Sit, savor, and soak in the atmosphere.
Enjoy ans stay tuned!!!
