11 Delightful Xiao Long Bao Stalls that You Must Visit!

There’s a popular adage that says good things come in small packages, and I can’t help but think that it might have been inspired by the beloved Xiao Long Bao (otherwise affectionately known as XLB). I’m a sucker for cheap alternatives and hawker fare, so here’s a list of 11 Xiao Long Baos that are not from popular chain restaurants.

Zhong Guo Xiao Long Bao

Situated in the heart of Chinatown, Zhong Guo La Mian Xiao Long Bao specializes in handmade Xiao Long Baos that rival that of those served in certain upscale restaurants. For 6 bucks, you can get 10 pillows of porky goodness handmade with love. The pork filling was tender and well seasoned, and the broth was flavourful. It’s rare to find Xiao Long Baos with a skin that can hold its glorious contents sturdily but Zhong Guo La Mian Xiao Long Bao has done it. The skin is just right, not a millimetre thicker or thinner than it should be. Visit them during non-peak hours as the queue gets crazy during peak hours!

Dim Sum Haus

For those looking for a comfortable air-conditioned place where they can indulge in Xiao Long Bao, Dim Sum Haus might just be the place for you. Dim Sum Haus offers delectable Xiao Long Bao at an attractive price of $3.60 for 3 plump pieces. Each dumpling is packed with a good mouthful of pork broth and savoury minced pork. It is quite a solid option if you’re in the vicinity and craving for Xiao Long Bao.

Supreme Xiao Long Bao

Helmed by an ex-Crystal Jade dim sum chef, Supreme Xiao Long Bao is perhaps the best one on this list. You can expect delicate and beautifully-folded dumplings that have an excellent meat-to-skin ratio. The broth was a little lighter than what I expected. At $4.50 for 6 pieces, this is a pretty good steal to me.

Yi Dian Xin

Another place which sells top-notch xiao long bao is Yi Dian Xin. Priced aptly at $3.40 for a basket of 3, the delectable meat filling and broth more than compensated for the thick skin. They prepare your xiao long bao fresh upon order, so you’ll have to wait for about 5 minutes before returning to the counter to collect them.

Victor’s Kitchen

Nestled in Sunshine Plaza, Victor’s Kitchen specializes in dim sum. Despite the restaurant being relatively quiet when we were there, we had to wait for a longer-than-usual period before our basket of 3 Xiao Long Baos arrived. The Xiao Long Baos, where are larger than what we are used to, are priced at $5.30 for 3. The Xiao Long Baos were especially plump and full, and the skin was thick enough to hold the contents in place. However, this is admittedly one of the less tasty Xiao Long Baos on this list.

Dong Ji

Quietly situated in ABC Brickworks, Dong Ji is helmed by a Chinese couple and dishes out some authentic Chinese fare such as Xiao Long Baos and lamian. The Xiao Long Baos($4/6 Xiao Long Baos) are handmade by the lady boss everyday. The Xiao Long Baos were not as visually appealing as the others on the list, but the quality and taste of the filling and broth is top notch. If I may be a tad critical, the skin was a little too chewy for my liking. All in all, the Xiao Long Baos were very addictive and I finished them all quicker than I thought I would have!

Shou La Shou Beijing Restaurant

Another great option is Shou La Shou Beijing Restaurant. At first glance, you’ll notice that the Xiao Long Baos here are bigger than usual. I liked the broth which was pretty flavorful but I thought that the meat could have been tastier. Even though it was stated as $5 for 5 on the menu, the total price was actually $5.89 with GST. This makes the Xiao Long Baos here one of the more expensive ones on this list.

Shanghai Lamian Xiao Long Bao

Despite this dining destination being slightly out of the way, I think that this is one that I will revisit from time to time. The Xiao Long Baos that we got were poorly folded, and one of them even broke as we were lifting it up to our mouths. However, the taste compensated for its looks. Underneath the wrinkled skin lay a flavourful stock, and a well-marinated pork filling which was so satisfying. Priced very reasonably at $4.50 for 7, the dumplings at Shanghai Lamian XiaoLongBao are, no doubt, my favourite.

Kow Loon Hong Kong Tim Sum

Kow Loon Hong Kong Tim Sum offers a variety of mouthwatering dim sum in a coffee shop setting. For $5, you can indulge in 5 juicy Xiao Long Baos. We felt that the skin was a little thicker than usual while the meat lacked that oomph. The Xiao Long Baos here are definitely not the cheapest, nor the best tasting, but they are still worth a shot if you’re craving for some Xiao Long Baos.

Shanghai Ren Jia

Perhaps one of my favourite Xiao Long Baos, the comforting dumplings from Shanghai Ren Jia in Ang Mo Kio are filled with a rich stock and well-seasoned pork fillings. Pair the little packages with some vinegar and ginger, and you’re in for a treat. Priced at $6 for 5, the dumplings here are not to be missed. Make sure you call in to reserve a table!

You Peng Noodle Dumpling House

You might want to bring your friends along for this one. Priced at $7.50, the Xiao Long Baos at You Peng Noodle Dumpling House were pretty memorable. The minced pork filling was succulent, and the skin was of quite the optimal thickness. Dunk your dumplings in the black vinegar for a lovely sour tang. Our only gripe would be the lack of broth in the dumplings.

If you have a secret Xiao Long Bao place that you love, let us know!

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