Having arrived in Shanghai, I was told that I MUST visit the world’s best xiaolongbao restaurant in Shanghai.   Most likely true, since Xiaolongbao was invented in Shanghai.

So, the best xiaolongbao restaurant in Shanghai is located in the Medieval Yu Yuan Garden,  right smack in the middle of big city Shanghai – and it’s called the Nanxiang Mantou Dian.  You can’t miss it if you visit the garden.  The line up is always long.

Yu Yuan Garden was first established in 1559 as a private garden built by a son ( a Minister of Finance) during the Ming Dynasty to please his father.   This son is very very rich, to build such a huge place.  The setting is simply uncomparable.  Photo below shows Yu Yuan Pavilions, where the restaurant is located.

There was the lineup at the entrance, then there is the wait at the restaurant. 

If you have not tried Xiaolongbao before, you need a lesson.

HOW TO EAT XIAOLONGBAO:

1.  Firstly bite a small hole.  a very teeny little hole, since you don’t want to waste any juice.
2.  Secondly, suck the juice s-l-o-w-l-y.  Remember, it is BOILING HOT.
3.  Then,  dip it with the vinegar and take a small bite, savour slowly. The juice is the most delicious part of Shanghai Xiaolongbao. The stuffing of Xiaolongbao is the main part. It can be shrimp, crab, pork, chicken, beef, vegetables and any combination of each ingredients.

So, when I get back to Canada, I will stop by T & T and get some Xiaolongbao.

Related articles:
1. The making of Xiaolongbao at the Nanxiang Mantou Dian restaurant

Filed under: My Travels