Bai Nian Tang Bao in BGC: The Home of the Giant Xiao Long Bao
It was just a few years when the Philippines was introduced to the xiao long bao, a popular soup dumpling dish that originated 600 years ago from the Yuan dynasty in China. Now, there are several restaurants in Metro Manila that serves xiao long bao, all with different fillings.
Just recently, Bai Nian Tang Bao opened at Uptown Parade in BGC. Hailing from Shanghai, China, the owners wanted to bring the original taste of xiao long bao to the Philippines.
What makes them different is that their broth is made out of crab roe which is imported and flown to Manila. During the Qing Dynasty, crab roe used to be available only in the emperor’s kitchen as a special treat for VIPs; nowadays, it has become a famous snack everyone can enjoy.
The restaurant is adorned with prints of Chinese characters and Chinese robes
After opening 300 branches in China, they’ve expanded globally, launching their flagship Philippine branch in BGC. The secret of their xiao long bao comes from the broth cooked for 12 hours and goes through no less than 20 procedures. Each piece is hand-crafted to perfection, serving only the best soup dumplings.
Giant Tang Bao (Php 259)
Special Crab Roe Tang Bao (Php 288 for 6 pieces)
Bai Nian Tang Bai is home to the Giant Tang Bao (Php 258 per piece). It’s a bigger version of their special crab roe xiao long bao. It’s so big, you need a straw to drink the broth inside. Usually, customers share it with their loved ones, making it suitable this Valentine’s day.
Special Sticky Rice and Pork Siomai (Php 138 for 4 pieces)
Shanghai Scallion Oil Noodles (Php 179)
Scallop Fried Rice (Php 239)
If you’re looking for something bite-sized, you can order their Special Crab Roe Tang Bao (Php 288 for 6 pieces). Looking for something fried They have the Shanghai Golden Sheng Jian Bao (Php 138 for 4 pieces), which combines their tasty broth with crispy bread.
Shanghai Golden Sheng Jian Bao (Php 138 for 4 pieces)
Shanghai Special Braised Pork (Php 329)
They also offer different dim sums. One of their best-sellers is the Special Sticky Rice and Pork Siomai (Php 138 for 4 pieces). Compared to your average siomai, theirs is stuffed with sticky rice. It’s like a meal in one bite! For carnivores, try the Shanghai Special Braised Pork (Php 329), savory and sweet.
Also, have a go at their recently introduced dishes such as the Spicy Braised Chicken with Mixed Veggie (Php 599). The broth may be a bit spicy, but it goes well with the tender chicken.
Spicy Braised Chicken with Mixed Veggie (Php 599)
Other bestsellers include their Sweet and Sour Pork Fillet (Php 329) and their Stir-Fried Tofu with Pork (Php 249).
Sweet and Sour Pork Fillet (Php 329)
Stir-Fried Tofu with Pork (Php 249)
The authentic Chinese restaurant also added two new dessert items to their menu. The Fruit Iced Jelly with Coconut Milk (Php 139) is not only an aesthetically-pleasing dessert but is also a refreshing and tasty one.
Fruit Iced Jelly with Coconut Milk (Php 139)
And don’t miss out on their soft and slightly crunchy Pumpkin Cake with Red Bean Paste (Php 139) that is also worth a try.
Pumpkin Cake with Red Bean Paste (Php 139)
Do you love crab roe? Do you love soup? Do you love Chinese food? Do you love xiao long bao? If your answer is yes to all those questions, then Bai Nian Tang Bao is the perfect place for you.
