Where to Find Some of the Best Xiao Long Baos in the Metro
Xiao Long Bao, commonly known as soup dumplings, has made its mark as one of China’s most known dishes. From its humble beginnings as street-side snacks, it’s now in different menus—from back-alley to revered Michelin-star restaurants. It’s even made its way to the shores of the Philippines and can be found in most Chinese restaurants in the metro.
Here’s a rundown of some of the metro’s best Xiao Long Bao!
Crystal Jade Dining IN
Crystal Jade in BGC serves authentic Cantonese cuisine and brings only the best on the table. They pride themselves in their modern culinary enjoyment of traditional Chinese dishes, providing you with the best dining experience possible. Their world famous Xiao Long Bao (Php 210/5 pieces) is always freshly steamed filled with juicy meat, with the soup inside surely satisfying your cravings.
Their Xiao Long Bao can also be enjoyed during their weekend Dimsum buffet, which you wouldn’t want to miss out on!
Also Read: PROMO: Crystal Jade Dining IN’s Weekend Dimsum Buffet in BGC
Paradise Dynasty
Paradise Dynasty is one of the metro’s most luxurious Chinese restaurants. They offer a legendary collection of Xiao Long Bao with their Specialty Dynasty Xiao Long Bao (Php 388) that features eight flavors. It’s also worth noting that they are the first restaurant to introduce said vibrant flavors of Xiao Long Bao.
Specialty Dynasty Xiao Long Bao (Php 388)
It’s recommended that you sample the Xiao Long Bao in a clockwise direction, starting from Original (white), Ginseng (green), Garlic (brown), Black Truffle (black), Cheese (yellow), Crab Roe (Orange), Foie Gras (Gold), and lastly, spicy Szechuan (red). Each flavor is very unique—you surely wouldn’t want to miss out on any of them!
But of course, nothing beats the classic soup dumpling. Paradise Dynasty also offers the Signature Original Xiao Long Bao (Php 188/6 pieces; Php 298/10 pieces).
Signature Original Xiao Long Bao (Php 188/6 pieces; Php 298/10 pieces)
Also Read: Paradise Dynasty in SM Aura: The Home of the Legendary 8 Flavored Xiao Long Bao
Bai Nian Tang Bao
Hailing from Shanghai, China, Bai Nian Tang Bao in Uptown Parade aims to bring the original taste of Xiao Long Bao to the country. Their broth, made from crab roe, is cooked for 12 hours and goes through no less than 20 procedures—making their Xiao Long Bao a hand-crafted perfection! The restaurant is home to the Giant Tang Bao (Php 258/piece), a bigger version of their Special Crab Roe Tang Bao that requires a straw to drink the broth inside. It is commonly ordered by couples.
Giant Tang Bao (Php 258/piece) / IMAGE from Bai Nian Tang Bao
Of course, if you’re not up for something as big as the Giant Tang Bao, you can opt for their Special Crab Roe Tang Bao (Php 288/6 pieces). It’s still guaranteed to have that amazing original Xiao Long Bao taste.
Special Crab Roe Tang Bao (Php 288/6 pieces)
Also Read: Bai Nian Tang Bao in BGC: The Home of the Giant Xiao Long Bao
Din Tai Fung
Known for their Xiao Long Bao, Din Tai Fung hails from Hong Kong and prides themselves in their world-class dishes. They first opened in the country in 2015 and has since branched out to even having the first Xiaolongbao Bar in the country.
Not only can you indulge in the classic flavors of Xiao Long Bao like the Pork Xiao Long Bao (Php 160/5 pieces; Php 315/10 pieces), but also sample store-exclusive flavors like Chili Crab & Shrimp, Pork & Kimchi, and Uni & Pork. You can indulge in a variety of flavors that will surely leave your cravings satisfied.
Pork Xiao Long Bao (Php 160/5 pieces; Php 315/10 pieces) / IMAGE from Din Tai Fung
Also Read: Din Tai Fung in Rockwell: A Michelin-Awarded City of Xiao Long Bao
Da Tang
Da Tang in Venice Grand Canal oozes with sophistication and serves authentic Sichuan dishes that will surely take you on a flavorful trip. Unlike its other branches, Da Tang Jardin and Da Tang Bailu, Da Tang classifies themselves as an upscale version of your favorite Chinese restaurants.
Xiao Long Bao (Php 165/6 pieces)
Apart from their spicy and delicious meals, you’ll also find the Chinese staple food, Xiao Long Bao (Php 165/6 pieces) at the restaurant that is best enjoyed when hot. They also offer a wide array of dumplings and noodles!
Also Read: Da Tang in Venice Grand Canal Mall Serves Bold Sichuan Flavors
Tien Ma’s
Tien Ma’s gives you a taste of Taiwan that you won’t find anywhere else in the metro. It’s the ideal place to go to if you’re craving for Taiwanese cuisine. They offer decades-old recipes just like other Chinese restaurants, but without breaking the bank!
Xiao Long Bao (Php 200/serving)
The restaurant is most known for their Xiao Long Bao, which is a recipe of the Taiwanese native, Tien Liyuan or Tien Ma, who was born in the 30s. Their Xiao Long Bao (Php 200/serving) is so savory, and you’ll find that their filling goes well with the soup. It’s best if you dip it in their sauce to really bring out the flavors! They also offer Xiao Long Bao in other versions, such as Cheese and Black Mushroom with Truffle Oil, among others.
If you’re new to eating Xiao Long Bao, they have a guide on how to eat the tasty treat on the table.
Also Read: Tien Ma’s: Delicious, Affordable Taiwanese cuisine in Manila
Fat Fook
Originating from Taiwan, Fat Fook brings only the best of the cuisine to the table. They serve authentic dishes that are prepared the same way that these dishes are prepared in Taiwan.
Pork Xiao Long Bao (Php 258/8 pieces)
Their Pork Xiao Long Bao (Php 258/8 pieces) is one of their famous dim sums as it’s very rich and warm in flavor. It’s recommended that you try munching on it a little before dipping it into the sauce to get the actual taste of the dish.
Also Read: Fat Fook Kitchen in BGC Brings Array of Authentic Taiwanese Eats Closer to Your Palate
Lugang Cafe
Serving both Taiwanese and Chinese cuisine, Lugang Cafe combines good food and fine dining experience without having to break the bank. Not only do they boast a chic and stylish look, but also delicious contemporary cuisine to boot!
Pork Xiao Long Bao (Php 258/8 pieces)
Try their Steamed Pork Xiao Long Bao (Php 258/8 pieces), but they also offer other varieties such as the Steamed Crab Roe & Pork Xiao Long Bao (Php 360/8 pieces).
Also Read: Lugang Café in Manila Brings a Taste of Authentic Taiwanese Cuisine
Where is your go-to restaurant for Xiao Long Bao in the Metro? Share them with us in the comments below!
