Chicken or vegetarian Xiao long bao?

Question

We don't eat pork but would love to try Xiao long bao while in Shanghai. Is there such a thing as a chicken or duck stuffed Xiao long bao or even a vegetarian style one? If so could you recommend what restaurant(s) to go? Thank you!

Answer

Xiao long bao (soup dumplings) are traditionally made with pork, but Shanghai’s modern restaurants increasingly offer alternatives for those who don’t eat pork. Both chicken and vegetarian options are available, and in some cases duck or seafood fillings too.

For chicken or duck Xiao long bao:

Many popular Shanghainese restaurants, especially chains like Din Tai Fung, serve chicken Xiao long bao as a standard menu item. Din Tai Fung has multiple locations in Shanghai, including in Nanjing Road and Xintiandi.
Some boutique or modern Chinese restaurants may also offer duck-filled dumplings, but availability can vary seasonally or by location.

For vegetarian Xiao long bao:

Vegetarian Xiao long bao are typically filled with mushrooms, tofu, or a mix of seasonal vegetables and are widely available in vegetarian-friendly restaurants or modern Shanghainese eateries.
Restaurants like Jia Jia Tang Bao (famous for soup dumplings in Shanghai) sometimes offer mushroom or vegetable versions. Be sure to ask specifically for vegetarian options when ordering.
Upscale hotels with Chinese restaurants (such as The Peninsula or Andaz) often have chef-created vegetarian dumplings as well.

Tips for ordering:

Ask for “鸡肉小笼包” (jī ròu xiǎo lóng bāo) for chicken, or “素小笼包” (sù xiǎo lóng bāo) for vegetarian.
Check with staff in advance if you have strict dietary restrictions, as some broths may contain pork or seafood stock even in chicken or vegetable dumplings.
Consider going early or during off-peak hours, as these restaurants often have queues, especially for signature dumplings.

In summary, Shanghai offers good chicken and vegetarian Xiao long bao options. Din Tai Fung and Jia Jia Tang Bao are reliable choices for quality soup dumplings with non-pork fillings.

Chicken or vegetarian Xiao long bao?

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