Slurp Up Some Savory Soup Dumplings

By Minna A in Food on Dec 1, 2010 7:20PM

A delicious remedy for the impending Chicago winter blues comes in the form of savory soup dumplings. Soup dumplings, also called xiao long bao, are particularly special in comparison to regular steamed dumplings, as they are pockets of warm dough with a secret surprise of soup inside.

Originally from the Shanghai region, soup dumplings are steamed buns typically served hot in weaved bamboo baskets on top a bed of leaves. To best enjoy these tasty treats, follow a handful of short, simple steps.

• Step 1: Carefully use your chopsticks to pick up one of these delicate buns from the bamboo basket and place it on the soup spoon provided. Use your skillful chopstick skills, and make sure you don’t pop the doughy bun of the soup dumpling or the soup will spill out!
• Step 2: With the dumpling cradled in the soup spoon, take a small bite from the top tip of the bun and let some steam escape. Better safe than suffering with a burned mouth!
• Step 3: Slurp up some savory soup inside, warming your stomach and soul.
• Step 4: Not required, but certainly fun: enjoy the rest of the bun in one big bite.

These savory soup dumplings, while not common on most Chinese restaurant menus, are available in venues across Chicago. We enjoy ours at either Lao Shanghai Restaurant or Moon Palace Restaurant, both located in Chinatown.

Lao Shanghai Restaurant, 2163 S. China Pl.
Moon Palace Restaurant, 216 W. Cermak Rd.