Xiao long bao, is a steamed bun usually filled with pork. It can be made with any number of fillings such as crab, shrimp, chicken and sometimes even vegetables. In addition to the filling, it also contains a rich soup derived from a pork-based aspic. When you steam the bao, the aspic liquefies and creates the internal soup. My favorite kind of xiao long bao, which is probably the most popular type, is crab and pork mixed! If you just want pork xiao long bao, it will be cheaper.
When making xiao long bao, one needs a great recipe for the dough and for the filling. You must make sure the skin of the bun is delicate enough to not over power the filling/broth and sturdy enough so that the filing/broth doesn't cause the bun to fall apart. I am a strong believer that your cooking is only as good as the ingredients that you use, hence the filling should be made with top of the line meat, seasoned to perfection.
For the rookies, there is a very unique process in eating xiao long bao but don't let this turn you off! It won't take you long to get the hang of it and once you do, you will become a Xiao Long Bao eating Ninja, like me! Xiao long bao is extremely delicate so the trick is too enjoy them without having them fall apart. They are served in the small round basket that they are steamed in, and usually come with metal tongs, a spoon, a small plate of thinly sliced ginger in soy sauce and of course chop sticks.
Gently, pick up the bao with tongs by the top aka "nipple" of the bao, place onto your spoon which is on your plate. Put two small pieces of thinly sliced ginger on the bao using your chopsticks, then pick up the bao in the spoon with your left hand and take the chop sticks in your right hand. Lift the bao from the top using your chopsticks in your right hand, holding the spoon in your left for support under the bao. Take a small bite while holding the bao with chopsticks, pour some of the broth on to the spoon and drink this deliciousness! Continue eating the bao and enjoying this unique experience. It usually takes 2-4 bites per bao, depending on the size of the xiao long bao.
When prepared properly with good ingredients, xiao long bao is one of my favorite appetizers in the world! It's such a wonderful experience and just having the chance to teach someone the proper way of eating this unique dish, brings me so much joy! Here are my Top 5 Most Ballin' & Bangin' Xiao Long Bao Spots in N.Y. and if you ever need a partner to eat them with, I am down!
5 MOST BALLIN' & BANGIN' XIAO LONG BAO SPOTS IN N.Y.
5. Joe's Shanghai - 9 Pell Street, NYC (212) 233-8888
www.joeshanghairestaurants.com
Crab & Pork Xiao Long Bao $7.25
* Super casual, very busy, tasty buns, 15% grat. automatically added on to your check, packed with tourists.
4. Shanghai Cafe - 100 Mott Street, NYC (212)966.3988
Crab & Pork Xiao Long Bao $6.95
*Very casual, clean, the price is amazing, staff is rude but very delicious!
3. Philippe Chow - 29 East 61st street, NYC 212.644.8885
www.philippechow.com
Pork & Crab Soup Dumplings $19.00
* Great service, fine dining, expensive and small xiao long bao but they are delicious! If you ask for the wine room downstairs, you can discreetly blaze at your table and plug in your own I-Pod.
2. Nan Xiang Dumpling House - 38-12 Prince Street, Flushing, N.Y. 718.321-3838
Crab & Pork Xiao Long Bao $6.50
*Small place, packed, very casual, tasty and fresh, authentic experience.
1. Chinatown Brasserie - 380 Lafayette street, NYC (212) 533-7000
www.chinatownbrasserie.com
Shanghai Soup Dumplings $15.00
*Best Chinese restaurant in all of NYC, nice but still casual, friendly staff, clean.
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