Xiao Long Bao aka XLBs aka Soup Dumplings
When it comes to craveable foods, soup dumplings are near the top of my list and worthy of their own section of this article. There’s something magical about the process of slurping that broth of pork and crab and biting into a vinegar covered ball. While there’s no one way to eat them, if you need a guide to the process check out this article I worked on with The Daily Meal.
Joe’s Shanghai
The place that made soup dumplings famous in NYC is still one of the best. If you goto the Chinatown location and the line is out the door, hit up Joe’s Ginger a few doors down for basically the same menu (and XLBs)
Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao
The first restaurant to put Xiao Long Bao in its name is well deserving of the move. The only downside is you’ll have to trek out to Flushing and wait in line to get your chopsticks on them.
Little Alley
One of the best things about this place is you get to watch them make the soup dumplings in front of you. These are my favorite not in a primarily Chinese area.
Kung Fu Xiao Long Bao
credit: samotake921 / instagram
If thin skin is what your after, these guy do it best. They have locations in both midtown and Flushing, with the Queens spot being a little more consistent.
Carma East
It doesn’t hurt that this little spot in the East Village throws a little truffle on their XLBs. But the regular version is a strong contender too.
