Soup Dumpling Tasting Tour in Shanghai
An exclusive tour tailored for
visitors and expats
featuring 5 renowned local restaurants.
What is Xiaolongbao?
Xiaolongbao is a soup-filled dumpling originating from the 19th-century Nan Xiang, which is today Shanghai's Jiading district. There are variations in tastes, shapes, and sizes of xiaolongbao.
They also have several names. Xiaolongbao (小笼包) literally means little (小) basket (笼) dumplings (包). In some places, they are called Tangbao (汤包), which means Soup Dumplings.
Today, we often see the most common filling:
Pork (Original), Pork and Crab Paste (Famous), Crab Paste only (Rich and the most expensive), Pork with Truffle (New), Shrimp with Luffa (Great for Pescatarians), and others in particular shops.
How to eat them properly?
“Learn or Burn” – Rachel Gouk
Watch the tutorial by Jimmy O Yang
Can I make them at on your own?
Yes. Yin’s Studio, a local studio located inside authentic lane houses west of French Concession, offers Xiaolongbao Cooking Classes with both Non-Vegetarian and Vegetarian versions. (30% cheaper than booking on Viator)
Contact me for details: genie@genieyip.com
Introduction
Are you ready for an exclusive Xiaolongbao adventure in Shanghai? Say goodbye to the tourist traps and forget about Ding Tai Fung because we've got something better.
Join me as we visit authentic local joints loved by local travellers. I'll take you to 5 hidden gems spread across the iconic area of People's Square, offering the city's best dumplings. These spots have been curated and selected to be very different, including those visited by celebrities and mentioned in the Michelin guide!
So, are you ready to dive into Shanghai's culinary secrets? Savour each bite and declare yourself a xiaolongbao warrior at the end!
**This tour is a foodie's dream, but please note that it is unsuitable for vegetarians or those with nut or seafood allergies.
1 hour walking, 3 hour tasting.
5 different authentic eateries in the local area.
“I joined Ms. Yip for her Xiaolongbao Tour after reading about it online. We had a fantastic time! Each shop had a different style of the famous soup dumplings. We even visited 2 Michelin-mentioned restaurants! You will not find a better value or a more knowledgeable companion. Thank you so much, Genie! ”
How does the tour work?
FAQs
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This tour is designed for food enthusiasts who wish to taste various local foods with a guided tour. It is for those who are okay with eating pork, crab, and shrimp dumplings. It is for those who would like to learn the history of Xiaolongbao dishes in particular and learn how to enjoy them properly. It is for those who enjoy exploring the local area, observing how locals live, and socializing with other travellers.
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I have done fundamental research and read extensively about these chosen places and their history. I also studied their menus and prices and did test runs with some visitors and expats in Shanghai.
I will help ordering the right portion and options of food from these local Chinese restaurants and explain to you what exactly we are going to taste, which I understand can be difficult for non-Chinese-speaking tourists.
These restaurants typically do not have English menus; they don’t even have a physical menu book with pictures, and the staff is unlikely to speak English, which can pose a challenge.
After trying all of them in person, I hope to share my passion with visitors.
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The ideal starting time is 10-10:30 a.m. (don’t eat breakfast!) and finishing around 2 p.m.- 2:30 p.m.
The tour will take 3.5-4 hours, depending on some restaurants' waiting times. These restaurants do not take reservations, first come, first served; the waiting time will be 10-20 minutes at most. Trust me, the wait is worth it. -
The ideal number of participants for this activity is 3-4, plus me. This is because most baskets are served within the multipliers of three and four, which means 4 to 12 dumplings with an assortment of options to taste.
The minimum number of participants required is three, and the maximum is four. If you are attending as a couple or a solo traveller, you will be responsible for covering the minimum food and tour fees.
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After confirming the tour, I will provide you with a clear meeting point location near People Square, where we will begin the tour.
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320 RMB per person
600 RMB for a couple
840 RMB for 3 people
1,000 RMB for 4 people
The Xiaolongbao tours require a minimum of 3 people.
However, we can customize the start time for a party of 4 people.
Cost includes Tour Guide Fee and Xiaolongbao
Cost does not include Drinks and Beverages and transportation, which are pay-as-you-go.
Sign up!
Interested in joining an organised xiaolongbao tour with Genie?
Please fill in the form below and I will be in touch!