The Best Xiao Long Bao in Singapore That I Can’t Stop Thinking A-Bao
Sometimes, a plate of xiao long bao is enough to have me filling good about my day. Biting into the wrapper to sip the umami-rich soup inside and then pouring a dollop of chilli oil into the dumpling before plopping it into my mouth? It’s simply perfection!
I usually don’t have time to make it at home, but fortunately, there are many dining spots that can satisfy my cravings—from fancy restaurants to homey, affordable stalls at hawker centres.
Here are my go-to spots. Check them out, too!
Din Tai Fung
– From: dintaifungsg
Address: 290 Orchard Rd, #B1 – 03 Paragon Shopping Center
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday—11 am to 9 pm
- Friday and Saturday—11 am to 9:15 pm
Contact Number: +6568368336
Din Tai Fung is a well-known global brand, with several awards and recognition under its belt, so you can expect to find top-tier xiao long bao here.
My favourite xiao long bao here is the pork with truffles. The soup filling is incredibly rich, and the meat is super juicy. The truffles add a subtle kick of earthy flavour, which I thoroughly enjoy.
Pro Tip:
- This is a popular restaurant, so I recommend booking a reservation at least one day before your preferred schedule. Also, keep in mind that they don’t accept reservations on Fridays.
Paradise Dynasty
– From: paradisegrpsg
Address: 3 Gateway Dr, #02-13 Westgate
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—11 am to 10 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—10:30 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +6564659271
Paradise Dynasty is another fantastic place to go if you love xiao long bao because this contemporary Chinese restaurant boasts eight flavored options! Plus, the xiao long bao comes in different coloured wrappings, so they’re so pretty to look at.
I love how springy the xiao long bao here is, and it’s full of broth. The classic broth itself is clear and not oily at all!
When it comes to the other flavour variations, I love the Szechuan xiao long bao because its spice levels have my tongue tingling. The cheese one is also great; the saltiness and creaminess of the cheese pair well with the savoury broth.
Pro Tip:
- Every Chinese New Year, this restaurant releases a special menu, including limited-edition xiao long bao. Check it out!
Imperial Treasure Shanghai Cuisine
– From: imperialtreasuresg
Address: 391 Orchard Rd, #04 – 22 Takashimaya Shopping Center
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday—11 am to 3 pm, 6 pm to 11 pm
- Sunday—10:30 am to 3 pm, 6 pm to 11 pm
Contact Number: +6568366909
At Imperial Treasure, you can enjoy fine Shanghai cuisine in a modern, luxurious setting. Xiao long bao is one of the bestsellers here, and it’s absolutely scrumptious.
I’m obsessed with how thick the broth inside the dumplings is. I know it’s a bad idea to eat xiao long bao in one bite, but that’s what I always do here. The explosion of rich, savoury umami inside my mouth is worth burning my tongue over.
Pro Tip:
- Imperial Treasure has a membership program that lets you enjoy fun perks like free e-vouchers, unlimited complimentary steamboat soup base, and other complimentary treats!
Swee Choon
– From: sweechoon.sg
Address: 183/185/187/189 191/193, Jln Besar
Operating Hours: Wednesday to Monday—7 am to 4 am
Contact Number: +6562257788
Swee Choon has been a favourite dim sum destination among Singaporeans since 1962, so you can trust this place to deliver some bomb-ass xiao long bao!
The xiao long bao here has a thicker wrapping, which at first I wasn’t sure about, but I grew to appreciate it because it kept the filling inside secure. Speaking of the filling, the minced pork is moist and savoury, and there’s a good amount of broth.
I love dunking these dumplings into Szechuan chilli oil for a kick of spice!
Pro Tip:
- If you’re planning a party, you can book the restaurant’s catering services.
Crystal Jade
– From: crystaljadesg
Address: 200 Victoria St, B1 04A Bugis Junction
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +6583338978
With one Michelin star and several Michelin Bib Gourmand awards under its belt, Crystal Jade is one of the most renowned restaurants in the country. I love all the food I’ve tried here so far, but if I have to pick a favourite, it has to be the xiao long bao.
There’s a great array of options available here. The classic xiao long bao is exactly what you would expect—juicy minced pork and savoury broth.
But you have to try the Singapore chilli crab xiao long bao! It combines sweet and umami flavours, with a strong kick of heat at the end. I actually have to down several glasses of ice-cold water just to save my tongue from the spice.
Pro Tips:
- Sign up for their Jadeite Membership to enjoy fun perks like cashback and free vouchers.
- Every Chinese New Year, this restaurant hosts exclusive promos, such as a limited-edition menu and discounts on your takeaway or set menu order.
Jing Hua Xiao Chi
– From: jinghuaxiaochi
Address: 21/23 Neil Rd
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday—11:30 am to 3 pm, 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Contact Number: +6562213060
Specialising in Jing Hua cuisine, Jing Hua Xiao Chi is a restaurant in Chinatown with a cosy vibe that just makes you feel at ease. The dishes also have a home-style feel to them, so it’s like you’re dining inside a friend’s house.
The xiao long bao here is simple—just a mix of vegetables and pork—but I’m obsessed with it all the same. The broth is clear and bright, and I love that its flavour profile is more delicate than usual. It also has no oily aftertaste.
Pro Tip:
- If you want to book a group dinner, you need to send a request via email ([email protected]).
Dim Sum Haus SG
– From: dimsumhaussg
Address: 57 Jln Besar
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday—9:30 am to 10:30 pm
Contact Number: +6569090777
Dim Sum Haus SG is still an underrated gem in Jalan Besar. But don’t let its humble exterior fool you because the xiao long bao here is pretty excellent.
Their take has a thicker wrapping, and you’ll definitely have to chew on it before you can make a tear. Once you do make a tear, expect to find a rush of golden liquid coating the inside of your mouth. The salty, savoury, and umami flavours are well-balanced, and the pork filling is still super juicy.
Pro Tip:
- This restaurant sells frozen dim sum. I recommend buying a pack of frozen xiao long bao so that you can make some at home when you’re craving them.
The Dim Sum Place
– From: thedimsumplace
Address: 791 N Bridge Rd
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—11 am to 3 pm, 5:30 pm to 11 pm
- Friday and Saturday—11 am to 2 am
- Sunday—11 am to 11 pm
Contact Number: +6566558787
Looking for a halal restaurant that serves amazing xiao long bao? Then, you’re in luck because The Dim Sum Place fits the bill!
The xiao long bao here is made with chicken, so the savoury flavours are on the milder side. The broth is refreshing, and I love that the dumplings are larger and plumper than usual.
This place also has mala xiao long bao, which packs quite a punch to your tastebuds. Just prepare a pitcher of cold water because the spice level is intense!
Pro Tip:
- If you want to book your spot ahead of time, you can do so via this page. Just keep in mind that the restaurant will only hold the reserved table for 10 minutes.
- If your group has more than 10 people, you need to contact the restaurant directly via phone.
Ding Te Le
– From: wencheese
Address: 949 Upper Serangoon Rd
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11:30 am to 12:15 am
Contact Number: +6562824380
Technically, Ding Te Le doesn’t serve xiao long bao but sheng jian bao, another soup dumpling. It’s just too good to pass up, okay!
What I find interesting about the sheng jian bao here is that its skin is much doughier and thicker than I expected, and it also has a crispy bottom since it’s cooked in a shallow, oil-filled pan.
It’s so satisfying biting through the crispy layer and having the umami-rich broth coating—and scalding—my tongue!
Pro Tip:
- This restaurant sells frozen sheng jian bao if you want to stock up for at-home cravings.
Hand in Hand Beijing Restaurant
– From: handinhandfood
Address: 143 Jln Besar
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—10 am to 3 pm, 4:30 pm to 10 pm
Contact Number: +6562971398
I first fell in love with Hand in Hand Beijing Restaurant for its charming, traditional Chinese atmosphere. But it’s the food, especially the xiao long bao, that’s made me into a returning patron.
My favourite xiao long bao here is the steamed crab roe, which is super juicy and has a subtle sweetness that I like. Every time I come here, I order a lot of these, and by the end, I’m ready to go into a food coma.
Pro Tip:
- To secure your spot, book a reservation ahead of time.
Zhong Guo La Mian Xiao Long Bao
– From: singapore.foodie
Address: 335 Smith St, #02-135 Chinatown Complex Market and Food Center
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday to Friday—11 am to 8:30 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—10:30 am to 8:30 pm
Contact Number: +6585957710
If you’re on a budget but still craving xiao long bao, then hawker centres are your saviours. Chinatown Complex Market and Food Center is one such you can visit, and the stall you need to look out for is Zhong Guo La Mian Xiao Long Bao.
What I find impressive about this humble stall is that the owners actually cook the broth for about 12 hours! So, the savoury, umami, and even sweet flavours are heightened.
The minced pork filling is also wonderful. Its juiciness and saltiness pair well with the broth.
Pro Tip:
- I recommend coming here before dinner hours (around 5 to 7 pm) because that’s when the stall gets super packed.
Zhang Ji Shanghai La Mian Xiao Long Bao
– From: 8dayssg
Address: 460 Alexandra Rd, #02-23 Alexandra Retail Center
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11 am to 3 pm, 5 pm to 8:30 pm
Contact Number: +6581771512
Zhang Ji Shanghai La Mian Xiao Long Bao has been recognised by the Michelin Guide, so you can expect nothing but greatness here.
I love that the xiao long bao here isn’t too rich because I can devour several of these dumplings in one go without feeling bloated due to all the grease. A simple dipping sauce made of soy sauce, vinegar, and chilli oil is more than enough to add even more flavour to the dumplings.
Pro Tip:
- You can buy frozen xiao long bao here, so stock up just in case you’ll get a craving late at night.
Ah Wang La Mian Xiao Long Bao
– From: danielfooddiary
Address: 59 Zion Rd, Zion Riverside Food Center
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday and Thursday—10:30 am to 3:30 pm, 4:30 pm to 8:40 pm
- Friday—10 am to 3:30 pm, 4:30 pm to 8:40 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—9 am to 3:30 pm, 4:30 pm to 8:40 pm
Ah Wang La Mian Xiao Long Bao is a hidden gem inside Zion Riverside Food Center. This stall serves xiao long bao that’s on the smaller side, but I don’t mind it because the price is cheaper than most places, and it still tastes amazing.
The wrapper is so thin that you can practically see the filling inside! As for the flavour, it’s the perfect combination of sweet and savoury. I usually prefer a spicy broth, but this one warms me up well enough.
Pro Tip:
- This place always has long lines on weekday evenings, so keep that in mind. I recommend coming here in the afternoon instead.