Xiaolongbao facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Xiaolongbao

Steamed xiaolongbao served in a traditional steaming basket
Alternative names	Xiaolong bao, xiao long bao, soup dumplings, xiaolong mantou, XLB
Course	Dim sum, xiaochi
Place of origin	China
Region or state	Jiangnan (Shanghai, Wuxi)
Main ingredients	Leavened or unleavened dough, minced pork (or other meats), aspic

Xiaolongbao are small, yummy steamed buns. They come from the Jiangnan area in China. They are especially famous in the cities of Shanghai and Wuxi.

These buns are usually filled with tasty pork. Sometimes, other things like crab meat and roe (fish eggs) are mixed in. Today, you can find them with different meats, seafood, or even vegetarian fillings.

The outside of the bun is made from dough. This dough can be leavened, meaning it rises and gets bigger, or unleavened, meaning it stays flat. After they are made, the buns are cooked by steaming them over boiling water.

You can buy frozen Xiaolongbao all over the world! Look for them in special shops or supermarkets that sell Chinese food items.

Delicious Xiaolongbao Buns

Xiaolongbao are a type of dim sum or xiaochi, which are small dishes often eaten as snacks or part of a larger meal. They are known for having a delicious soup inside! This soup is actually a special kind of jelly called aspic. When the bun is steamed, the aspic melts into a warm, savory broth.

Eating Xiaolongbao can be a bit tricky because of the hot soup inside. People often pick them up carefully with chopsticks, dip them in vinegar with ginger, and then take a small bite to let the steam out before eating the rest. This way, you don't burn your tongue!

Images for kids

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  Making xiaolongbao at Nanxiang Mantou Dian, Roppongi Hills

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  The long line of people outside the famous Nanxiang Bun Shop in Shanghai

See also

In Spanish: Xiaolongbao para niños