Xiaolongbao : The Right Way to Eat Soup Dumplings
Xiaolongbao is a beloved dim sum dish known for its chewy wrapper and the juicy broth that bursts out with every bite. But when it’s freshly steamed and piping hot, many people have probably found themselves thinking, “It’s way too hot to eat!”
This time, we visited Gyoza Hyakuchin Ichimi Ringring to learn the best techniques for enjoying xiaolongbao while it’s still hot—without burning your mouth!
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【Advised by】Ichimi Ringring
Table of Contents
Take a Bite As Is
Piping hot xiaolongbao… Just looking at them might burn your mouth! Still, the classic way is to pop the whole thing into your mouth in one bite. To master the art of xiaolongbao, you’ll need to train your mouth for the heat! Incidentally, placing the dumpling on a spoon lowers its temperature by as much as 20°C.
At Ichimi Ringring, the filling is already seasoned, so there’s no need for sauce—just enjoy them as they are. The skin readily absorbs the meat juice, so be sure to eat it as soon as it’s served!
Bite the Top
If you want to savor the meat juices first, bite a small hole at the top of the dumpling and sip the soup from there. This way, the soup won’t spill and you can adjust the temperature more easily. While eating it whole is the standard way, xiaolongbao also pairs beautifully with black vinegar.
Use a Spoon
Though not recommended at Ichimi Ringring, using a spoon is another common way to enjoy xiaolongbao. First, place the dumpling on the spoon.
Gently tear the skin with chopsticks to let the soup flow into the spoon. This helps release heat and cools the dumpling to an easier eating temperature.
Enjoy the soup collected in the spoon. It feels quite elegant, doesn’t it?
You can also add a small splash of black vinegar. Just be careful not to overpower the flavor. Some places serve shredded ginger as well—dip the ginger in black vinegar and place it on the dumpling for a perfectly balanced bite. Ichimi Reirei offers homemade vinegar pepper and garlic soy sauce on the table.
Don’t Lift the Plate—It’s Bad Manners!
In Chinese etiquette, lifting your plate is considered rude. You might be tempted to do so, but instead, use your spoon skillfully to eat without lifting the small dish.
There are many regional varieties of xiaolongbao. For instance, in Yokohama Chinatown, you’ll often see people eating “shengjian”—pan-fried soup dumplings. Trying different regional takes on xiaolongbao can be a fun experience. Be sure to refer back to these eating tips when you do!
This restaurant offers authentic Chinese cuisine, staying true to traditional flavors while surprising even native Chinese diners with creative dishes like dumplings blended with over 30 different spices. With five locations across Tokyo and Yokohama, the brand is now focusing on bringing its flavors to homes through frozen dumplings. Special thanks to Gyoza Hyakuchin Ichimi Ringring, located near Tokyo Station’s Yaesu Exit, for their cooperation in the photo shoot.
*The information is based on the time of reporting or creation, and may differ from the current situation.
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