 Xiaolongbao in a bamboo zhenglong steamer | |
| Alternative names | xiao long bao, xiaolong mantou, XLB |
|---|---|
| Type | Baozi |
| Course | Breakfast, xiaochi |
| Place of origin | China |
| Region or state | Changzhou, Jiangsu |
| Main ingredients | Flour dough, minced pork or other meats, lard, gelatin |
Xiaolongbao (小籠包 /ˈʃaʊlɒŋˌbaʊ/, 'little basket bun') is a type of Chinese tangbao (Chinese: 汤包), traditionally prepared in a xiaolong, a small bamboo steaming basket.[1] The xiaolongbao originates from the city of Changzhou in Jiangsu province, and is an iconic dish of Jiangnan cuisine.
Different cities across the Jiangnan region have varying styles of xiaolongbao. Outside of China, the Nanxiang xiaolongbao associated with Shanghai is the most well known. In the Shanghainese language, they are known as siaulon moedeu or xiaolong mantou,[2] as Wu Chinese-speaking peoples use the traditional definition of mantou, which refers to both filled and unfilled buns. The Suzhou and Wuxi styles are larger (sometimes twice as large as a Nanxiang xiaolongbao) and have sweeter fillings.[3] The Nanjing style is smaller with an almost translucent skin and less meat.[4]
In English, the xiaolongbao are often referred to as "soup dumplings", but "soup dumpling" in Chinese may translate to the broader culinary category known as tangbao, which includes the xiaolongbao and other related dishes.
Xiaolongbao are popular all over the world and many restaurants are known for their unique interpretations of this classic dish, such as Din Tai Fung, Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant, and Joe's Shanghai.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
Planet 2014was invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ In ancient times, stuffing in the dough was called steamed buns. See Zeng Weihua, "Ancient Mantou", "Journal of Shanghai Normal University (Philosophy and Social Sciences Edition)" No. 2, 1995, p. 157
- ^ "[How to]: Eat Xiaolongbao Like a Scientist | SmartShanghai". www.smartshanghai.com. Retrieved 2020-01-27.
- ^ "Shanghai's 7 Essential Soup Dumplings: Xiaolongbao". Xtreme Foodies - The world's Essential Eats curated by local food experts. 2015-07-09. Retrieved 2020-01-27.