Xiao long bao

Xiao long bao are delicate Chinese soup dumplings filled with seasoned pork and a flavorful, gelatinous broth that turns into liquid when steamed. Crafted from thin, soft dough pockets, they are carefully pleated at the top to create a small, sealed pouch. When cooked, the dumplings are tender and usually served hot, often accompanied by a dipping sauce of soy and vinegar. They are typically enjoyed by carefully biting a small hole to release the soup inside or by dipping and eating in one bite, offering a harmonious blend of savory filling and aromatic broth.