Xiao Long Bao

Photo Credit: TS Perspective

Sorry, it's been a little while since I have posted... I have recently relocated to Shanghai China. Every day I'm surprised by the great and diverse food all over the city. You can't talk about the amazing food of Shanghai without mentioning Xiao Long Bao, AKA "Soup Dumplings".

These little pockets of pork and steaming hot broth are as dangerous to eat as they are delicious. Eating them can prove to be difficult and messy. You have to gently bit into them and at the same time slurp up some of the scorchingly hot broth - all with chopsticks mind you. All of that may seem like a lot of work, but believe me it's all worth it.

I won't even pretend to provide a recipe.. sorry. From what I have been able to research there are lots of steps and pork fat that go into the addicting dumplings - as with all things delicious. There is also a beautiful dough folding/pinching technique that I'm far from mastering. At the many Xiao Long Bao stalls that pepper the city streets you can watch the masters at work and for about $3 US you'll be one step closer to heaven - and a burnt tongue.