Xiaolongbao is Shanghai’s most famous dumpling and when it comes to the best places for Xiaolongbao, Jia Jia Tang Bao (佳家汤包) is always in the conversation along with the likes of Lai Lai and Nanxiang. Often, the popularity of venues can be overhyped, especially in the age of influencers and KOLs (key opinion leaders). The only way to really know if somewhere is worthy of all the plaudits is to try it for yourself and that’s what I did earlier this week.
Although Jia Jia Tang Bao now has several locations across Shanghai, this review focuses on the original Huanghe Road restaurant, which I’d recommend for a first visit.
Waiting Times
The lines outside are real. Arrive outside peak lunch and dinner hours and you stand a decent chance of walking straight in. I arrived shortly before 3pm on a wet Tuesday afternoon and managed to find a vacant table, although as you can see, the restaurant was more or less full.
It’s not a big place – perhaps around 20 small tables that can be joined together to accommodate larger groups. You’re much more likely to get a table if you’re a smaller group or are willing to sit in smaller groups.
It’s definitely a popular tourist spot. Even if everyone looks Chinese, many are tourists from other parts of Asia or at least other parts of China. I had a family visiting from Guangdong province sitting across from me.
What To Order
Traditionally, you would order at the counter by the entrance and then take your seat, but these days most people sit down first, scan the QR code on the table and order via the app using either WeChat or Alipay.
The classic pork Xiaolongbao starts at 23¥ for 12 and goes up if you opt for more sophisticated fillings:
- Shepherd’s Purse (荠菜) with pork 25¥
- Luffa (丝瓜) with pork 28¥
- Mushroom with pork 28¥
- Egg yolk with pork 32¥
- Shrimp and pork 32¥
- Crab roe with pork 38¥
- Black truffle 48¥ for 6
If you want to try other things too, they have a selection of wontons (馄饨) starting at 13¥ and noodles including Scallion Oil Noodles (葱油拌面). Xiaolongbao is what they do best. If you’re specifically looking for noodles, I preferred the noodles at Huxi Old Alley Noodles.
My recommendation would be to stick with the basic pork variant. It’s cheap, delicious and gives you the quintessential Xiaolongbao experience. If you want to be adventurous, by all means add one of the more premium options if you have the appetite or a larger group, but make sure you try the original version as your benchmark.
How Good Are The Dumplings?
Jia Jia Tang Bao for me serves great Xiaolongbao. The wrappers are super thin and delicate, but still strong enough to contain the soup bursting to escape while allowing you to see the filling inside. It’s a balance that Jia Jia gets right. The dumplings are made fresh to order, so there’s usually a wait of around 10 minutes, but it’s worth it both financially and culinarily.
A word of warning: the soup can be piping hot, so be careful with the first bite, especially if you’re eating the whole thing in one go like I do. One alternative is to use a spoon, bite off a small piece of the skin and blow gently into the opening before finishing the rest.
Is It Expensive?
No. 23¥ for 12 high quality, skilfully made dumplings in 2026 is more than reasonable. The price obviously goes up if you choose some of the fancier fillings, but the classic pork variant is delicious and I am always happy to go for that option. By way of comparison, the same basic pork dumplings at Nanxiang Steamed Buns at Yu Gardens is 40¥ for half the amount of dumplings and in my opinion, not as good. Jia Jia Tang Bao wins on all fronts for me except perhaps the classic, traditional surroundings you get when dining at Yu Gardens.
Should You Go?
Definitely worth a visit if you have the time and happen to be in the People’s Square area. Although Jia Jia Tang Bao now has several branches across Shanghai, I’d still recommend visiting the original Huanghe Road restaurant if it’s your first time. It has the history and atmosphere and, in my experience, still delivers what made Jia Jia Tang Bao famous. The dumplings are among the best you’ll find in Shanghai, and the pricing offers exceptional value for money.
If coming by subway, take line 1, 2 or 8 to People’s Square and look for Exit 9. Cross over the road and walk towards the Park Hotel, where Huanghe Road begins. Jia Jia is about 200 metres from the intersection.
127 Huanghe Road 黄浦区黄河路127号
Open daily 7:30am to 8:30pm