Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant
A historic Shanghai institution renowned for its delicate, authentic steamed dumplings (xiao long bao) in the vibrant Yuyuan Garden.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic Shanghai institution renowned for its delicate, authentic steamed dumplings (xiao long bao) in the vibrant Yuyuan Garden.
"Experience over 100 years of Shanghai's culinary heritage with their legendary soup dumplings!"
Expect a Wait
Be prepared for waits of 20-30 minutes, especially during peak times. Consider visiting off-peak hours.
Ascend for Seated Dining
Skip the long takeaway lines by dining on the second floor for a wider menu selection.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Chinese
Price
Mid-range
Address
China, Shanghai, Jiading District, 解放街129号
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Authentic Shanghai Xiao Long Bao
Experience the delicate, thin-skinned steamed dumplings with tender meat, a 100-year-old Shanghai tradition.
Historic Yuyuan Garden Location
Savor traditional flavors within the vibrant atmosphere of Shanghai's Old Town and Yu Gardens.
Unique Giant Soup Dumpling
Try the amusingly large xiao long bao, sometimes served with a straw to sip the rich broth.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Expect a Wait
Be prepared for waits of 20-30 minutes, especially during peak times. Consider visiting off-peak hours.
Ascend for Seated Dining
Skip the long takeaway lines by dining on the second floor for a wider menu selection.
Recommended Dishes
Opt for the popular shrimp and pork dumplings for an exceptional culinary experience.
Combine with Sightseeing
Pair your meal with a visit to nearby Yu Gardens or explore the Old Shanghai streets.
Tips
from all over the internet
Expect a Wait
Be prepared for waits of 20-30 minutes, especially during peak times. Consider visiting off-peak hours.
Ascend for Seated Dining
Skip the long takeaway lines by dining on the second floor for a wider menu selection.
Recommended Dishes
Opt for the popular shrimp and pork dumplings for an exceptional culinary experience.
Combine with Sightseeing
Pair your meal with a visit to nearby Yu Gardens or explore the Old Shanghai streets.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant is a highly popular spot in Shanghai, celebrated for its authentic xiao long bao and historic location within Yuyuan Garden. While many praise the exceptional quality of the dumplings, particularly the shrimp and pork varieties, some diners find the experience slightly overrated or overpriced, with service being average and occasional issues with dish accuracy. The long queues are a common point of discussion, but many feel the taste and cultural experience are worth the wait.
"If you’re visiting Shanghai, make sure to check out the Michelin-starred restaurant renowned for its steamed dumplings. Be prepared for a wait of over half an hour due to its popularity. The restaurant is very busy, so orders might take some time. However, the dumplings, especially the recommended shrimp and pork variety, are exceptional. Located in a famous old town area, the restaurant is housed in a building with historical Chinese architecture, making it a worthwhile destination for both its culinary delights and cultural experience."
Tiffany
"If you are visiting the Yu gardens in Shanghai, please make pitstop at this immensely popular outlet of Steam buns. My chinese colleague said, at any time or day, the waiting time varies between 20-30min. We waited approx 20 min for our lunch. The restaurant is well spaced out and the service was ok. i liked the steamed buns with stuffed pork and crab meat, not all were good though as we tried 4-5 types."
Ankur Dutta
"Really good dumplings esp spicy pork and vegetarian one. Location is perfect to enjoy Old Shanghai streets and moon festival lights."
Anuj Garg
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
It's most famous for its authentic Shanghai-style steamed dumplings (xiao long bao), known for their thin wrappers and flavorful fillings.
Yes, visiting during off-peak hours or heading to the second-floor dining area can help reduce wait times, though prices may be higher.
Yes, the restaurant offers vegetarian dumplings.
Diners frequently recommend the shrimp and pork dumplings, and spicy pork and vegetarian options are also popular.
The restaurant is known for its giant xiao long bao, which is large enough to be sipped with a straw.
Yes, it is conveniently located in the Old Town area, right next to the famous Yuyuan Garden.
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NanXiang Steamed Bun Restaurant is a famous Chinese restaurant at Yuyuan Garden (豫园) that serves soup dumplings. The restaurant has three levels: Level one is for take-aways only, the queues are the longest, you can only order soup dumplings, and the dumplings are the cheapest. Level two is for dining in, but you can only order soup dumplings, and they are slightly more expensive than level one.
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If you are in the Old City you must have lunch at one of the best xiao long bao (soup dumpling) restaurants in Shanghai!. At Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant, you can also order a GIANT xiao long bao which is amusingly served with a straw. The restaurant is also conveniently located right next to the famous Yu Gardens.
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It is a famous and popular one originating from Nanxiang Town in the northern Jiading District of the city. Dating back over 100 years, Nanxiang Steamed Stuffed Bun features the typical Shanghai flavor. It is famous for its thin wrap, big stuffing, strong flavor and tender meat.
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This brand started near the City God Temple and has since expanded internationally. Better to skip the takeout queue and enjoy dumplings on the second floor seating area. English Address: 85 Yuyuan Old Street, City God TempleChinese Address: 豫园路85号，近九曲桥 More info.
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Indulge in made-to-order xiao long bao at a 100-year-old temple inside the city's old Chinese section. The crowds can be intense, so take advantage of your jetlag and go first thing in the morning for a seated breakfast on the second floor.
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Tan, a regular at the Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant, tells us he just “can’t have a meal without this dish.” It boasts two of Shanghai’s favorite ingredients: it’s got sugar and spice … and everything nice.
Breakfast in Shanghai
Many options for mid-day snacks, I found myself in a worthwhile line for Sheng Jian Bao (pan-fried buns stuffed with pork), and another for more steamed buns at the famous Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant.
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