Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao

Dining at Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao offers the best Chinese soup dumplings I've had the pleasure of devouring - in Flushing, New York

When Amy and her friend Hugo tossed around ideas on where to go for brunch, I kept quiet. It was my first time in Queens and I had no idea where I was. So, when they settled on Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao, I was curious.

I saw the Michelin endorsement on the door – and my interest rose higher.

Now, I’ve been to Din Tai Fung plenty of times. But, THESE soup dumplings?

Next. Level. Better.

Soup dumplings are basically delicate pouches of steamed dough, filled with savory broth and tender meat. They offer a tantalizing blend of flavors and textures in each juicy bite. With each nibble, the thin dough yields to release a burst of hot, savory soup, making every spoonful a delightful surprise. Especially, when mixed with spice enhancing condiments.

Settling in and browsing the menu, we started with the SCALLION PANCAKE.

Next up was my favorite: the LUCKY SIX SOUP DUMPLINGS (Combination of Pork Soup Dumpling, Crab Meat & Pork Soup Dumpling, Chicken Soup Dumpling, Scallop & Pork Soup Dumpling, Black Truffle & Pork Soup Dumpling, Gourd Luffa and Shrimp & Pork Soup Dumpling)

The PAN FRIED PORK BUNS were also delicious.

We finished by sharing the PORK & VEGETABLE WONTONS IN SPICY PEANUTS SAUCE.

Over the course of brunch, it was nice to hear Amy and Hugo banter about their previous trip to China together. But really, I appreciated being at a place I would never have thought of going to. Which then offered me the joy of savoring an authentic taste of Shanghai’s culinary heritage – within the comfort of New York City.

- -