Have you ever had the moments that you just want to crave something specific? Well, I can’t stop thinking about XLB (xiao long bao) right now! With my years of eating around in London, let me give you some suggestions for the best restaurants for these yummy soup dumplings in town!
PS – since my time of the post, these restaurants might have been updated, we then since have opened our new school Dear Asia – School for Asian Languages & Cultures, we also write about new Asian restaurants in town in our blog there. We even offer cooking classes for these lovely dumplings! Check it out here.
Din Tai Fung (5 Henrietta St, Covent Garden, London WC2E 8PT)
Speaking of XLB, the first place coming up in my mind is the popular Taiwanese dumpling restaurant, Din Tai Fung. When it first came to London, people had to queue for five hours! Isn’t it insane? I am certain to say that the dumplings are worth the wait!
Dumplings’ Legend (15 – 16 Gerrard St, London W1D 6JE)
Before Din Tai Fung hit London, Dumplings’ Legend was the place I chose to go when I wanted to crave some dim sum. The Cantonese diner also has its own signature XLB dish, which is stuffed with spicy pork and crayfish. Never tried it before? You should give it a go!
Pearl Liang (8 Sheldon Square, Paddington Central, London W2 6EZ)
If you are vegetarian, Pearl Liang is the right place to go. They have created plenty of vegetarian and seafood dim sum, one of them is their monk’s vegetable dumpling. With the mushroom unami taste it has, trust me, you will want to finish the whole steaming basket!
Shikumen (Dorsett Hotel – 58 Shepherd’s Bush Green W12 8QE)
Another must-go restaurant for XLB is Shikumen. People are coming for their rainbow-coloured soup dumplings, the dish is another level of delight. With the fine-dining environment and creative cuisine they offer, you will definitely want to come back just for them.
