Xiao Long Bao (XLB) has existed since the 19th Century, but was said to have been sold during the 13th Century via the silk road. This could indicate that our knowledge on the true origin of the Xiao Long Bao is rather mirky. However, most sources do corroborate with one another that the Xiao Long Bao originated during 18th to 19th Century China, through a man named Huang Mingxian who owned a store called Ri Hua Xian, in Shanghai’s Nanxiang area. At that time, Huang actually named them “nanxiang da rou mantou”.
Xiao Long Bao is made by wrapping the dough over a cube of aspic and the meat itself. After folding and molding it into the shape of a Xiao Long Bao with ripples around the crown, the chef would then place it into a bamboo steamer for about 8 minutes. Following which, the Xiao Long Bao can be enjoyed with vinegar, ginger and soy sauce.
In 2006, the Xiao Long Bao was declared to be a national treasure by Shanghai. This highlights the social and cultural relevance and importance Xiao Long Baos have in Shanghai society. Considering how Xiao Long Bao is quite a common food item to enjoy in China and Taiwan, there are also many ways to enjoy it. In Taipei 101’s Din Tai Fung, they provide a pamphlet guiding customers on how to eat Xiao Long Baos the right way. It guides users to dip the whole XLB into the condiments of vinegar, ginger and soy sauce. Following which, one can pop the XLB to release the soup and place the entire spoon of XLB into their mouth. Other ways to enjoy a XLB would be to bite off the tip of the XLB to suck out all the soup within it. Following which, you can place the ginger that has soaked in the vinegar and soy sauce into the XLB, and place it in your mouth. There are many other variations on how to eat XLB that may defer from person to person.
Xiao Long Bao is such a popular dish in China that it has been globalised. Now, XLB is sold in many countries in their various Chinese restaurants. For example, in Singapore, Din Tai Fung is one of the top restaurants that sells XLBs and they have even launched dessert XLBs that have caught the attention of many customers. Furthermore, another popular chain Chinese restaurant, Paradise Dynasty, had launched the 8-flavoured XLB, which includes flavours like Foie Gras, Black Truffle, and Ginseng. The popularity of Xiao Long Baos has allowed for more innovations and creations for various types of fillings, which continues to garner support from the many customers.
Consuming XLBs these days is much simpler as compared to before. Now, we can choose to purchase frozen ones from our nearest supermarket and steam it in our own homes, at our own comfort. However, in the past, making a batch of XLBs were extremely time-consuming. Since they did not have the technology like we have now (e.g. refrigeration), it took a long time for the aspic to cool down so that it could be placed into the XLB. Even with the refrigeration that we have now, it takes a day for the aspic to cool down and to solidify. Think about how long it took chefs in the olden days! The effort and time took for the chefs to master the XLB was indeed impressive, and it has led to the success of this food item in the modern world now.
References:
Judy. “Steamed Shanghai Soup Dumplings (Xiaolongbao),” 2019. The Woks of Life. Accessed October 17, 2019. https://thewoksoflife.com/steamed-shanghai-soup-dumplings-xiaolongbao
White, Aimee. “The History of the Xiao Long Bao,” 2019. The Culture Trip. Accessed October 17, 2019. https://theculturetrip.com/asia/china/articles/a-brief-history-of-xiao-long-bao-shanghais-signature-dish/
Wiens, Mark. “Din Tai Fung at Taipei 101: How to Eat Soup Dumplings,” 2019. Migrationology – Food Travel Blog. Accessed October 17, 2019. https://migrationology.com/din-tai-fung-taipei-101/
Ladyironchef. “Paradise Dynasty: Best Xiao Long Bao in Singapore?,” 2019. Accessed October 17, 2019. https://www.ladyironchef.com/2011/03/paradise-dynasty-ion-best-xiao-long-bao-singapore/
Pang, Kevin. “The correct way to eat xiao long bao, the world’s most magnificent soup dumplings,” 2019. The Takeout. Accessed October 17, 2019. https://thetakeout.com/how-to-eat-xiao-long-bao-soup-dumplings-1827959964