Lai Lai Xiao Long Bao Shanghai

Lai Lai Xiao Long: Shanghai Best Xiao Long Bao

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Last updated on February 12th, 2026

If you’re in Shanghai and love xiao long bao, ensure Lai Lai Xiao Long is on your list. It is one of the best soup dumplings you can find in the city.

Xiao Long Bao (steamed soup dumplings), also known as XLB, is a must-try dish when visiting Shanghai. So featuring just one or two places isn’t enough for your Shanghai culinary adventure. During our visit, we explored various restaurants and eateries for the best xiao long bao in the city. We definitely had to stop by Lai Lai Xiao Long (莱莱小笼), one of the popular spots in Shanghai to enjoy this delicious dumpling.

Let’s find out what makes Lai Lai Xiao Long so special. Does it deserve the title of the best Xiao Long Bao in Shanghai?

Lai Lai Xiao Long

Lai Lai Xiao Long

Tucked away in a bustling alley near Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, Lai Lai Xiao Long (莱莱小笼) has been serving hungry diners for over 20 years. While there are many time-honored Xiao Long Bao shops in Shanghai, this humble eatery has earned its reputation by sticking to the fundamentals: paper-thin wrappers, generous broth, and perfectly seasoned pork filling.

Lai Lai Xiao Long is renowned for its quality and value. It has been recognized in the Bib Gourmand category of the Michelin Guide Shanghai.

Lai Lai Xiao Long (莱莱小笼)
Address: 506 Tianjin Road, Huangpu, Shanghai (天津路506号).
Business Hours: Daily from 8:00 to 14:00, 15:00 to 20:00

Our Food Visit to Lai Lai Xiao Long

Queue for Lai Lai Xiao Long

We went to Lai Lai Xiao Long for breakfast. The shop was located just a short walk from our hotel – Shanghai Elong Hotel.

When we arrived, there was already a queue, but it was moving pretty fast. Fortunately, we didn’t have to wait too long. While waiting in line, you receive the menu to check what you want to order at Lai Lai Xiao Long. It’s important to do this because you need to place your order and pay before entering the restaurant.

Although the process can feel a bit overwhelming, we quickly made our decisions and ordered the most recommended dishes.

Table Seating Inside Lai Lai Xiao Long

The business is doing well and fully packed with diners. The venue is small with limited seats, and completely packed with closely arranged tables. You will likely need to share a table with strangers if your party has fewer people than the number of seats available. It can be crowded, so I wouldn’t recommend it if you’re looking for a relaxed atmosphere.

Lai Lai Xiao Long also has another store next to the main shop, allowing diners to enjoy their xiao long bao. This shop is suitable for larger group.

What to eat at Lai Lai Xiao Long Bao

What To Order at Lai Lai Xiao Long Bao

Similar to our Xiao Long Bao restaurant, Lai Lai Xiao Long features various types of soup dumpling fillings. You can choose from fresh meat, prawn, crab meat, and crab roe, along with some staple foods. Don’t forget to add ginger sauce (¥1) to your order for a full experience.

Once we were seated, our food arrived quickly at the table without a long wait. Each basket came steaming hot, accompanied by vinegar and ginger (paid).

Shanghai Lai Lai Soup Dumpling

These Xiao Long Bao from Lai Lai were probably my favorite dish among all the restaurants we have tried. Very delicious!

Lai Lai Xiao Long Bao - Fresh and Delicious

The Lai Lai Xiao Long Bao is absolutely heavenly!

The wrappers are as thin as a baby’s skin and can be broken by blowing on them, yet they still hold a generous amount of broth. Taking a bite and savoring the delicious soup and filling fills you with happiness. The add-on ginger vinegar was also such a lovely accompaniment to the yummy xiao long bao.

Crab Meat / Crab Roe Soup Dumplings

Lai Lai Xiao Long Must-eat Food

In addition to the fresh meat soup dumplings, many people come here for the delicious and flavorful crab roe soup dumplings. The crab roe Xiao Long Bao from Lai Lai Xiao Long is delightful, featuring a good amount of crab and plenty of juice.

Lai Lai Crab Roe Xiao Long Bao

Pictured above is a tasty Xiao Long Bao filled with crab roe. Yes, crab roe in a soup-filled pork dumpling! Life is good!

Overall: Lai Lai Xiao Long for the best XLB?

All in all, Lai Lai Xiao Long comes highly recommended if you’re searching for the best xiao long bao in Shanghai. In our opinion, it is rated as our top choice among all the xiao long bao we’ve tried so far. The dumplings feature a thin wrapper, a generous filling, and a flavorful broth that bursts with each bite. Everything is made fresh, and there are no gimmicks involved. The prices are also very reasonable considering the quality and freshness of the food.

In short, Lai Lai Xiao Long is a must-visit restaurant, especially for those seeking authentic, local xiao long bao without any unnecessary frills. If you’re in Shanghai and have a love for xiao long bao, make sure Lai Lai Xiao Long is on your list!

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