
Hang Zhou Xiao Long Bao (Da'an)
RESTAURANT SUMMARY

Hang Zhou Xiao Long Bao (Da'an) opens like a promise: the Huang brothers and their family preparing dumplings by hand in Taipei’s Da’an District. The first mouthful at Hang Zhou Xiao Long Bao is immediate—thin, almost translucent skin yielding to a burst of pork-sweet broth and finely seasoned meat. Located near Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, the restaurant sits in a busy street scene where families and visitors queue for plates of Shanghai-style xiaolongbao and regional snacks. If you search for authentic soup dumplings in Taipei, Hang Zhou Xiao Long Bao answers with technique taught by a Shanghainese chef and refined over two decades.
The restaurant’s story is family-forward. The Huang brothers trained under a Shanghainese chef more than 20 years ago and their grandmother still selects produce and pork from local markets. That lineage shapes a clear culinary vision: simple, high-impact ingredients and precise execution. Although there is no named star chef on the door, the kitchen’s leadership is unmistakable in every dumpling. Hang Zhou Xiao Long Bao earned recognition in the Taipei Michelin Bib Gourmand for serving exceptional food at accessible prices; that accolade confirms quality without the formality of fine-dining white tablecloths. The focus on fresh pork hind leg cuts and thin skins distinguishes the kitchen’s consistent output and builds strong local loyalty.
The culinary journey here centers on technique and texture. The signature Xiaolongbao is made with flour-and-water skin and a filling of finely minced pork hind leg mixed with a clear, gelatinized stock that melts into soup during steaming. Expect a gentle vinegar-and-ginger dip alongside a dumpling that gives way to warm broth and seasoned pork. The Crab Roe Tangbao elevates the same method with briny crab roe folded into the soup base for a richer, iodized finish. Potstickers labeled Crispy Shrimp and Pork Pot Stickers are pan-fried until the undersides form a thin, golden lattice while the interior remains juicy, offering contrast to steamed options. Seasonal small plates appear alongside staples: drunken chicken cool and slightly boozy, braised beancurd for balanced umami, and Sweet Steamed Clams with Green Squash that highlight freshness and light steam cooking. Desserts sustain the same attention to texture—Red Bean Pancake uses two varieties of red bean for a silky filling encased in crisp sesame pastry, and mochi-wrapped red bean balls complete the meal with restrained sweetness.
Service at Hang Zhou Xiao Long Bao mirrors a busy neighborhood eatery: efficient, unpretentious, and responsive. Tables turn steadily, staff move with purpose, and the pace suits midweek dinners or late-night cravings—service continues until 11:00 PM, making it a reliable late option in Taipei. The interior is modest rather than ornate: clean functional seating, visible steamers, and a small open prep area where guests can watch dumpling folding. Lighting is practical and warm, and noise levels are part of the experience—chatter, clink of plates, and the soft hiss of steamers punctuate the meal. If you prefer formal service, this is not the place; if you want expertly made xiaolongbao served honestly and quickly, the atmosphere enhances that direct pleasure.
Best times to visit are weekday evenings before 7:30 PM or early afternoons to avoid peak queues; the restaurant stays open until 11:00 PM for late dinners. Dress is casual—comfortable attire fits well with the lively service rhythm. Reservations are uncommon; walk-ins and short waits are typical, though groups should call +886 2 2393 1757 when possible. Pricing sits in the moderate range, offering strong value given the Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition and ingredient quality.
For travelers and locals seeking a clear, focused xiaolongbao experience in Taipei, Hang Zhou Xiao Long Bao (Da'an) delivers. Expect thin-skinned dumplings that leak hot, savory broth, texture-driven desserts, and a family-operated kitchen where two brothers and their grandmother sustain a 20-plus-year tradition. Come hungry, plan for a short wait at busy times, and taste why this Da’an address has become a dependable stop for authentic soup dumplings in the city.
CHEF
ACCOLADES
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(2024) Michelin Bib Gourmand
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