10 Recommended Famous Taiwanese Xiaolongbao Restaurants! A Comprehensive Guide to Michelin-Starred and Local Spots, Plus Lunch Tips
Why are Taiwanese xiaolongbao so delicious?
What Makes Taiwan So Charming, According to Our Taiwan-Loving Staff
In this column, we’ll focus on 10 recommended, well-known restaurants serving Taiwanese xiaolongbao,Tips for Enjoying Lunch at Michelin-Starred RestaurantsWe'll explain everything in detail.
To help you find your way around even on your first trip to Taiwan, our staff—who visit Taiwan three or more times a year at peak times—will introduce you to the charms of Taiwanese xiaolongbao.Area InformationやTips for EatingI’ve put together a summary of everything, so please feel free to use it as a reference!
◆ For those looking for a xiaolongbao restaurant loved by locals
◆ For those who want to enjoy authentic xiaolongbao at a Michelin-listed restaurant
◆ For those who want to know the proper way to eat xiaolongbao or are looking for souvenir ideas
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Top Picks for Taiwanese Xiaolongbao!
From Michelin-starred restaurants to local favorites
Taipei is home to a variety of renowned xiaolongbao restaurants, each with its own unique character.
A time-honored, classic establishment...where locals goA local favoriteBe sure to try them all and see which one you like best!
Din Tai Fung
Founded in 1958, Taiwan's leading xiaolongbao restaurantA super-famous restaurant. The craftsman18 pleatsThese xiaolongbao, carefully folded to perfection, are prized for their consistent quality and exquisite meat juices.
Rate gourmet meals that offer great value for the priceMichelin's ""Biburukuman"It has also been selected for...
With Japanese menus and Japanese-speaking staff available, you can feel at ease even if it’s your first trip to Taiwan.
Access: 10 minutes from Taipei Station by train.
Jinpin Teahouse
At this popular spot, beloved by both locals and tourists alike, the portions are small butJuicy meat juicesWe pride ourselves on our elegant xiaolongbao, bursting with broth.
5-Color XiaolongbaoWith a wide variety of colorful menu options, it’s also great that they can accommodate groups of all sizes, from small gatherings to large parties.
◆Directions: About a 15-minute train ride from Taipei Station
Hangzhou Xiaolongbao
Located near the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, this shop has long been a favorite among localsA local favoriteIt is.
It's not flashyA cafeteria-like atmosphereHowever, the xiaolongbao that come out areHot and juicyThe very thing.
With a wide variety of unique dishes, such as xiaolongbao filled with loofah and shrimp, you can enjoy an authentic Taiwanese dining experience.
Access: 20 minutes from Taipei Station by train.
Gaojie Shinsho Branch
Located on Yongkang Street, this long-established Shanghai restaurant is a hidden gem within walking distance of Din Tai Fung.
Not only xiaolongbao, but also dishes cooked in a cast-iron skillet"Pan-fried xiaolongbao (shengjianbao)"It's absolutely delicious—the crispy outside and juicy inside are irresistible.
Compared to Din Tai Fung, where long lines are inevitable, the wait time here is relatively short, soI want to enjoy Taipei's culinary scene efficientlyThis is a restaurant we recommend to everyone.
◆Directions: About a 15-minute train ride from Taipei Station
Kokodo Kikeien
Tucked away at the end of Yongkang Street,Michelin Bib GourmandA highly acclaimed xiaolongbao restaurant that has also made a name for itself.
In the kitchen on the first floor, you can watch the chefs skillfully wrap xiaolongbao, and the experience of savoring them fresh at your table on the second floor is truly special. There’s a wide variety to choose from, including xiaolongbao filled with crab roe.
It has a relaxed atmosphere that makes it easy to visit even if you're alone,Also recommended for solo travelers to TaiwanThat's right!
◆Directions: About a 15-minute train ride from Taipei Station
Dianshui Lou
In a local online poll,Took first placeA highly regarded Shanghai and Hangzhou cuisine restaurant with a proven track record. The xiaolongbao, crafted by skilled chefs, areAn elegant flavorIn fact, it’s sometimes said to be on par with Din Tai Fung.
The Nanjing branch has a retro, upscale atmosphere, making it a great choice for those who want to enjoy a leisurely meal.
◆Directions: About a 3-minute walk from the "Taipei Arena" MRT station
Jingdinglou
A chef who trained at Din Tai FungA renowned restaurant run by [Name]. In addition to their classic xiaolongbao, they offer dishes you can only taste here.Oolong Tea XiaolongbaoIt's a local specialty, and it's so popular that you should be prepared to wait in line.
The restaurant also has a Japanese menu, making it a great choice for Japanese tourists.
◆Directions: About a 5-minute walk from the "Zhongshan" MRT Station
Mingyue Tangbao
Founded in 2001, its reputation spread through word of mouthA Popular Local Restaurant. More than Din Tai FungReasonable price rangeSo, you can enjoy xiaolongbao that are perfect for everyday dining.
This is a well-established restaurant that has long been loved not only by tourists but also by locals.
◆Directions: About a 7-minute walk from the MRT “Liuzhangli” Station
Seien Luffa Xiaolongbao
The signature dish isXiaolongbao with Luffa。It also appears in a Taiwanese dramaIt's a long-established restaurant that I've visited before, and its light, subtle flavors are popular among women and health-conscious diners.
It's located right next to Hangzhou Xiaolong Tangbao, making it a convenient spot for comparing the two.
◆Directions: About a 7-minute walk from Exit 3 of the MRT “Dongmen” Station
Huanglong Zhuang (Hoang Long Duong)
From a touristLocal businesspeople and familiesA hidden gem beloved by locals. It may not be flashy, but,Great value for the priceIt has enjoyed long-standing popularity thanks to its courteous service.
It’s also a great place to stop by while sightseeing at the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall.
◆Directions: About a 10-minute walk from Exit 2 of the MRT “Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall” Station
Tips for Enjoying Taiwanese Xiaolongbao for Lunch!
Many xiaolongbao restaurants in Taipei focus on their lunch service, andMake the most of the daytime hoursThis will reduce your wait time and allow you to enjoy your meal in comfort.
Tips for Lunch Without Waiting in Line
At popular restaurants like Din Tai Fung, during peak hours on weekends,1–2-hour waitIt’s not uncommon for this to happen.
If you try the following tips, you might be able to avoid waiting in line on weekdays.
◆Kinhin Tea House, etc.Take advantage of restaurants that accept reservations
Popular Restaurants by Area for Lunch
In TaipeiThe Hot Spot for XiaolongbaoIt is divided into several areas.
Home to Din Tai Fung’s flagship store, Gao Ji, and Hao Gong Dao Jin Ji Yuan,Perfect for eating on the go.
◆ Nakayama Area:
We recommend combining a visit to Kinpin Tea House with some shopping!
◆ Xinyi District:
Enjoy a combo package featuring Din Tai Fung 101 and a tour of Taipei 101
◆ Near the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall:
Hangzhou xiaolongbao is perfect for lunch after sightseeing
Take Advantage of the Gourmet Plan
The more popular xiaolongbao restaurants in Taipei tend to get crowded, so you may end up spending a lot of time getting there and waiting in line.
In that case, if you take advantage of the gourmet plan,Visit multiple stores efficiently even on a tight scheduleYou can do that.
To avoid finding yourself thinking, “I came all the way to Taiwan, but all I did was travel around…,” consider adding a Taiwanese culinary tour to your itinerary.
A plan to enjoy Taiwanese cuisine, such as xiaolongbao, is
Here
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Taiwanese Xiaolongbao
Since you’ve gone to the trouble of coming all the way to Taiwan, I hope you’ll get to enjoy xiaolongbao to the fullest.
It’s good to knowFun facts to make it taste even betterLet me introduce you to...!
The Proper Way to Eat and Dip
Here is the proper way to eat xiaolongbao.
② Make a small hole in the top of the skin, ladle out the soup inside, and then take a bite.
☆Black vinegar and shredded gingerWhen combined with the sauce, it adds a refreshing flavor—it’s absolutely delicious!
If you take a bite while it's still piping hot, you might burn your mouth, soLet it cool slightly before eatingThat's the key point.
Xiaolongbao: A Comparison Based on Dough Thickness and Soup Volume
The mark of authentic xiaolongbao is,A skin so thin you can see through it and plenty of brothis located at.
Since each shop has its own unique style—from the thickness of the skin to the richness of the broth—trying different places to find your favorite is one of the real joys of traveling in Taiwan!
Frozen xiaolongbao to take home as a souvenir
For those who want to enjoy the flavors of Taiwan’s famous restaurants at home,Frozen xiaolongbao as a souveniris recommended.
The entrance to Din Tai FungWe sell frozen xiaolongbao, which you can take home in a cooler bag.
Airport duty-free shopYou can even find frozen xiaolongbao from Taiwanese brands at supermarkets.
Why not bring back memories of Taiwan to your dinner table even after you return to Japan?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Taiwanese Xiaolongbao
It’s common to visit two or three restaurants in a single day. Since many places let you order by the steamer basket (8–10 pieces per basket), ordering small portions makes it easy to hop from one place to another. The Dongmen and Yongkang Street areas are home to a concentration of Din Tai Fung and Gao Ji locations, so you can enjoy comparing them all within this area alone.
Authentic Taiwanese xiaolongbao are in a league of their own when it comes to the thinness of the dough and the amount of broth. At Din Tai Fung, the proportions are strictly controlled at 5g of dough, 16g of filling, and 10g of broth; the rich, savory juices that burst in your mouth the moment you take a bite offer a truly exceptional experience that can only be savored in Taiwan. Additionally, the tradition of eating them with a dipping sauce made of black vinegar and shredded ginger is another hallmark of the authentic style.
This varies by restaurant. Din Tai Fung generally does not accept reservations and requires a same-day ticket, but Jinpin Tea House does accept reservations. Popular restaurants tend to be crowded, especially on weekends, so it’s best to make reservations in advance for those that accept them. Additionally, using meal vouchers that come with optional tours may grant you priority entry in some cases.
summary
We’ve introduced 10 famous Taiwanese xiaolongbao restaurants, including those listed in the Michelin Guide, as well as tips for enjoying them for lunch.
From world-renowned restaurants like Din Tai Fung to local spots beloved by the locals, Taipei hasA xiao long bao shop brimming with characterare available.
Be sure to try comparing themMy favorite placeSee if you can find it!
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