Shanghai Fried Xiao Long Bao, ION Orchard – Mala Crayfish Sheng Jian Bao and Truffle XLB in Food Opera

10 September 2023 Gwendolyn

Food Republic has recently welcomed a new stall to join its rank.

Introducing Shanghai Fried Xiao Long Bao at Food Opera, ION Orchard basement four, the Chinese stall offers a delectable range of fried and steamed soup dumplings, as well as Shanghai fares like Fried Minced Meat Sauce Noodle (Zha Jiang Mian), Wanton Noodles and Beef Noodle Soup.

Shanghai Fried Xiao Long Bao has three outlets – ION Orchard, Westgate and Parkway Parade.

Menu

The signature Shanghai Fried Xiao Long Bao is available in three flavours – Pork ($5.60 for three), Shrimp ($6.80 for three) and Mala Crayfish ($7.80 for three).

For steamed version, there are the Original ($7 for six) and Truffle ($9.90 for six) options.

The Shanghai Dumpling in Chilli Oil ($6.80 for eight) is decent albeit a little tough on the skin.

The Mala Crayfish flavour is impressive. True to its slogan ‘爆汁生煎包‘ (buns that burst with juice), the buns are able to hold the juices together which spurt out the moment you bite into them. The filling is generous and flavourful with a spicy kick.

The one with shrimp filling reminds me of har gao (dim sum shrimp dumping). There are bits of shrimp inside. It has a flat taste when paired with the bun. The pork with bun pairing fares better, as it is tastier and juicier.

The steamed Shanghai Black Truffle Xiao Long Bao ($9.90 for six) comes with juicy meat and strong truffle aroma. However, the skin is quite tough and chewy.