Spicy Oil Xiao Long Bao

Spicy Oil Xiao Long Bao

　　Xiao long bao can be found all over China, but the ones in Langzhong that are served with spicy oil are truly unique to the region, and their flavor is quite different from the usual xiao long bao. These buns are always steamed in bamboo baskets—thin-skinned, generously filled, juicy, and delicious. Dipping them in spicy oil takes them to another level. Pair them with a bowl of rich bone and seaweed soup… I won’t go on, my mouth is practically watering onto the keyboard. In short, I strongly recommend everyone to give them a taste.

　　[Shop Recommendations] Judging by my experience, if you want to know whether xiao long bao are any good, those steamed in metal baskets are never as authentic or tasty as those steamed in bamboo baskets. For example, the very common “Song Baozi” in Langzhong uses metal baskets—their taste is pretty average, and you can find similar ones elsewhere, so I don’t recommend trying them. I mainly recommend the following two places:

　　1. “Zhao Baozi,” located at No. 35 Beijie, is a time-honored xiao long bao shop.

　　2. “Guantang Baozi Shop,” located on Ying’en Street (that’s the street that continues north from Beijie into the new part of town), has an amazing flavor; right next door there’s also a “Fu Baozi,” but its taste is just so-so.

　　[Prices] Both “Zhao Baozi” and “Guantang Baozi Shop” charge 2.5 RMB per basket (comes with a side of spicy oil and a bowl of soup)