Crab Roe Soup Dumplings

Last updated 2026-11-08 — Zhenjiang Crab Roe Soup Dumplings, commonly known as crab dumplings, are a traditional delicacy of Zhenjiang, renowned for their thin wrappers, abundant soup, generous filling, and delicious taste. It is said that they have a history of over two hundred years and are not only famous along the Shanghai-Nanjing railway line but also well-known both domestically and internationally. A verse by Lin Lanchi from the Jiaqing era of the Qing Dynasty, “Hard to swallow in one bite, yet the flavor is easily savored; a perfectly round package holds all within,” describes the characteristic of the crab roe soup dumplings, where the hot soup inside makes them “hard to swallow in one bite.” These dumplings are primarily made from crab roe and pork, meticulously crafted. They are small in size but beautifully shaped—resembling a clock when placed in a steamer basket and a lantern when held with chopsticks—featuring thin wrappers, generous soup, ample filling, and a delicious taste. They are best enjoyed with Zhenjiang aromatic vinegar and shredded ginger, which not only enhance the flavor but also help dispel the chill and cut through the richness.