Newly opened handmade xiaolongbao in Taipei – A unique Taiwanese-style afternoon tea!

Text & Photos /Old K

The other day in the afternoon, I was walking along Shilin’s M] Street when I spotted a newly opened handmade xiaolongbao shop right at the entrance of A San Mian Xian. Old K loves xiaolongbao, so of course I had to try this new spot!

Business hours are from 3 pm to 8 pm. A basket of 8 pieces is just 60 NT$, which is quite affordable. They only sell xiaolongbao here – nothing else. There are very few seats on-site, so takeout is the main option.

There’s no chili on the table, so remember to ask the boss if you want it. It looks pretty delicious.

The wrappers are just right – not as thin as soup dumplings, and not as thick as the ones at the two xiaolongbao shops I tried before in Beitou: Shun Ji Handmade Xiaolongbao and Jili Street’s nameless xiaolongbao. It’s right in the middle, and I was quite excited to have this kind of xiaolongbao again XD

The filling is hearty and springy, and the wrapper has good elasticity too. The broth isn’t as much as at Din Tai Fung, but it still bursts slightly in your mouth. The broth is sweet and savory, and it performed much better than I expected. It’s a tasty xiaolongbao, and one basket is just the right portion for an afternoon tea XD

The xiaolongbao tastes great even without dipping sauce, but of course, you should try it with chili. Their chili is spicy fermented bean paste. Since it’s also a bit salty, a little dip adds nice flavor.

Old K’s Tips:I’ve found another great xiaolongbao spot. Unlike the two in Beitou that can fill you up, this one is more about enjoying a refined bite. Each has its own special charm, and both are worth trying. If you’re looking for a different kind of afternoon tea, come here and give it a shot – highly recommended!

Shilin M] Street Xiaolongbao
Address: No. 2, M] Street, Shilin District, Taipei City
Business Hours: 15:00–20:00 (Closed on Mondays)

Old K
Keep them coming, Old K!
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