Hangzhou Xiao Long Bao – a Family Feast in Taipei
This was probably one of my favorite meals in Taiwan this summer so I want to write an entire blog about it. When most people visit Taipei, of course Din Tai Fung is a must. It’s the Michelin-starred institution that draws long lines of tourists eager to try its perfectly folded dumplings. And while Din Tai Fung is a must-visit at least once, another XLB restaurant is giving DTF a run for their money — Hangzhou Xiao Long Bao (杭州小籠包) on Hangzhou South Road, near CKS Memorial Hall, in Zhongzheng District in Taipei city.
Hard to imagine, but it was my first trip to the restaurant in Taipei. If you’re looking for delicious dumplings in a more rustic, down-to-earth setting — without the long waits and polished atmosphere of Din Tai Fung — this is the place to go.
A More Rustic Charm
The first thing you notice when you walk into Hangzhou Xiao Long Bao is how unpretentious it feels. The space is simple, bustling, and filled with the sounds of steamers clattering, waiters shouting out orders, and families chatting around big round tables. It doesn’t have the sleek interior or meticulous service of Din Tai Fung, but that’s part of its charm.
In addition to XLB, there were so many other items on the menu that DTF doesn’t offer but that has more of a Taiwanese flare, like clams with gourd, salt and pepper pork, stir-fry veggie and tofu with salted eggs.
The Star of the Show – Xiao Long Bao
Beyond Soup Dumpling – some dimsum delight
What makes Hangzhou Xiao Long Bao especially fun is that it offers more than just xiao long bao. The menu includes a variety of dim sum dishes like siu mai, shrimp dumplings, and steamed buns. This gave our meal a festive, banquet-like feel, with lots of little plates to sample and share.
The shrimp dumplings (har gow) were juicy and packed with whole shrimp, while the siu mai came generously filled and perfectly steamed. For our kids, these bite-sized dishes were easy to enjoy without needing much dipping sauce or complicated steps.
The Appetizers: Bursting with Flavor
Before the dumplings even arrived, we filled the table with cold appetizers, a signature of many Taiwanese dumpling houses.
We tried marinated cucumber, shredded bean curd, and seaweed salad — all refreshing and packed with flavor. These small plates were the perfect contrast to the richer dumplings, and they kept everyone happily nibbling while we waited for the main dishes to arrive.
Our family rule when dining out in Taipei: always order a few cold appetizers. They come out fast, they’re affordable, and they instantly make the table feel abundant.
A Hearty, Family-Friendly Meal
The food at Hangzhou Xiao Long Bao may not be as delicate or perfectly measured as Din Tai Fung, but it has a certain homestyle quality — hearty, satisfying, and generously portioned. It’s the kind of food that makes you lean back, smile, and say, “That hit the spot.” For families, this is exactly what you want: food that everyone can enjoy, dishes that keep coming, and a bill that doesn’t make you gasp at the end.
Practical Tips for Visiting
If you’re planning a visit, here are a few things to know:
- Location: Hangzhou Xiao Long Bao is located on Hangzhou South Road, near Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall. It’s easily accessible by MRT (just hop off at CKS Memorial Hall Station and walk a few minutes).
- When to Go: It can get busy, especially at dinner. If you’re going with kids, try arriving a little earlier, around 5:30 or 6:00 pm, to avoid the rush.
- What to Order: Definitely start with xiao long bao, but don’t stop there. Add in a few dim sum baskets, cold appetizers, and a noodle or soup dish. The hot and sour soup was a hit with our family.
- Kid-Friendly Factor: Very high. The casual atmosphere means you don’t have to worry about noise, and the food is easy for kids to eat and share.
Din Tai Fong vs Hangzhou: Why choose?
We still love Din Tai Fung — it’s famous for a reason, and every visitor to Taipei should experience it at least once. But Hangzhou Xiao Long Bao offers a different, more local experience. Hangzhou Xiao Long Bao is more like a lively jazz club — energetic, hearty, and a little rough around the edges, but no less enjoyable. Din Tai Fung is like dining at a world-class orchestra — every note precise, elegant, and polished. For families, especially those who want to eat well without waiting in line for hours, Hangzhou is an amazing alternative. And if you’re staying in Taipei for more than a couple of days, I’d say — do both!
