Cafe Xiao Yang Sheng Jian

Since opening on Wujiang Road in 1994, Xiao Yang Sheng Jian has become one of Shanghai’s most beloved chains for shengjianbao—crispy-bottomed, soup-filled pork buns.

The classic pork shengjianbao is the star. The wrapper is thicker than xiaolongbao, with a golden, crunchy base and a juicy, well-seasoned filling. Bite carefully to sip the broth before eating the rest. For variety, try the prawn and pork combination or seasonal options like crab during hairy crab season.

Beyond the buns, the suan la fen (hot and sour glass noodles) delivers a punchy Sichuan kick, and the fish ball soup offers a quiet, comforting contrast.