How to Eat Soup Dumplings

We asked a local dumpling expert for some tips.

This story is part of our OUT OF ASIA feature. Click HERE to read more from our deep dive into Milwaukee’s Asian dining scene.


ALSO CALLED XIALONGBAO, these steamed, broth-filled beauties served in a basket are a specialty of Shanghai. Because they’re filled with hot soup, diners need to be extra careful when eating them, and Milwaukee fans flock to  Momo Mee (110 E. Greenfield Ave.) for the hard-to-find dumplings. We asked chef/owner Tony Ho to coach newbies on how to eat them:



 
 
1.

Carefully pick up a dumpling.

Photo by Chris Kessler


 

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2.

Use a chopstick to poke a hole in the side.

Photo by Chris Kessler



 
 
3.

Hold the bao with chopsticks and let the soup drain out into the accompanying bowl.

Photo by Chris Kessler



 
 
4.

Drink the soup first, carefully, sipping from your spoon.

Photo by Chris Kessler



 
 
5.

With chopsticks, dip the dumpling in the side of ginger sauce and eat, either in small bites or pop the whole thing in your mouth.

Photo by Chris Kessler


Ann Christenson has covered dining for Milwaukee Magazine since 1997. She was raised on a diet of casseroles that started with a pound of ground beef and a can of Campbell's soup. Feel free to share any casserole recipes with her.