7 Best Xiao Long Bao in Singapore (2026) — Din Tai Fung, Paradise Dynasty, Crystal Jade, Imperial Treasure, Nanxiang, Swee Choon & Jing Hua

The gold standard for soup dumplings in Singapore: Din Tai Fung is world-renowned for its ritual-like precision — every Steamed Pork Xiao Long Bao is hand-pleated to exactly 18 folds, with a translucent thin skin and a burst of hot, savoury broth. The global brand's overseas branches have held Michelin stars, and in Singapore it's the byword for consistency across ~24 outlets in malls islandwide (Paragon, Raffles City, Jewel, VivoCity, Bedok Mall and more). Beyond the classic pork XLB, order the Steamed Chilli Crab & Pork XLB and the Truffle & Pork XLB, plus la mian, fried rice and its famous xiao long bao's cousin — the giant tang bao when it returns. From 1 July to 31 August 2026, OCBC cardmembers get 10% off the Steamed Chilli Crab & Pork Xiao Long Bao (4pcs). BEST FOR: anyone who wants flawless, reliable XLB every single time, no matter which outlet.

The most fun XLB in town: Paradise Dynasty invented the world's first 8-flavour Xiao Long Bao — a rainbow steamer of eight colour-coded dumplings in original, foie gras, black truffle, cheese, crab roe, garlic, Szechuan and ginseng flavours (eat them light-to-strong for the full experience). Beyond the signature set, it's a full-service Shanghainese and Beijing restaurant with hand-pulled la mian, xiao long bao by the basket, and dishes like braised pork belly and la mian in supreme broth, across malls like ION Orchard, VivoCity, Suntec City and Nex. Join Paradise Gourmet Rewards (PGR) to earn P$ credits on spend and receive periodic return vouchers and member deals. BEST FOR: groups and first-timers who want a bit of theatre, and anyone curious to taste XLB beyond the classic pork.

The casual, everyday-friendly arm of the Crystal Jade group: Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao pairs delicate, hand-pleated Shanghai Steamed Pork Xiao Long Bao with springy hand-pulled la mian in rich broth, plus dim sum classics and pan-fried buns. It's a solid, affordable sit-down option in malls islandwide (Bugis Junction, Hillion Mall, JEM, Causeway Point and more), great for a quick, comforting bowl-and-basket lunch. Jadeite members enjoy 50% off à la carte xiao long bao from Monday to Thursday at participating outlets (excluding the Signature Assorted XLB), and students can score free-drink deals with selected la mian and rice items. BEST FOR: value-seekers who want proper XLB plus a bowl of la mian without a fine-dining bill.

When the xiao long bao is part of a proper celebration meal: Imperial Treasure is a premium Chinese fine-dining group whose Shanghai and Cantonese restaurants (including Imperial Treasure Fine Shanghai Cuisine and Nan Bei) serve elegant, thin-skinned Steamed Pork Xiao Long Bao with a clean, rich broth, alongside acclaimed Peking duck, dim sum and roast meats. Several Imperial Treasure restaurants have earned Michelin recognition, and outlets sit in premium locations like Ngee Ann City, ION Orchard, Great World and Marina Bay Sands. Expect a higher price point and a more refined, sit-down experience. BEST FOR: special occasions, family celebrations and business meals where you want XLB as part of a wider, elevated Chinese spread.

A true Shanghai heritage name: Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant traces back over a century to Yu Yuan Gardens in Shanghai, and its Singapore outlets bring that legacy here. The star is the crab-roe xiao long bao — soft-skinned dumplings with generous soup flecked with bright orange crab roe and pieces of crab meat, at around $13.80 for 6 pieces — plus a showstopping King-Sized Nanxiang Crab Roe (soup) Bun at $8.80++ that you drink through a straw. Classic pork XLB and Shanghainese sides round out the menu. Find it at 200 Victoria Street (Bugis) and Junction 10. BEST FOR: crab-roe XLB lovers and anyone who wants an old-Shanghai institution rather than a modern chain.

Singapore's most beloved supper dim sum spot: Swee Choon has been going on Jalan Besar since 1962 and is the go-to for late-night steamer baskets — its freshly made xiao long bao, signature mee suah kueh, custard buns and Shanghai pancakes draw queues well past midnight. As of 12 January 2026 the Jalan Besar flagship (183–193 Jalan Besar) opens 7 days a week for the first time in 64 years, running 7am–2am Sun–Thu and 7am–4am on Fri, Sat and eves of public holidays (last orders 30 mins before close). Prices are wallet-friendly and there's dine-in, takeaway and delivery. BEST FOR: night owls, big groups and anyone who wants freshly steamed XLB as part of a sprawling, affordable supper.

A homegrown institution with a cult following: Jing Hua Xiao Chi was opened by the Han family at 21 Neil Road in Chinatown in 1989, built on Shanghai-native family recipes, and its little shopfront regularly draws queues. The kitchen makes around 1,000 hand-crafted xiao long bao a day, but regulars swear equally by the guo tie (pan-fried dumplings/potstickers), zha jiang mian and the dessert pancakes. It's grown from that single shop into a name with outlets in Japan and Italy, yet Neil Road still feels like a cosy neighbourhood find. Cash-friendly, no-frills and consistently good. BEST FOR: heritage-seekers who want old-school, handmade Shanghai dumplings away from the mall chains.