10 Unique Dumplings So High-Level They’ll Make Regular Xiao Long Bao Seem Boring

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Savoury dumplings fancier than xiao long bao

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Whether they’re big, small, dry, or filled with soup, dumplings will always be a pillowy vessel of comfort for many of us. Though we’d be perfectly content with the usual gyoza or xiao long bao, there are many other unique variations out there just waiting to be added to the favourites list. Here are 10 unique dumplings that might just change how you see this humble dish.

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1. Four Seasons Crab Roe Bun

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Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant has created a dumpling that’s as large as it is flavourful. Their Four Seasons Crab Roe Bun ($8.80++) is a giant xiao long bao that is served with a bubble tea straw so that you can slurp up the pork broth and tasty crab roe in it. Instead of downing 6 XLBs separately, you’ll be able to slowly savour the warm, soupy filling with this.

Address: 1 Woodlands Road, #02-18, Ten Mile Junction, Singapore 677899
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 11:30am to 10pm, Sat-Sun 11am to 10pm
Tel: 6892 7915
Website

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2. Deep-fried Taro Dumplings

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For an extra indulgent option, the Deep-Fried Taro Dumpling, Mini Abalone, Scallop ($10.50++ for two pieces) from Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant is sure to please. Each taro dumpling encases a juicy scallop and has a crispy outer layer of deep-fried batter. It’s even topped with abalone! So regardless of whether you manage to eat this in one bite, or if you choose to savour each component on its own, this is one super satisfying dumpling.

Address: 320 Orchard Road, Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel, Singapore 238865
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 12pm to 3pm, 6:30pm to 10:30pm, Sat-Sun 11:30am to 3pm, 6:30pm to 10:30pm
Tel: 6831 4605
Website

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3. Fried Dumpling with Pork

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I never knew dumplings could be works of art until I saw Fried Dumplings with Pork ($7.80 for eight pieces) from Hand in Hand Beijing Restaurant. Each gorgeous gyoza has a juicy pork, shrimp and leek filling, as well as a lace-like layer of batter for extra crunch. After bringing yourself to tear the dish apart, you’ll find that the combination of contrasting textures makes each dumpling extra enjoyable.

Address: 143 Jalan Besar, Singapore 208859
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 10am to 3pm, 5pm to 10pm
Tel: 6297 1398
Website

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4. Salted Egg Xiao Long Bao

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Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao took cues from the salted egg trend and incorporated this popular flavour into their vibrant Salted Egg Yolk Xiao Long Bao ($7.80++ for four pieces). You’ll probably be able to pass on the vinegar and ginger slices this time, as the salted egg yolk already makes each pork dumpling tasty enough to enjoy on its own. If you’re feeling ravenous, check out their Xiao Long Bao Steamboat Buffet that lets you have unlimited XLBs. 

Check out other novel buffets in Singapore.

Address: 241 Holland Avenue, Singapore 278976
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 10pm
Tel: 6463 0968
Website | Full list of outlets

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5. Pan-fried Dumplings with Mentaiko Miso

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Something about the briny taste and creaminess of mentaiko sauce manages to make any savoury dish more delectable, and Pan-fried Dumplings with Mentaiko Miso ($8.80++) from Gyoza Ya is no exception. Each piece of gyoza is generously draped with thick mentaiko miso sauce that adds richness while the top is slightly seared to give the dumplings more depth in flavour. But be warned, this dish is definitely on the jelak side.

Check out our full review of Gyoza Ya.

Address: 260 Orchard Road, #B1-02A, Robinsons Heeren, Singapore 238855
Opening hours: Daily 11:30am to 10pm
Tel: 6737 5581
Website | Full list of outlets

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6. Fuzhou Yanpi

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For something more traditional, Fuzhou Yanpi ($4.50) from Seow Choon Hua Restaurant is a lot more interesting than it looks. Yanpi is a type of wanton skin made from lean pork that has been pounded with glutinous rice until it becomes stretchy and resilient. This paper-thin skin is then used to wrap a tasty filling made of minced meat and water chestnuts. Regardless of whether or not you are part of the Fuzhou dialect group, these dumplings are sure to please.

Check out our full review of Seow Choon Hua Restaurant.

Address: 33 Sultan Gate, Singapore 198481
Opening hours: Daily 10am to 10pm
Tel: 6298 2720

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7. Grilled Cheese Gyoza

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If you enjoy the crispy, slightly greasy comforts of guo tie (pan-fried dumplings), Grilled Cheese Gyoza ($6.80+) from Ramen Champion might just become your new favourite dumpling. Their plump, warm gyoza is served with Japanese mayo and topped with melted cheese that is lightly toasted. Fans of creamy, rich flavours will definitely enjoy this. If not, Ramen Champion also offers other types of gyoza such as Wasabi Gyoza ($6.80+) and Spicy Gyoza ($6.80+).

Address: 201 Victoria Street, #04-10, Bugis+, Singapore 188067
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 11am to 10:30pm, Sat-Sun & PH 10:30am to 10:30pm
Tel:  6238 1011
Website | Full list of outlets

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8. Signature Dynasty Xiao Long Bao

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For dumplings as colourful as they are delicious, try the eye-catching Signature Dynasty Xiao Long Bao ($14.80++) from Paradise Dynasty. You’ll be spoilt for choice as these vibrant gems come in eight different flavours, including crab roe, ginseng, truffle, and cheese. Just like a sample platter, you’ll be able to try every available flavour before deciding on your favourite.

Address: 1 Harbourfront Walk, #03-08A, VivoCity, Singapore 098585
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 11am to 10pm, Sat-Sun & PH 10:30am to 10pm (last order at 9:30pm daily)
Tel: 6376 8103
Website | Full list of outlets

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9. Dumpling Soup

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Get a warm bowl of Dumpling Soup ($9.50) from Real Food to enjoy delicious and healthy vegetable dumplings made in-house. It’s easy to forget that this meal is vegan as the six huge dumplings manage to be satisfying and hearty without any meat or animal-related products. The filling contains mushrooms, carrots, bean curd, French beans and more for a satisfying combination of textures.

Address: 6 Eu Tong Sen Street, #B1-52/53, The Central, Singapore 059817
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 10am to 9:30pm, Sun 10am to 8:30pm
Tel: 6224 4492
Website | Full list of outlets

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10. Chendol “Xiao Long Bao”

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For an updated twist on the crowd favourite, Restaurant Labyrinth has created Chendol “Xiao Long Bao” ($8++). Instead of a familiar savouriness, you’ll be hit by a wave of sweetness from the red bean, grass jelly and coconut milk once you bite through the smooth dumpling skin. No xiao long bao experience is complete without the finishing drizzle of vinegar and ginger slices. In this case, you’ll be able to drench your dessert dumpling in gula melaka masquerading in a vinegar pot.
Check out other crazy food combis you can find in Singapore.

Address: 8 Raffles Avenue, #02-23, Esplanade Mall, Singapore 039802
Opening hours: Tue-Fri 12pm to 2:30pm, 6:30pm to 11pm, Sat-Sun 6:30pm to 11pm
Pre-Theatre Menu is available on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 6pm.
Tel: 6223 4098
Website

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Dare to be different

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There’s a whole world of different dumplings yet to be discovered. Leave us a comment below to tell us which of these you’d like to try first!