Shanghai Fried Xiao Long Bao is a renowned hawker stall operated by an experienced dim sum chef with 25 years of expertise from prestigious establishments like Crystal Jade and Paradise Group. Currently located at Chinatown Complex Market & Food Centre unit #02-205 after relocating within the same building in 2024, this popular stall is famous for its handmade sheng jian bao (pan-fried buns) that deliver an audible crunch from their crispy skin while containing juicy meat and flavorful pork broth. Their signature offerings include traditional sheng jian bao at for 3 pieces, innovative chilli crab sheng jian bao with moderately spicy sauce and crab bits, and steamed xiao long bao at .80 for 6 pieces. The stall also serves various noodle dishes including Zha Jiang Mian, Beef Noodle, and Fresh Shrimp Wanton Noodle. Known for perpetual queues even during off-peak hours, this establishment has become one of Chinatown Complex's most sought-after dining destinations, attracting food enthusiasts seeking restaurant-quality dumplings at hawker prices. Operating from 10:30am-3:30pm and 5:30pm-8:30pm (closed Wednesdays).
We first discovered this shop on a trip last year and headed back to Chinatown Complex with them specifically in mind. Oh my, the fried prawn (shrimp) bun might be the tastiest thing ever, we came back 3 times in a week. Crispy bottom, delicious filling and great balance of filling to bun. You may need to wait a little as they fry the buns in large batches, we found it was usually 10-15 mins.
Their wanton noodle soup was also great, had that for breakfast and the wonton pastry and filling was superb. Highly recommend going early to not miss out. Just wonderful!
calvin tan
Chances upon this in search of grub at Chinatown, the 葱油拌面 was lightly flavoured although it clumped up a bit (probably coz I didn’t tuck in immediately), but the highlight’s definitely the 生煎包! Nice & crisp on one end, beautifully presented & nicely flavoured. Had the 辣椒螃蟹, filling wasn’t too shabby, had a nice chunk of crab in one of them!
Would be back with family!
Alvin Choo
We came here as the stall we wanted to eat at had an insane queue. I wanted the 炸酱面 but it was not available that day, so I got the lion mane noodle instead. We also got their various dumplings to share. The food is decent and you will need to wait for some of the things to be cooked upon ordering.
Y T
The famous pan-fried pork bun is delicious! The skin is not too thick, and the bottom was wonderfully crispy. We tried the original and chili crab flavors, as the prawn option was sold out. Both flavors were good, though I preferred the original. I also tried the prawn dumplings soup and loved the wonton.
I am thankful that the weekend lunch queue was manageable, and the service was relatively fast. The chef handmade the buns right at the stall. I recalled that during my last visit on a weekday evening, the queue was long, and the food had sold out.
This stall is worth checking out when the queue is manageable.
Johnson K
It took about 15 minutes for our order to come, but it was well worth the wait as they cook your order and steam dumplings upon request. Xiaolongbao both original and black truffle were light and well tasting, and the fried buns were even better. They do have radio coasters to let you know when your order is ready so you don't have to wait around the stall. Well worth a try!
