小笼包
xiǎolóngbāo
The English phrase "soup dumplings" is translated into Chinese as 小笼包 (xiǎolóngbāo).
小笼包 refers to steamed buns filled with meat and a hot broth that melts inside during cooking. While the name does not explicitly contain the word for 'soup', it is the standard term used to refer to these specific soup-filled dumplings.
What does it mean word for word?
The name literally breaks down into 小 (small), 笼 (steamer basket) and 包 (bun/package).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Taiwan, soup dumplings are commonly known as 小籠湯包.
How do you pronounce it?
xiǎolóngbāo
Did you know?
- The 'soup' inside 小笼包 is actually a solid piece of chilled aspic, or collagen-rich meat jelly, when first placed in the bun. It only turns back into a liquid 'soup' due to the heat of the steaming process.
- A common etiquette when eating 小笼包 is to place the dumpling on a spoon and poke a small hole in the skin first. This allows you to drink the broth safely before eating the bun to avoid burning your mouth.
- Diners often pair 小笼包 with black vinegar and ginger specifically because the acidity of the vinegar is meant to 'cut through' the heavy fat of the pork broth.
Examples in context
- 这家店的小笼包很有名。Zhè jiā diàn de xiǎolóngbāo hěn yǒumíng.This shop's soup dumplings are very famous.
- 请给我一份小笼包。Qǐng gěi wǒ yī fèn xiǎolóngbāo.Please give me one serving of soup dumplings.
Example conversation
At a dim sum restaurant.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen志强，你想吃什么？Zhìqiáng, nǐ xiǎng chī shénme?Zhiqiang, what do you want to eat?
- 志强 Zhiqiang我想吃小笼包。Wǒ xiǎng chī xiǎolóngbāo.I want to eat soup dumplings.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen那我们点两份吧。Nà wǒmen diǎn liǎng fèn ba.Then let's order two servings.
- 志强 Zhiqiang好的，我也很饿。Hǎo de, wǒ yě hěn è.Okay, I am very hungry too.
