the story of the most famous dumpling
Xiao Long Bao (Juicy Pork Dumplings )
Xiao long bao (Juicy Pork Dumplings ), a famous traditional Chinese pastry snack, first appearing in Jiangsu Province around 1826 during the Qing Dynasty. Places like Jiangnan have a long history of Xiao Long Bao cooking. Well-known abroad and all over the world, Chinese Xiao Long Bao is undoubtedly one of the famous snacks in China. Let me take you to have a little look at how our Xiao Long Bao is made.
STEP 1 KNEAD
One of the most important parts of Xiao Long Bao is the dough. It is made of fine flour and fine materials. The skin of the steamed bun must not break when it is clamped up and not leak the delicious juice out from the bottom. The dough is as important as the meat. So our experienced pastry chef kneads hundreds of times to strengthen selected flour by hand to ensure the quality of our dumplings at the beginning.
Step 2 shaping
The right amount of dough will be hand rolled to a thin, suitable wrap using a wooden rolling pin. This important wrap will then need to contain the meat and flavorful juices.
step 3 seasoning
We take the ratio of fat and lean pork 3:7, add the right amount of water, as well as pork bone soup, some sesame oil, our special soy sauce, ginger, onion, and various Chinese spices, carefully mixed into the bun filling.
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Step 4 handcraft
The great tasting seasoning and juicy pork meat are then carefully shaped and wrapped into the kneaded wrap, locking in an extraordinary flavor. 18 signature folds are made by hand on the top, a traditional pocket stitching for the tastiest of Chinese dumplings.
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Step 5 steaming/boiling
While ordinary dumplings are boiled in water, our juicy pork dumpling needs to be steamed. Steaming ensures that the delicious seasoned pork flavor melts into the juice inside.
Step 6 savor
Best enjoyed hot and fresh! A steaming dumpling is a delicious dumpling and ready to eat. Enjoy those heightened flavors by dipping with Shanxi Province of China local produced black vinegar, and don’t forget to use a spoon for that delicious soup inside! A traditional Chinese experience that you won’t forget.
Northern Cafe specializes in offering authentic, Chinese handmade dumplings, pancakes, and more. With signature dishes including Xiao Long Bao, beef rolls, scallion pancakes, wontons in spicy sauce, and a variety of dumplings and noodles, we have a flavor you'll love. We are also proud to feature cold appetizers and traditional stir-fried Chinese dishes. Since the first Northern Cafe opened in 2004 with the goal of sharing delicious, authentic Chinese meals to the U.S., millions of Xiao Long Bao and noodles have been served, and we can’t wait to share our experience with you!