How To Eat Soup Dumplings – The United Dumplings Way

We’ve all had this happen to us when a delicious steaming hot basket of soup dumplings arrives at the table. That one friend eagerly picks up the dumpling and puts it in their mouth, only to realize that the scalding hot soup has now burnt their mouth, and the people sitting in the splattering distance also suffer from the soup splash. Do not be that person. The Xiao Long Bao (XLB), or soup dumplings, are undoubtedly one of the most magical creations in Chinese cuisine. They're created with a thin wrapping around some scrumptious filling and a savoury soup inside, courtesy of the gelatinous broth. If you’re new to Chinese food culture, learning how to eat soup dumplings the right way can be a delicious rite of passage.

The XLB is the perfect comfort food—if you know how to eat it. Eat it too quickly, and you will have a scalded mouth. Nibble one side, and all that soup will be wasted and spoil whatever you’re wearing.

Don’t worry; we will outline a simple and effective way to eat soup dumplings in San Francisco without getting hurt. In fact, learning how to eat soup dumplings is one of the best ways to fully enjoy their delicate craftsmanship.

Read More: The History of Soup Dumplings (Xiao Long Bao 小笼包) – A Shanghai Delicacy

How To Eat Soup Dumplings: A Simple Guide

If you are a pro with chopsticks, then this method of eating soup dumplings should be your go-to:

1. Take the lid off the steamer basket carefully and let that steam cool off for a minute.
2. Pick the dumpling up using chopsticks. Make sure to reach for the middle/twisted part of the dumpling since it's the thickest part.
3. Take a large soup spoon and place your ball of goodness (aka soup dumpling) on it.
4. Make a tiny hole in the dumpling using your chopstick or nipping a piece off with your teeth.
5. The broth will slip out on the spoon. Let it cool down for a few seconds, and then slurp it up.
6. Eat up the rest of the dumpling.

This is how to eat soup dumplings the way they’re meant to be enjoyed—gently and all in one satisfying bite.

You can always dip the dumpling in the sauce if you are exceptionally good with chopsticks. But be careful not to drop the dumpling in the dip or on the table. If you can’t use chopsticks, just ask the server for tongs. Most Chinese restaurants in San Francisco will have these on hand, and you can ask without hesitation—many people don’t know how to hold chopsticks, so you’re not alone.

What Not to Do When Eating a Soup Dumpling

So we’ve covered how to eat soup dumplings like a pro without hurting yourself and others, but here are some things you can keep in mind to be extra careful while enjoying this delicacy:

• Do not ever lift the entire soup dumpling and put it in your mouth without draining the soup or broth. You will end up with tears and a very burnt mouth.
• Do not stab a fork as you would with any other dumpling; all that yummy warm soup will be lost, and you will be devastated.
• Don’t be too patient and eat it in more than a bite because soup dumplings are designed to be slurped up in one big bite. Of course, the large XLBs don’t fall in this category and come with their straw to gobble up the soupy broth inside.

What to Eat With Soup Dumplings: The Perfect Pairings

Once you’ve mastered how to eat soup dumplings, it’s time to enjoy the full experience. A few well-chosen sides can elevate your meal even further. At United Dumplings, we recommend pairing your soup dumplings with fresh, flavorful dishes like our Happy Family Cucumber, a chilled and lightly seasoned cucumber salad perfect for cleansing the palate.

For something savory, our Chinese Broccoli With Garlic Sauce or Sauteed Green String Beans add the perfect contrast—bright, crunchy, and rich with aromatic garlic. If you're looking for something a little heartier, try our Vegetarian Fried Rice or the boldly spiced Singapore Curry Chicken Fried Rice to round out your meal.

These sides and rice dishes highlight the delicate richness of the dumpling broth while offering a comforting, balanced dining experience. This is precisely what to eat with soup dumplings to create a meal that’s satisfying, approachable, and full of flavor.

How to Serve Soup Dumplings at Home

Learning how to serve soup dumplings at home can be just as fun as eating them. Whether you're hosting a dinner or enjoying a quiet night in, serve them straight from the bamboo steamer to keep them hot and delicate. Pair with a trio of dipping sauces—black vinegar with ginger, chili oil, and a light soy. 

Once you know how to eat soup dumplings, sharing them becomes an experience rooted in warmth and tradition.

Read More: Dip Into Flavor: Best Sauce Recipes for Soup Dumplings

Where to Find the Best XLB in San Francisco

Come on over to United Dumplings at any one of our three locations in San Francisco and enjoy the best soup dumplings in the city!

Our menu features a variety of options, including the ever-popular jumbo soup dumplings, perfect for those who want a bigger bite of that savory broth. Choose from pork, chicken, or our innovative vegetarian soup dumplings—all handcrafted with love and tradition.

And if you want to enjoy them at home, you can also order our soup dumplings online from our frozen collection—available for both delivery and pick-up from over 10 locations in the Bay Area.

Whether you’re learning how to eat soup dumplings for the first time or treating yourself to a longtime favorite, we’ve made it easy to bring the comfort of United Dumplings wherever you are.