What to Serve With Shanghai Soup Dumplings for Dinner

A steamer basket of Shanghai soup dumplings can steal the show—but a well-chosen side or two transforms dinner into something complete. Whether you’re planning a cozy family meal or entertaining friends, balance matters. Crisp textures, light vegetables, and thoughtful starches can elevate your dumpling experience without stealing the spotlight. At United Dumplings, we’ve seen how the right combination can turn a simple meal into something memorable. So, what to serve with Shanghai soup dumplings when you want more than just dumplings? Start by thinking about contrast and support. You want freshness, crunch, and perhaps a bit of heat to round out the flavors and textures in each bite.

Read More: Shanghai Soup Dumplings Guide: Tips, Origins, and Where to Buy

Soup Dumpling Side Dishes: Easy Pairings to Make at Home

Building a dumpling dinner doesn’t require a restaurant kitchen. With a few ingredients and a little intention, you can make soup dumpling side dishes that complement your meal beautifully.

Try these at-home options:

• Pickled cucumbers: Toss thinly sliced cucumbers in rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Let them chill.
• Garlicky greens: Baby bok choy or spinach sautéed in garlic and a splash of soy sauce adds warmth and color.
• Cold sesame noodles: Mix tahini or sesame paste with soy, vinegar, and chili oil for a quick, nutty noodle salad.
• Egg drop soup: A light, savory broth with silky egg ribbons pairs well with the richness of soup dumplings.
• Steamed rice: Fragrant jasmine rice with a drizzle of chili oil lets your sauce shine and gives the meal substance.

Each dish offers something different, from cooling contrast to comforting warmth. When combined with dumplings, they help create a dinner that feels thoughtful, not rushed. Most importantly, they support rather than distract. Because no matter how good the side is, the dumpling should always lead.

Still wondering what to serve with Shanghai soup dumplings when you want variety and harmony? Read on for sides you don’t have to make yourself.

Best Sides for Dumplings: United Dumplings Customer Favorites

At United Dumplings, we’ve spent years thinking about what pairs well with xiao long bao. That’s why our menu includes several options we consider the best sides for dumplings—they’re balanced, varied, and deeply satisfying.

Here are a few top picks:

• Happy Family Cucumber: Fresh, crisp, and gently seasoned with sesame and white pepper. A cool contrast to hot soup dumplings.
• Vegetarian Spring Rolls: Light and flaky with a clean bite. They don’t overpower, making them a smart companion.
• Fried Mushroom Tempura: Crispy golden batter and earthy flavor—great for adding texture to your meal.
• Chinese Broccoli With Garlic Sauce: Robust and savory, this side brings an extra layer of umami to the table.
• Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings: Bold and flavorful. They suit diners who like a little heat and crunch on the side.
• Crispy Calamari: Seafood-forward and seasoned just right. It’s a favorite for good reason.
• Sautéed String Beans: Wok-fried for just the right snap. Their depth of flavor comes from the garlic and seasoning, not heavy sauce.

Because each item was designed to complement—not compete with—our dumplings, they work well in nearly any combination. And for those still deciding what to serve with Shanghai soup dumplings, these menu items offer convenience and variety without compromise.

Building a Balanced Dumpling Dinner

Now that you’ve chosen your sides, think about how to bring it all together. A successful dumpling dinner has rhythm. It includes light, bright vegetables; a protein or two for contrast; and a starch for balance.

For example, pair pork soup dumplings with cucumber salad, a handful of spring rolls, and cold sesame noodles. Or go bold—match spicy wings with mushroom dumplings and a side of garlic greens. Each combination plays with texture and flavor while letting the dumplings remain the focal point.

Wondering again what to serve with Shanghai soup dumplings for a full, satisfying dinner? The answer often lies in variety, not volume.

Drinks also matter. For example, jasmine tea helps reset the palate between bites. A chilled lager or sparkling water works just as well. The idea is to complement the meal with balance and intention—not to fill the table with distraction.

Read More: What to Eat With Dumplings: 10 Best Side Dishes

Let the Dumplings Shine – But Don’t Let Them Dine Alone

Soup dumplings are a beautiful centerpiece. But when served with the right sides, they become the anchor of something bigger and more fulfilling. Whether you’re trying your hand at simple soup dumpling side dishes at home or ordering from our thoughtfully crafted menu, let your pairings reflect the care you bring to the table.

At United Dumplings, we believe meals should feel warm, generous, and complete. And when you’re thinking about what to serve with Shanghai soup dumplings, remember—sometimes the best sides aren’t just food. They’re stories, shared plates, and the people you serve them with.