Shanghai xiaolongbao restaurant becomes cultural hit

In the heart of Shanghai, nestled on Maoming South Road, lies Wu You Xian, a xiaolongbao restaurant that has become a cultural landmark for both locals and international visitors. With its dedication to quality, tradition, and innovation, Wu You Xian shares a piece of Chinese culture with the world through xiaolongbao.

Peter Harrod, a customer from England, shared his experience during a visit to the restaurant. "It's my first time trying crab xiaolongbao, and it's absolutely fantastic".

Harrod, who came to Shanghai for a business trip, pointed out that restaurants like Din Tai Fung, a chain restaurant selling xiaolongbao, bring traditional food to the world, making more foreigners realize the deliciousness of xiaolongbao.

"When you think of Shanghai, you automatically think of xiaolongbao," he added. "This one is a little bit hard for me to eat because when you pick it up, you have to bite the top, put the vinegar in, and then suck it out. Because I'm not good at this, the soup falls everywhere. But it's worth it because the taste is amazing".

Chen Lina, the owner of Wu You Xian, takes immense pride in her restaurant's reputation. Since relocating to Maoming South Road on Dec 28 in 2023, the restaurant has welcomed guests from 54 countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan and South Korea.

"Our foreign guests see xiaolongbao not just as a popular Chinese dish, but as a representation of Chinese culture — a tradition that can be passed down for generations," Chen explained.

Her commitment to excellence is evident in every detail, from the meticulous preparation of ingredients to the warm, attentive service. Her innovative spirit shines through in new menu items like "Nian Nian You Yu" (wish abundance every year) and "Xia Xia Nong" (thank you in Shanghainese), which celebrate both tradition and local flavor.