Lai Lai Xiao Long is a Shanghai institution for xiao long bao (soup-filled dumplings), especially their crab and crab roe ones, which are all wrapped to order. They are not cheap (crabs aren’t either) but if you like the flavor of hairy crab without the fussiness of picking apart the small critters, this is a great way to go. Hairy crab dumplings are available year-round. They also do pork and pork-crab versions, as well as huntun. Don’t forget to order the ginger in vinegar to dip!

It’s a small, tightly packed eatery, usually bustling with a line out the door. Join the queue to place your order at the counter, then snag a table in one of the two frenzied dining rooms and wait for your order to be delivered.

The is the OG location is on Tianjin Road, which opened in 2006 around the corner from the Nanjing East Road pedestrian street. It is also a Bib Gourmand restaurant.

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