Details Emerge for New Xiao Long Bao Concept in Chinatown

Xiao Long Dumplings will offer fresh and authentic soup dumplings, wrapped to order

Now that the popular Taiwanese chain Din Tai Fung has given rise to a national soup dumpling craze, restauranteur Andy Zhao and co-owner Maya Kwong hope to bring their own interpretation to the culinary tradition they know and love. Xiao Long Dumplings will open in Chinatown this summer at 4275 Spring Mountain Rd. 

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Kwong explained that, while they plan on featuring xiao long bao, the menu will also offer an extensive selection of Chinese dim sum and traditional hot and cold dishes. 

“We want to stick to the Chinese tradition and be as authentic as possible,” Kwong told What Now Las Vegas. “We start with fresh ingredients every day, with no leftovers. We also make everything in-house, from wraps to filling. Instead of cook-to-order, we’ll be going the extra step of doing wrap-to-order.”

Originating in China and popularized in Taiwan, xiao long bao is not an easy dish to perfect. Preparation requires chefs to dextrously wrap a paper-thin dumpling sheet around a dollop of seasoned pork filling. Once steamed, the inner filling partially melts into a savory soup, hence the English translation “soup dumpling.”

At Xiao Long Dumplings, the eponymous dish will be delivered to the customer’s table within a minute of emerging from the steamer. Freshness, as well as a family-oriented environment, are among the restaurateurs’ goals for Xiao Long Dumplings. 

“That’s why we picked the Chinatown Plaza in the core of Las Vegas,” Kwong said. “We want to offer the feeling that we put our heart in the food that we serve.”

Behind the scenes, the founder of Xiao Long Dumplings has years of experience under his belt; Andy Zhao began opening restaurants in 1997 and has yet to slow down. In addition to this upcoming dumpling spot, Zhao also owns the nationwide Cajun-style seafood chain Pier 88, which he plans to expand to two more Las Vegas locations.

Xiao Long Dumplings will also have an industry veteran leading the kitchen. Kwong shared that a Hong Kong-born dim sum chef plans to join the project after 20 years of honing his dumpling skills to perfection. 

When the nearly 7,000 square feet dumpling restaurant opens in June, Las Vegans can anticipate a sleek atmosphere that Kwong describes as “simple, elegant and classic.” In addition to xiao long bao, the menu will feature signature dishes like chili chicken, skewers and traditional cold appetizers. 

Photo: Official
Olivia Langen

Olivia Langen

Olivia Langen is a food and culture journalist who has written her way around the world. After traveling from Moscow to Mumbai and Tokyo to Taipei, she has found her way back to sunny Southern California. There, she spends her free time reading fiction, learning languages, and playing music.
Olivia Langen

Olivia Langen

Olivia Langen is a food and culture journalist who has written her way around the world. After traveling from Moscow to Mumbai and Tokyo to Taipei, she has found her way back to sunny Southern California. There, she spends her free time reading fiction, learning languages, and playing music.
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