Soup Dumplings (XLB): The Complete Guide to Eating Our Signature Dish

Eating soup dumplings correctly is an art form. Many first-timers make the mistake of biting straight into them, causing the precious broth to spill everywhere. Here's how we recommend enjoying XLB: First, carefully pick up a dumpling with your spoon or chopsticks. Make a small opening in the wrapper using your teeth or a spoon. Sip the hot broth first—this is where much of the flavor lives. Then eat the wrapper and filling. The broth inside is made from hours of slow-simmering pork bones and aromatics, creating an umami-rich liquid that's impossible to replicate at home. Our chefs use a special technique involving pork stock aspic that sets and then melts at serving temperature. This creates that magical moment when the first bite releases a burst of flavor. The pork filling is finely minced and seasoned with traditional spices that complement the broth perfectly. Each dumpling contains approximately 1-2 tablespoons of broth, making it a complete flavor experience in one bite.