Top Shanghainese Restaurant in Millbrae
Shanghai Dumpling Shop
455 Broadway, Millbrae, CA 94030, United States
As a newcomer 3 years ago to real Chinese food (you other midwest transplants probably know what Im talking about) I made it my quest to try xiao long bao (the steamed dumplings with pork & soup) at every Shanghainese restaurant that offered it.My wifes is Cantonese and grew up in the bay area with a restaraunt loving family, so over the years I have collected a list of dumpling rating criteria.The ratios are arguably the most important criteria to me. If there is too little soup, there is less flavor. If the dumpling is too thick, it can mask the flavor. If there is not enough pork...well you see where Im going with this.Other xiao long bao issues:- Served in a tiny foil tin that almost invariably sticks to dumpling- Very salty broth- Tough and/or dense porkThis is turning into a food theory post, so Ill get to the point.The Shanghai Dumpling Shop consistently serves delicious Xiao Long Bao. I know the ratios preference is matter of opinion and maybe you like really salty soup, but I think these are the BEST.And, maybe the highest praise I can offer in our hyper-critical Bay Area dining market: I have never heard anyone say anything bad about these wonderful dumplings.Google asked for an update on my review. Here we go. May 11, 2022I bring all of my visiting friends and family here. We consistently have had great experiences dining. I have had soup dumplings from many other places since my review, but these are still the best.I have tried Din Tai Fung in San Jose (and Taiwan) and they are almost as good as here. I think Shanghai Dumpling Shop has a slightly thicker/heartier broth with a more rich flavor, but they both nail my personal preferences for the ratios mentioned above.In third place is Little Shanghai on 25th Ave in San Mateo.