Shanghai xiaolongbao 莱莱小笼 vs 馋三尺
莱莱小笼’s 蟹粉小笼包 had a milder taste where it wasn’t surfeiting at all. It had a good blend of pork meat, crab meat and crab roe but it wasn’t screaming 蟹粉小笼 in your face. The fried chicken skewers were SO GOOD though, super tender and it had a strong 五香粉 taste. Must order 😍
馋三尺 had a better representation of 蟹粉小笼 with the umami from the crab roe really shining through. It was an immediate yes. The pure crab roe 小笼包 was too surfeiting, I wouldn’t order it again. But the 蟹粉小笼包 was goooddd 🤤
My go to would definitely be 馋三尺. Better food and no queue. I had to queue 20mins for 莱莱小笼 and the food didn’t exactly match up to my expectations.
#lailaixiaolong #chansanchi #xiaolongbao #shanghai #shanghaifood
If you’re exploring Shanghai’s famous crab roe xiao long bao scene, it’s worth noting the different styles each spot offers. LaiLai Xiaolongbao provides a gentler, more balanced flavor that combines pork meat, crab meat, and crab roe without overwhelming your palate. Their fried chicken skewers, seasoned with 五香粉 (Five-spice powder), are a standout and highly recommended. On the other hand, Chansanchi delivers a more intense crab roe experience where the umami flavors truly shine, especially in their crab roe with minced pork xiao long bao. If you’re a fan of rich crab roe taste, this place might satisfy your craving better. However, their pure crab roe xiao long bao could be too strong for some. What also matters when choosing where to eat is the queue. I found Chansanchi welcoming without a long wait, whereas LaiLai required about 20 minutes of queuing. If time is tight, Chansanchi might be the better option. From my experience, if you value a strong crab roe flavor and quicker service, go for Chansanchi. If you prefer a milder taste complemented by delicious fried chicken skewers and don’t mind waiting, LaiLai is also worth trying. Either way, these spots offer unique takes on Shanghai’s celebrated crab roe xiao long bao, making them must-visit for any foodie in the city.
