How to Eat Xiao Long Bao Without Losing the Soup
If you've never eaten Xiao Long Bao before, there's usually one question that comes up almost immediately: "How am I supposed to eat this without spilling the soup everywhere?" It's a fair question. At first glance, Xiao Long Bao looks like a regular dumpling. Then someone tells you there's hot broth inside, and suddenly eating one feels more complicated than it should be. The good news? It's actually very simple.
7/2/20264 min read
First Things First: What Is Xiao Long Bao?
If you've never tried Xiao Long Bao before, imagine a delicate steamed dumpling filled with both savory filling and warm broth. Unlike most dumplings, Xiao Long Bao combines a thin wrapper, flavorful filling, and rich broth in a single bite. That's what makes it one of the most loved dumpling dishes in the world.
At Karma Bite, it's also one of the dishes guests order most often—especially when they're trying Xiao Long Bao for the first time in Ubud.
The Question We Hear Almost Every Day
One of the first things people ask when their Xiao Long Bao arrives is:
"How did they get soup inside a dumpling?"
It's a fair question.
The broth begins as a rich stock that is incorporated into the filling before the dumplings are folded. During steaming, it melts into the flavorful broth that Xiao Long Bao is known for.
That's why the first bite usually surprises people.
How to Eat Xiao Long Bao
If it's your first time, here's the easiest way to enjoy them.
1. Give Them a Minute
Freshly steamed Xiao Long Bao can be surprisingly hot.
A little patience now will save your tongue later.
2. Use a Spoon
Place the dumpling on a spoon before taking a bite.
This helps catch any broth and makes the whole process much easier.
3. Make a Small Hole in the Wrapper
One trick many regulars use is to gently make a small hole in the wrapper with their chopsticks while the dumpling rests on a spoon.
The broth will slowly flow out into the spoon, making it easier to enjoy and helping you avoid a mouthful of hot soup.
4. Enjoy the Broth
Once some of the broth has collected in the spoon, carefully sip it while it's still warm.
This is the part most people look forward to.
5. Finish the Dumpling
After enjoying the broth, eat the dumpling and enjoy the combination of wrapper and filling together.
The Most Common Mistake
The biggest mistake first-timers make is trying to eat the entire dumpling in one bite.
We've seen it happen more times than we can count.
Sometimes it works.
Most of the time, the broth ends up somewhere it wasn't supposed to.
A spoon and a little patience usually make for a much better experience.
One thing we've noticed over the years is that first-time guests often spend a minute discussing how to eat their first Xiao Long Bao. By the second basket, they're usually the ones explaining it to someone else at the table.
Which Xiao Long Bao Should You Try?
One of the things guests enjoy at Karma Bite is choosing between different fillings.
If you're trying Xiao Long Bao for the first time, most people start with the classic pork filling.
Shrimp offers a slightly lighter and sweeter flavor, while chicken is a milder option. Our veggie Xiao Long Bao has become a favorite among vegetarian guests, and the mixed filling combines pork, shrimp, chicken, and vegetables for those who want a little bit of everything.
There's no right answer—just different favorites.
Why People Keep Ordering Another Basket
Something interesting happens once a basket of Xiao Long Bao reaches the table.
Someone says they'll just try one. Then another.
Before long, someone is ordering a second basket. Maybe it's because Xiao Long Bao is interactive. Maybe it's because they're made for sharing. Or maybe they're simply difficult to stop eating once you've figured out how.
Whatever the reason, it's a pattern we see almost every day.
And that's probably our favorite part. Watching guests discover Xiao Long Bao for the first time never really gets old.
Thinking About Trying Xiao Long Bao in Ubud?
Whether it's your first Xiao Long Bao or your hundredth, the experience is always part of the fun.
If you're looking for handmade Xiao Long Bao in Ubud, visit Karma Bite and discover why these steamed dumplings have become one of our most popular dishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is inside a Xiao Long Bao?
Xiao Long Bao contains a savory filling and rich broth enclosed in a delicate dumpling wrapper.
Why is Xiao Long Bao called a soup dumpling?
Because each dumpling contains broth inside, which is released when eaten.
What's the best way to eat Xiao Long Bao?
Place it on a spoon, take a small bite, sip the broth, and then enjoy the rest of the dumpling.
Which Xiao Long Bao filling is best for first-timers?
Most guests start with the classic pork filling, although shrimp, chicken, veggie, and mixed fillings are also popular choices.
Where can I eat Xiao Long Bao in Ubud?
Karma Bite serves handmade Xiao Long Bao in central Ubud with pork, shrimp, chicken, veggie, and mixed filling options.