Have you had a bun like this: Crispy bottom with fresh soup juice coming out as you bite into it --- This is called sheng jian bao 生煎包. Roughly translated to "live pan-fry bun," sheng jian bao (SJB for this post) is one of the rare delicacy in the US/the West compared to China/Asia, likely due to its making process and it being lesser-known. There are a few different types of SJB in China, mainly the traditional skin vs. modern skin type. Let's take a look at some of the popular, well-known brands in Shanghai area so you know where to go for some delicious, authentic SJB:
大壶春 Da Hu Chun
Da Hun Chun is a historic brand that is established in 1932. It's the only SJB brand in Shanghai that has been receiving Michelin Bib Gourmet recognition since 2016. The menu is minimalistic and the must-try is definitely its traditional-style pan-fried buns, which are made with a typical bun skin exterior, with a small amount of meat soup inside. You won't get that bursting juice effect here, but the extra crispy bottom would absolutely wow your taste buds.
Overall Rating: 😋😋😋
人和館 Ren He Guan
Ren He Guan is a Michelin One Star restaurant in Shanghai that is known for its beautiful, old-style Shanghainese decorations and massive menu featuring tons of classic Shanghainese dishes. One of the many, many featured dishes is their version of the SJB, in which is more gear towards the traditional bun style, yet with a thicker crispy bottom and more meat soup. Filling options features crab roe pork or plain pork.
Overall Rating: 😋😋😋😋
小杨生煎 Xiao Yang Sheng Jian
Established in 1994, Xiao Yang is like the McDonald of sheng jian bao in Shanghai, with many locations across the city serving budget-friendly buns to residents and tourists daily. They're known for making the buns with thinner bun skin stuffed with explosive meat soup. The first bite needs to be strategically plan or else the hot soup inside will get to everywhere! The recommended way is to put the bun on your spoon, take a small bite on the side and slurp in the soup, then continue eating. Or, if you're adventurous like me, you can wait until the bun cools down a bit, pop the ENTIRE bun into your mouth and experience the bursting sensation!
Side note: Xiao Yang Sheng Jian currently doesn't have an official branch in New York City. The restaurant in Baodega uses Xiao Yang's Chinese name but they're not affiliated in any way. The official English name for Xiao Yang Sheng Jian oversea is Yang's Dumplings.
Overall Rating: 😋😋😋
啞巴生煎 Ya Ba Sheng Jian
A popular restaurant in Suzhou, Ya Ba Sheng Jian makes Suzhou-style SJB really well. The buns are made with medium thick skin with a bit of melty effect once pan-fried, stuffed with a delicious soup filling. Each bun is plump and not wrinkly and most important of all, these delicious buns are also very budget-friendly! Highly recommended if you ever stop by Suzhou, China.
Overall Rating: 😋😋😋😋😋
Notes & Tips:
- Almost every restaurant in China implements the QR code ordering system. Though you may still ask the wait staff to order your foods if you don't have right apps.
- Google Translate the menu is suggested in advance or on the day off, as they might not have English menu.
- You pay as you order if you order via QR code.
