Make Soup Dumpling: Vegan or Pork in Shanghai Shikumen

Introducing the Shanghai Soup Dumpling Class with Chef Yin

If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at crafting the iconic xiao longbao (soup dumplings) in a setting that feels truly authentic, this class in Shanghai’s charming Shikumen lanes might just be your ideal experience. While we haven’t personally participated, reviews highlight a mix of engaging instruction, cultural storytelling, and delicious results.

What we love about this class is the opportunity to learn from a passionate chef in a traditional setting, where history seeps into every step of the process. The focus on making dough from scratch, mastering the “18-fold” pleat, and choosing between vegan or pork fillings creates a personalized experience. Plus, the chance to bring home your own recipes makes this both fun and practical.

One thing to consider is that the location can be a little tricky to find despite its central setting—reviewers mention detailed directions and a pickup service that helps smooth the way. This tour suits food lovers who want an authentic, hands-on introduction to Shanghai’s most famous snack, especially if you enjoy cultural storytelling alongside your cooking.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Cook in a traditional Shanghai lane house with expert guidance.
• Customization Options: Choose between vegan or pork fillings, with an add-on to make both.
• Skill Development: Master the signature “18-fold” pleating technique.
• Cultural Insights: Learn about Chinese tea, food history, and local lifestyle.
• All-Inclusive Materials: Everything you need, plus a studio gift and quality tea.
• Flexible Booking: Reserve now, pay later, and cancel with 24-hour notice.

A Closer Look at the Soup Dumpling Class

This class offers a detailed and tactile way to connect with Shanghai’s culinary heritage. At its core, it’s about teaching you how to craft one of the city’s most beloved dishes—the soup dumpling—step by step. But it also provides a glimpse into local life through its setting in a heritage lane house, which adds a layer of cultural richness that many travelers seek.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Dough Making
The experience begins with making the dough from scratch, demonstrating the importance of water-to-flour ratios for achieving the right elasticity. As one reviewer noted, Chef Yin’s precise guidance makes this initial step clear and manageable, even for beginners. Expect to knead and rest the dough, feeling the transformation from sticky mixture to smooth, elastic ball.

Wrapper Crafting
Next, you’ll learn to roll translucent, palm-sized wrappers using traditional techniques. Here, the focus is on thickness at the center versus edges—crucial for soup retention and delicate pleating. Chef Yin emphasizes proper technique, which she personally corrects in real-time, making sure each participant leaves with a firm grasp of the basics.

Filling Preparation
Participants select between vegan or pork fillings; each offers a different experience.

• The vegan filling involves sautéing mushrooms and vegetables in a savory broth, which requires cooking during class, adding a functional skill component.
• The pork option features minced pork mixed with ginger, scallions, and aspic—a gelatinized broth that creates that quintessential soup explosion. This raw filling is steamed later, adding a sense of anticipation.

An add-on for dual fillings (+$20 per person) is available, letting you make both vegan and pork dumplings side-by-side, which is perfect for those who want to compare flavors or cater to different dietary preferences.

Shaping the Dumplings
This is where the class gets a bit artistic. Mastering the “18-fold” pleating technique is considered the hallmark of a good soup dumpling, and Chef Yin takes the time to guide each participant through twisting, sealing, and creating the famous crown-shaped top. Reviewers mention that they appreciate her patience and personalized corrections—making the experience not just instructive but genuinely fun.

Steaming & Tasting
Once shaped, the dumplings are steamed in traditional bamboo baskets, releasing their fragrant aroma. You then get to savor your creations with black vinegar, ginger, and tea—a small but meaningful moment of tasting and cultural appreciation. You’ll also receive recipes to replicate at home, a big plus for food lovers eager to impress friends back home.

Cultural and Practical Details

Chef Yin shares stories about the history of Shanghai’s food scene and tea culture, enriching the cooking experience with context. The class takes place in an authentic Shanghai lane house, giving a real sense of place that many modern classes lack. The setting is described as a private apartment, adding intimacy and authenticity.

The class duration is approximately 2 hours, including preparation, shaping, steaming, and tasting. All necessary materials and tools are provided, including ingredients for one filling—adding extra for both fillings is an option if you want extra culinary practice.

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Authenticity and Accessibility

One reviewer noted that although the location is very central and well-signposted, it can be a little tricky to find. However, detailed directions and a pickup service help make logistics easier. The class is offered in English, Japanese, and Chinese, making it accessible to a wide range of travelers.

Pricing and Value

At $120 per person, the class offers good value considering the hands-on learning, cultural storytelling, and the opportunity to take home recipes. The fee covers everything, from ingredients to a quality tea served during the session. The option to make both fillings for an extra $20 enhances value for those interested in a broader culinary experience.

What Do Reviewers Say?

Reviews paint a generally positive picture. Silke, a traveler from Germany, praised the instructor’s kindness and detailed directions, noting the class as well-prepared and personable. She highlighted the personal pickup as a thoughtful touch that made her feel welcomed.

Another reviewer loved the authenticity of making vegan xiao long bao, although they found the flavor slightly bland and the soup less prominent—highlighting that results can vary depending on skill and ingredients.

Judith, who described her experience as “amazing”, appreciated the clear instructions and the opportunity to learn about Chinese culture while making delicious dumplings. She also pointed out that the process is not as easy as it looks, which makes the end result more satisfying.

Who Should Sign Up for This Experience?

This class is perfect for foodies, culture seekers, and those looking for a hands-on Shanghai experience. It suits travelers who want a personalized, intimate setting and are eager to learn traditional techniques. Because of the cultural stories shared and the authentic setting, it’s also great for anyone curious about Shanghai’s local lifestyle.

If you’re interested in vegan options, you’ll appreciate the detailed focus on plant-based fillings, though pork lovers will also find the class rewarding. The added option to prepare both fillings side-by-side is ideal for foodies who like variety.

The Sum Up

This Soup Dumpling Making Class with Chef Yin offers an engaging, culturally rich way to bring a piece of Shanghai home. From handcrafting dough and wrappers to pleating in the signature “18-fold”, you’ll leave with new skills and a deeper appreciation for this beloved dish. The setting in a historic lane house elevates the experience beyond just cooking, turning it into a glimpse of local life.

While logistics can be slightly tricky, the detailed directions, pickup options, and the warm, patient guidance of Chef Yin make it worth the effort. The inclusion of recipes and the chance to make both vegan and pork fillings adds to its value, making it ideal for culinary adventurers and cultural explorers alike.

Overall, if you want an authentic, hands-on experience that combines cooking, culture, and storytelling, this class strikes a solid balance between fun, education, and delicious food—crafted in one of Shanghai’s most charming neighborhoods.

FAQ

How long does the class last?
The experience takes roughly 2 hours, including dough making, shaping, steaming, and tasting.

Is the class suitable for beginners?
Yes, the instructor’s detailed guidance makes it accessible even for those new to dumpling-making.

Can I choose between vegan and pork fillings?
Absolutely, you select your preference during booking. There is also an option to make both for an extra fee.

What’s included in the price?
All materials, tools, ingredients for one filling, good quality tea, and a studio gift are provided.

Do I need to bring anything?
No need to bring anything; everything is provided. Just arrive ready to learn and have fun.

Is the location easy to find?
It’s in a central area, but the workshop room can be hard to locate without directions. Detailed instructions and pickup support are provided.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are the classes offered in multiple languages?
Yes, the experience is available in English, Japanese, and Chinese.

What if I want to make both vegan and pork dumplings?
You can upgrade during booking for an additional $20 per person to prepare both fillings side-by-side.

What’s the best way to get there?
Public transportation is recommended. The detailed directions and optional pickup help ensure you arrive without stress.

This class offers a genuine taste of Shanghai’s culinary soul, perfect for those eager to learn, taste, and take home a little of China’s vibrant food culture.

You can check availability for your dates here: