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What to Order with Pan-Fried Soup Dumplings

Shanghai Taste Team
A plate of crisp-bottomed Sheng Jian Bao with sesame and scallions, beside chopsticks and dipping sauce

Pair pan-fried soup dumplings with a cold appetizer and a noodle dish for a meal with contrasting textures. Cucumber salad adds crunch, scallion noodles offer a savory companion without another broth, and beef noodle soup makes a heartier option. Choose according to your appetite and how many dishes you want to share.

At Shanghai Taste in Rockville, MD, our Sheng Jian Bao are listed as Pan Fry Soup Dumpling in Shanghai Dim Sum / Snacks. They are available weekends only, so plan this meal for a weekend visit and check the menu for current availability.

Start with a Cold Appetizer

The dumplings bring hot broth, pork, and a crisp base to the table. A cold plate adds a different temperature and texture between bites. These are a few options from our menu:

Choose one to start, then add more dishes if you are still hungry. Our guide to Chinese cold appetizers explains how these small plates fit into a shared meal.

Add Scallion Noodles or Beef Noodle Soup

For noodles without another bowl of broth, look for Noodle with Scallion Sauce (No Soup). The combination keeps the focus on the dumplings' soup while adding a different kind of bite. Learn more about the dish in our scallion oil noodle guide.

Beef noodle soup with chunks of beef, noodles, and chopped herbs in a black bowl
Beef noodle soup is a heartier pairing when you want a bowl of noodles alongside your dumplings.

If you prefer a soup-based meal, choose Beef Noodle Soup. The beef and noodles make it a substantial addition, so consider the rest of your table's order before adding several more dishes.

Order Steamed and Pan-Fried Dumplings Together

A dumpling-focused meal gives you another way to compare textures. Add Pork Soup Dumpling for the thin, steamed wrapper of Xiao Long Bao alongside Sheng Jian Bao's crisp base and thicker dough. A cold appetizer makes a useful third dish if you want a change between the two styles.

Both contain hot broth. Follow our guide to eating pan-fried soup dumplings: support each one with a spoon, release the steam, and allow the broth to cool before sipping.

Plan Your Weekend Order

Visit Shanghai Taste at 1121 Nelson St in Rockville's Woodley Gardens neighborhood. Browse the full menu to choose your sides and check current prices, or order online for pickup. If someone at your table has a dietary restriction or food allergy, ask the restaurant about the specific dishes before ordering.