南翔小笼包 · 24 W 33rd St · New York
From Flushing to the shadow of the Empire State Building — the same handmade xiao long bao that earned nine consecutive Michelin recommendations. Walk-in only. Come hungry.
Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao opened its first location in Flushing in 2006, quickly earning a reputation that spread far beyond Queens. Nine consecutive Michelin recommendations later, the brand opened its Midtown Manhattan location on West 33rd Street — bringing the same handmade xiao long bao to the heart of the city.
The Midtown location sits in the shadow of the Empire State Building, in the heart of Koreatown. It draws a mix of office workers, tourists, and longtime Nan Xiang devotees who know the dumplings well. The space is bright and artful, accommodating larger groups than the original Flushing location, with the same commitment to hand-rolled wrappers and broth-filled dumplings.
The menu spans the classics — crab & pork XLB, crispy pork buns, scallion pancakes — to specialty creations like Truffle XLB and the Tree Treasures luxury collection with abalone, sea cucumber, and aged smoked ham. New York Magazine, Eater, Grub Street, and Serious Eats have all named it among the city's best.
Walk-in only. Arrive early during peak lunch/dinner to avoid a 30-min wait. Turnover is quick.
Midtown's Michelin-recommended soup dumplings. Walk-in only, open daily.