I just had the best xlb of my life in Singapore a week ago in a Shanghainese joint. I'm so ruined now for OC. The juices jiggle around and bell the bottom of the dumpling like a dress. So tasty. I actually prefer the the savory purity of the soup on its own for its unctuous porky deliciousness, then I hit the dumpling with soy, ginger and vinegar.

Hong Kong also wrecked me for Har Gow. Cali chinks just can't do dumpling skins right. Think they are just lazy. Takes time to make them right by hand.

They also made the best bun bao I ever had. The dough was so light and fluffy, not a thick and heavy gluten nightmare. They like to pan fry the bottoms for texture and flavor too which was awesome.

BTW, I tend to find most of the Chinese food in China to suck even compared to California. The only exception is Hunan and Szechuan cuisine. Mainland China (not HK) seems to have lost most of its artistic and culinary expertise over the years. Just look at the screens, rugs and furniture they make now. Look like blind 10 year olds crafted them.

eddypoon: we've got both Crystal Jade and Din Tai Fung here in Singapore. I actually like DTF's xiao long bao better--the skin is thinner, so there's less of a dough-y taste to the dish.
Anax: you were in Singapore?? Don't leave me hanging here--what's the name of that Shanghainese joint?

What a coincidence, I had xiao long bao at Din Tai Fung in Gangnam, Seoul just last week. I go there 3-4 times a year.

eddypoon: we've got both Crystal Jade and Din Tai Fung here in Singapore. I actually like DTF's xiao long bao better--the skin is thinner, so there's less of a dough-y taste to the dish.
Anax: you were in Singapore?? Don't leave me hanging here--what's the name of that Shanghainese joint?

Paradise Dynasty
http://www.yelp.com.sg/biz/paradise-dynasty-singapore

Funny since I went to Paradise Dynasty just a couple weeks back but did not try their xlb. Overall in the Singapore context, Paradise Dynasty to me ranks above DTF which is kinda above Crystal Jade in overall food standards/quality. Might be different once we talk about Taiwan/Hong Kong though.

The best Hargao I had was in Guangzhou, unfortunately all I remember was the taste. Fresh succulent prawns. Actually I like siew mai better, especially one with a fresh shrimp on top.

I thought that China was a pretty good place for street snack cultures though I love Taiwan's night market culture the most along with our hawker centers.