This guide covers the best restaurants, street food, and dining experiences in Taiwan.
For more recommendations, see the full guide.
Located in Yilan County in northeastern Taiwan, this region is renowned for its hot springs and natural scenery, yet it also holds a special place in the hearts of xiaolongbao enthusiasts as a hidden treasure. Yilan xiaolongbao inherits traditional Jiangsu-Zhejiang craftsmanship while incorporating the aromatic freshness of local Sanxing scallions, creating a unique regional flavor. Unlike Taipei's refined approach represented by Din Tai Fung, Yilan xiaolongbao takes the path of accessible gourmet food, offering handmade, freshly prepared authentic deliciousness at budget-friendly prices of NT$65-110, making it the reason many food connoisseurs make the special trip.
Key Highlights
The defining characteristic of Yilan xiaolongbao lies in the commitment to "handmade, freshly wrapped and steamed." Each traditional shop maintains time-honored craftsmanship, from dough mixing and skin rolling to filling and wrapping—entirely done by hand to ensure every xiaolongbao has thin-as-silk wrappers and abundant, flavorful soup. Local masters skillfully utilize the sweetness of Yilan Sanxing scallions, replacing traditional chives to create a cleaner, more refreshing broth. Additionally, Yilan xiaolongbao predominantly uses locally sourced pork, which is fresh and affordable. A serving of 8-10 pieces allows diners to fully enjoy the variety of flavor profiles.
Recommended Spots
Zheng Hao Fresh Pork Xiaolongbao (Yilan Main Store)
Praised by locals as "even better than Din Tai Fung," this time-honored establishment offers exceptional value at NT$80 for 10 pieces, with thin skins and generous fillings. The shop's secret lies in using Yilan Sanxing scallions for seasoning, resulting in a clean, non-greasy soup broth. Every bite delivers the warmth of handmade, freshly prepared quality. Open from 10:00-15:00 (closed Mondays); arriving early is recommended to avoid long queues.
Zhengchang Fresh Pork Soup Dumplings
This early-bird specialty shop opens at 6:30 AM, making it an excellent choice for beating the crowds. At NT$110 per basket of 10 pieces, the price is slightly higher, but the astonishingly rich soup will delight you—take a gentle bite and the flavorful broth bursts forth. The shop adheres to traditional bamboo steamer techniques, with each basket carefully temperature-controlled by the masters. Open until 13:30, closed Mondays.
Yuanlai Fresh Pork Xiaolongbao
Beloved by students for its budget-friendly NT$70 for 8 pieces, this shop's signature is its particularly springy, chewy wrapper texture. The establishment uses fresh-killed pork, hand-wrapped with proprietary seasonings to create distinctive layers of flavor. Though the portion is smaller, the exceptional value-to-price ratio makes it ideal for visitors wanting to sample various flavors.
Zhen Shi Xiaolongbao
This popular shop boasts a stellar 4.6 Google rating with over a thousand reviews, known for its innovative flavors. Beyond the classic pork filling, they offer specialties like shrimp and crab roe varieties to satisfy diverse culinary preferences. Open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday through Saturday, 11:00-19:00; closed Wednesday and Sunday—making it a creative pioneer in Yilan's xiaolongbao scene.
Tai Shun Soup Dumplings
Tucked away in an alley, this time-honored establishment specializes in traditional Jiangsu-Zhejiang flavors with clear, sweet broth—a shared memory among older generations of Yilan locals. The shop坚持古法制作，不添加任何人工调味料，纯粹以猪骨高汤与新鲜食材呈献最原始的美味。价格实惠且分量充足，是体验正宗小笼包文化的最佳选择。The shop adheres to traditional methods, adding no artificial seasonings, purely presenting the most authentic deliciousness through pork bone broth and fresh ingredients. Affordable prices with generous portions make this the best choice for experiencing authentic xiaolongbao culture.
Useful Information
Transportation:
From Taipei, you can choose to travel by train (approximately 1 hour) or intercity bus (approximately 1.5 hours) to Yilan. Train services run frequently, with Tzu-chiang Express trains offering greater comfort. Bus options include Capital Bus, Kamalan Bus, and Guo Guang Bus. Driving via National Highway No. 5 covers approximately 50 kilometers. Upon arrival in Yilan, city buses 751, 752, and 772 can take you to various shop locations.
Budget:
Xiaolongbao prices range from NT$65-110 per basket. Ordering 2 baskets is recommended as a standard portion. With hot and sour soup (NT$35 per bowl) and beverages (NT$20 per cup), the per-person spending is approximately NT$200-300—a highly economical culinary experience.
Business Hours:
Most shops operate between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM. It's advisable to arrive early to avoid disappointment. Some establishments are closed on Mondays; confirming operating hours before visiting is recommended.
Travel Tips
There are a few essential tips for enjoying Yilan xiaolongbao: First, be sure to taste the original flavor first, appreciating the pure sweetness of the broth, before adding soy sauce or chili sauce to your preference. Second, bring small change to avoid the hassle of making change, as most traditional shops still operate on a cash-only basis. The typical dining flow is: pay at the counter, find a seat, self-serve beverages, and wait for your number to be called to collect the piping hot xiaolongbao.
Consider planning a half-day itinerary—enjoy xiaolongbao in the morning, then explore other Yilan attractions such as Jimmy Park and Yilan Literature Museum in the afternoon. Since most Yilan xiaolongbao shops are concentrated in the city area, you can walk between multiple establishments for a xiaolongbao tasting tour. Remember to bring wet wipes, as the soup may splatter when eating these delicate dumplings.
Yilan xiaolongbao represents the ultimate expression of Taiwanese everyday cuisine. Here, you can savor the most authentic handmade deliciousness at the most accessible prices, experiencing the Taiwanese passion and dedication to culinary excellence.
