Established in the early 1900s, Nanxiang is one of Shanghai's premier places to savor the city's signature dumplings. Located in Yuyuan Bazaar, the restaurant's ground floor is constantly crowded with long lines of locals waiting to get their dumplings to go. Go upstairs for a more refined dining experience. You'll be served delicious xiaolong bao, little steamer dumplings filled with pork and crabmeat. (Here's the secret to enjoying xiaolong bao: Dip the dumpling in vinegar, bite a small hole off the top, and suck out the soup within before you eat the filling.) This is the real Shanghai deal. Daily for breakfast, lunch and early dinner. $. 85 Yuyuan Lu (in Yuyuan Bazaar, adjacent to the lake and the Bridge of Nine Turnings), Old City, Shanghai. Phone 6355-4206.
