Michelin-recommended Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao opens first Midwest location in River North

Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao has opened its first Midwest restaurant in Chicago, bringing its Michelin-recommended soup dumplings to River North. The New York-based chain opened the new location at 33 W. Ontario St., a 6,667-square-foot space that seats 135 guests, according to Chicago Business Journal.

Founded in Flushing, Queens, in 2006, the restaurant has grown into a national chain with 14 U.S. locations, and 10 more are planned, the Chicago Business Journal confirmed. The company said it has earned Michelin Guide recommendations for nine straight years, per the report.

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Menu built for sharing

The Chicago restaurant serves Shanghainese cuisine and other regional Chinese dishes in a family-style setting, the Daily Herald reported. The menu includes the Lucky Six Soup Dumplings, noodle dishes, wok-fired stir-fries, crispy pan-fried pork buns, scallion pancakes, dim sum, vegetarian options, and house-made fruit teas.

Traditional breakfast items are also served throughout the day, including fried dough sticks with warm soybean milk and Northern-style pastries, according to the Daily Herald.

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Company Calls Opening a Milestone

“Opening our first restaurant in the Midwest is an exciting milestone for Nan Xiang,” said Eddie Zheng, CEO of Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao, in a statement quoted by Daily Herald. “For nearly 20 years, guests have traveled to Queens to experience our soup dumplings. We’re proud to bring those same recipes, traditions, and hospitality to Chicago and become part of a community that shares our love of gathering around great food,” he said.

An official grand opening celebration, including a traditional lion dance performance and community events, is expected in the coming weeks, the Daily Herald confirmed. The company also said it is planning future openings in cities including Naperville, Illinois.