Xiaolongbao Cooking Class with Instructor

Took this class with my girlfriend during a heatwave and it was the perfect refuge. Master Wang had ice-cold towels ready when we arrived (above and beyond!). The class itself is really well designed — they give you just enough history to appreciate what you're making without it feeling like a lecture. The hands-on part is about an hour and a half. Pro tip: your first couple dumplings will look terrible, that's normal. By #5 or #6 they start looking legit. The steaming only takes about 8 minutes and they serve them with black vinegar and ginger — so good. We actually went to Din Tai Fung the next day and my girlfriend was critiquing their pleats, so the class definitely works. Worth noting: the meeting point is easy to find via Didi, just show the driver the Chinese address from the booking confirmation.

As a solo female traveler, I felt completely comfortable here. Master Wang was professional and welcoming, and the group dynamic was naturally inclusive. The tea house is beautiful and cool (essential for Shanghai summer), with big windows looking into the alley. The class itself was well-paced — not rushed, not dragging. I particularly loved the history portion where Master Wang explained how xiaolongbao differs from regular dumplings and why the broth inside is the key. Making them is genuinely challenging but in a fun way. We all cheered when someone made a perfect one. The eating part at the end was lovely — sitting around a big wooden table, dipping dumplings in vinegar, swapping travel stories. Would do this again in a heartbeat. Great value for the price.

I'm not crying you're crying!! 😭❤️ This class was SO beautiful. The tea house is a hidden gem in Shanghai. Lily was the kindest, most talented instructor. We made dumplings, shared stories, drank amazing tea, and I left feeling so full — heart and stomach!! 🥟💕

Still warm thinking about this class!! 🔥🥟 Master Wang is an absolute angel — made everyone feel so welcome and capable. The winter atmosphere made everything extra cozy — steam rising, tea pouring, dumplings dipping. This was the highlight of our entire China trip and I'd fly back just to do it again!! ✈️🥟❤️

July in Shanghai is brutal, so finding an indoor activity with good AC was a priority — and this delivered. The tea house was perfectly cool when we walked in. Lily handed us cold jasmine tea (nice touch for summer) and we got started. The class moves at a relaxed pace, which was appreciated given the heat outside. You learn the full process — from rolling the wrapper to the signature pleating technique. I'd watched YouTube videos beforehand and still found it tricky, but Lily made it click. We made about 10 dumplings each, and they steam them in bamboo baskets right in front of you. The whole thing takes about 2 hours. Hot tip: book the morning session in summer — it's cooler and the light in the tea house is beautiful for photos. Also the alleyway outside has some great shade for post-class exploring.