Tangbao
Large soup-filled variety of steamed buns
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Tangbao or soup buns are large, soup-filled steamed buns (baozi) in Chinese cuisine.[1] They are also sometimes known as guantang bao or soup-filled buns. Various varieties are found, with some name variations in various parts of the country. All of these buns are made by wrapping a gelatinous filling in dough, which is then steamed to melt the filling into soup.[2] Tangbao first appeared in the capital city of the Song dynasty, Bianjing, now Kaifeng, Henan. It spread to the Yangtze River delta following the Jingkang Incident.[3]
| Tangbao | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simplified Chinese | 汤包 | ||||||||||
| Traditional Chinese | 湯包 | ||||||||||
| Literal meaning | "soup bun" | ||||||||||
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| Guantangbao | |||||||||||
| Simplified Chinese | 灌汤包 | ||||||||||
| Traditional Chinese | 灌湯包 | ||||||||||
| Literal meaning | "soup-filled bun" | ||||||||||
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Types
Some examples of tangbao include:
- Tangbao from Kaifeng, in Henan province: The traditional tang bao in Kaifeng is a large bun, similar to other baozi, which is bitten open to release the soup filling, which is then drunk with a spoon. However, the traditional form has all but disappeared, with most eateries choosing to serve a Jiangsu-style tangbao where the soup is drunk with a straw.
- Tangbao from Yangzhou, Jingjiang and elsewhere in Jiangsu province: This variety is found throughout the Jiangnan region. Often served in its own individual steaming basket, the large steamed bun contains a soup filling made with pork gelatin and sometimes crab roe. The soup is drunk with a straw, and the rest of the bun is eaten afterwards. It is often served with ginger slices and vinegar.
- Xiaolongbao from Shanghai and elsewhere in Jiangsu province: A small variety of tangbao usually made with unleavened dough; each bun is picked up and bitten open to access the pork and soup filling.[4]
- Xiaolong tangbao from Wuhan: Similar to a xiaolongbao in shape, but made with leavened dough.
