Seafood
Ministry of Crab
Experience exceptional crab and seafood in Shanghai, rated 4.8/5. Discover this popular dining spot with a delightful ambiance. Book your table today.
4.8$$Seafood · Asian
View RestaurantLailai Snack Dumpling
This popular Shanghai establishment offers a delightful experience for dumpling enthusiasts. With a strong 4.5-star rating from over 300 reviews, diners consistently praise the fantastic food and the tempting queues that form even on quiet mornings. The xiaolongbao, particularly the pure crab variety, is a standout, best enjoyed fresh and hot at the restaurant. While the seating is cozy, making it ideal for smaller groups, the quality of the dumplings and other savory items like fried chicken skewers make the wait worthwhile. It's a place where the authentic flavors of Shanghai truly shine.
Asian•$$•4.5(345)•Shanghai
This popular Shanghai establishment offers a delightful experience for dumpling enthusiasts. With a strong 4.5-star rating from over 300 reviews, diners consistently praise the fantastic food and the tempting queues that form even on quiet mornings. The xiaolongbao, particularly the pure crab variety, is a standout, best enjoyed fresh and hot at the restaurant. While the seating is cozy, making it ideal for smaller groups, the quality of the dumplings and other savory items like fried chicken skewers make the wait worthwhile. It's a place where the authentic flavors of Shanghai truly shine.
About Lailai Snack Dumpling
This popular Shanghai establishment offers a delightful experience for dumpling enthusiasts. With a strong 4.5-star rating from over 300 reviews, diners consistently praise the fantastic food and the tempting queues that form even on quiet mornings. The xiaolongbao, particularly the pure crab variety, is a standout, best enjoyed fresh and hot at the restaurant. While the seating is cozy, making it ideal for smaller groups, the quality of the dumplings and other savory items like fried chicken skewers make the wait worthwhile. It's a place where the authentic flavors of Shanghai truly shine.
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Restaurant Analysis
Restaurant Characteristics
Formula-Based Analysis
This restaurant has been analyzed using our formula-based system to help you understand its key features and match it with your dining preferences.
💰Price Range
Moderate
Price Range (Moderate)
Moderate pricing ($$) - Mid-range restaurants with good value
🕐Meal Time
dinner
Meal Time (dinner)
This restaurant primarily serves dinner. Based on opening hours.
👥Group Size
Flexible
Group Size (Flexible)
Flexible group sizes. Can accommodate various party sizes.
🎭Atmosphere
Casual
Atmosphere (Casual)
Relaxed and laid-back atmosphere
🍽️Dining Style
Casual
Dining Style (Casual)
Walk-in friendly. No reservations needed. Casual dining experience.
Why Travelers Love Lailai Snack
Sourced from recent guest feedback and verified reviews.
4.5 / 5.0(345 reviews)
I went on 8:30AM Sunday morning and there is already a very long queue in front of the shop 🥹 took around 20 min waiting and there is my turn. The food is fantastic, you should try pure crab xiaolongbao. Recommend to eat at the shop since it might not taste as delicious when it cools down. The table is quite small, so suitable for 2 person or small group of 3-4. Despite long queue, the xiao long bao is really good. Fried Chicken skewers is yummy. The place seems small but it has quite a good environment. Go on if your don't mind sharing tables. Doesn't really wait long for the food since it's quite systematic that u ordered from counter, paid and get a seat. I would say price is affordable and worth it. Definitely will go back again when visiting Shanghai. Lailai specializes in soup dumplings, and they truly deliver on flavor. The dumpling skins are delicate yet hold up perfectly to the rich, savory broth inside. Every bite is comforting and satisfying. Highly recommend trying the crab soup dumplings - they’re packed with flavor and definitely the highlight. The queue can be a bit long, but it moves quickly, and the food is well worth the short wait.
Find the Restaurant
Where to Find Them
504 Tian Jin Lu, Huang Pu Qu, Shang Hai Shi, China, 200001
View on Google MapsRestaurant data powered by Google Places API
Opening Hours
Open Now
Monday8:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Tuesday8:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Wednesday8:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Thursday8:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Friday8:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Saturday8:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Sunday8:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Recent Reviews
Duy N.
November 17, 2025
I went on 8:30AM Sunday morning and there is already a very long queue in front of the shop 🥹 took around 20 min waiting and there is my turn. The food is fantastic, you should try pure crab xiaolongbao. Recommend to eat at the shop since it might not taste as delicious when it cools down. The table is quite small, so suitable for 2 person or small group of 3-4.
alicia S.
October 29, 2025
Despite long queue, the xiao long bao is really good. Fried Chicken skewers is yummy. The place seems small but it has quite a good environment. Go on if your don't mind sharing tables. Doesn't really wait long for the food since it's quite systematic that u ordered from counter, paid and get a seat. I would say price is affordable and worth it. Definitely will go back again when visiting Shanghai.
Makara T.
November 6, 2025
Lailai specializes in soup dumplings, and they truly deliver on flavor. The dumpling skins are delicate yet hold up perfectly to the rich, savory broth inside. Every bite is comforting and satisfying. Highly recommend trying the crab soup dumplings - they’re packed with flavor and definitely the highlight. The queue can be a bit long, but it moves quickly, and the food is well worth the short wait.
Lea A.
August 3, 2025
Highly recommended! We waited before opening for about 30 minutes, at 3pm. Fried pork was soft and tasty! All food was actually delicious.. The queue was long but they are extremely well organized and efficient as restaurant is rather small. Very decent prices. will come back again if we go to Shanghai..
Prométhée S.
October 19, 2025
📸 The problem with touristy restaurants like Lai Lai Xiaolong is that most of their guests have probably never had xiaolongbao before. 🐣 The place benefits from a kind of beginner’s luck — highly praised, but mostly by diners who are new to Chinese and Shanghainese cuisine. ⏰ Don’t get me wrong — their soup dumplings are good. But are they good enough to justify waiting 30–60 minutes and paying over 80 yuan for four plain crab dumplings? My answer is a firm no. To top it off, your bill even includes an extra 1 yuan charge for ginger! 🐖 The menu is quite limited, featuring only a handful of items: breaded pork chops and chicken skewers for the meats, plus some decently sized wontons. 🦀 If you’re a diehard hairy crab lover, you can give Lai Lai Xiaolong a try — but you’ll likely find better value and more authentic Shanghainese flavors at less-hyped spots, if you’re willing to do a bit of research.
Practical Information
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View RestaurantPlan Your Shanghai Trip
From transportation to stays, we help you build a complete itinerary around this must-visit restaurant in Shanghai.
Transportation Tips
Excellent public transportation including metro, buses, and taxis. Walking and organized tours are perfect for exploring the city.
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