Market Data
The Giant Soup Dumpling Taking New York by Storm
In the heart of Tribeca, a Chinese restaurant named Upon The Palace has become the talk of the town, thanks to a dish so oversized and indulgent it’s hard to ignore: a giant soup dumpling the size of your face. Weighing in at 6 ounces and measuring 5 inches in diameter, this Shanghainese tang bao is a mouthwatering pouch of pork bone broth, crab, and pork meat, all wrapped in a soft, thin dough. Priced at $15, it’s an offering that’s as unique as it is luxurious. Upon The Palace, which opened late in 2024 after a multimillion-dollar renovation, claims to be the only restaurant in Manhattan—and the entire U.S.—serving this jumbo version of a traditional Chinese favorite.
The tang bao is a supersized version of the xiao long bao, a smaller soup dumpling that’s a staple in dim sum restaurants worldwide. While the xiao long bao typically weighs about 0.74 ounces and measures around 3.5 inches in diameter, the tang bao is a whopping six times heavier and nearly double the size. Its filling—rich pork, crab paste, and gelatinized broth—is wrapped in a larger dough wrapper and steamed to perfection. The result is a dumpling that’s as impressive as it is delicious, and New Yorkers are flocking to get their hands on it.
A Culinary Sensation Born from a Gap in the Market
The idea to bring the tang bao to New York came from Upon The Palace’s director of operations, Nick Yang. Yang realized that while the dish was incredibly popular in China, it was nowhere to be found in the U.S. “It’s very, very popular in China, but I found out there’s no restaurant selling it here,” he explained. Seizing the opportunity, the restaurant decided to introduce the tang bao as a special promotion for the Lunar New Year. Little did they know, it would quickly become a cult favorite.
The dumpling’s success has been meteoric. Since its debut on January 22, Upon The Palace has sold over 100 tang bao in just two weeks. The dish has proven so popular that it often sells out within an hour of service, and the restaurant’s central kitchen is “going crazy” trying to keep up with demand. Some customers are so eager to try it that they’re calling ahead to preorder, ensuring they don’t miss out. Others are arriving at the exact moment the restaurant opens for lunch or dinner, determined to get their hands on one of these giants.
The tang bao’s appeal isn’t just about its size or taste—it’s also steeped in tradition. In Shanghai, tang bao is typically shared by couples as a romantic dish, often enjoyed with a straw to sip the savory broth. This cultural significance hasn’t gone unnoticed by Upon The Palace, which plans to feature the dumpling as a centerpiece for Valentine’s Day. While the tang bao was initially intended as a limited-time Lunar New Year offering, its overwhelming popularity has led the restaurant to extend its availability through March.
The Dumpling Wars: How Upon The Palace is Standing Out
New York City’s dumpling scene is no stranger to competition. Iconic spots like Din Tai Fung, the famous Taiwanese chain, have long been a benchmark for soup dumplings. Known for its small, delicate xiao long bao, Din Tai Fung is so popular that it’s one of the hardest reservations to get in Midtown, with no walk-ins allowed. However, Upon The Palace is carving out its own niche with the tang bao, which is larger, softer, and arguably more indulgent than its counterparts.
The competition heated up further with the arrival of Blue Blossom, another Midtown eatery that food critic Steve Cuozzo praised for its dumplings, calling them “the best collectively of any place” he’s visited. But Upon The Palace is undaunted, using its oversized dumplings to assert its dominance in the market. Helmed by head chef Xueliang Yu, the restaurant is leveraging its unique offering to stand out in a crowded culinary landscape. The tang bao has become a symbol of the restaurant’s commitment to innovation and tradition, blending authentic Shanghainese flavors with a bold, New York-sized twist.
A Foodie Phenomenon Taking Over Social Media
The tang bao’s impact isn’t limited to the plates of hungry diners—it’s also making waves on social media. Since its introduction, the giant dumpling has become a viral sensation, with foodies and influencers alike sharing photos and videos of the dish. Customers rave about the experience of eating it, describing it as a must-try sensation. “We never thought it would be this popular,” Yang admitted, reflecting on the dish’s unexpected success.
The restaurant’s name, Upon The Palace, is inspired by the Epang Palace in Xi’an, China, an architectural marvel from the Qin Dynasty that symbolizes imperial power. Much like its historical namesake, the restaurant is making a statement with its grand, indulgent offerings. Whether it’s the size of the dumplings or the flavorful broth inside, Upon The Palace is proving that bigger can indeed be better.
The Cultural and Culinary Significance of the Tang Bao
At its core, the tang bao is more than just a dish—it’s a cultural phenomenon. In Shanghai, where the dumpling originates, it’s often enjoyed by couples as a romantic treat. The tradition of sharing a tang bao is deeply rooted in Chinese culture, and Upon The Palace is bringing this tradition to New York with a modern twist. By featuring the dumpling as a centerpiece for Valentine’s Day, the restaurant is tapping into its romantic origins while introducing it to a new audience.
The tang bao’s cultural significance is matched by its culinary appeal. The dish requires meticulous preparation, with each dumpling taking nearly an hour to make from start to finish. The process involves wrapping a generous portion of filling—pork, crab paste, and broth—in a soft dough wrapper, then steaming it to perfection. The result is a dumpling that’s both comforting and luxurious, offering a taste of tradition with every bite.
The Future of Upon The Palace and Its Giant Dumplings
As the dumpling wars in NYC continue to heat up, Upon The Palace is establishing itself as a major player in the culinary scene. The tang bao has not only brought the restaurant to the forefront of foodie conversations but has also set a new standard for innovation and creativity. Whether you’re a die-hard dumpling enthusiast or just looking to try something new, the tang bao is an experience you won’t want to miss.
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