XLB Meditation

Upper left: Xiao Long Bao from Lugang Cafe, 2015. My first XLB experience

In life, each one of us have to learn to find our inner peace. Your chakra, qi or whatever it is that relates to balance or energy flow. 

Thus, the popularity of yoga, tai chi, pilates etc has spread world-wide. People, regardless of cultural background have become hooked to these  wellness exercises. Health spas have also mushroomed for people who want to detoxify and, as I've mentioned "to find inner peace".

I, on the other hand, found inner peace in the relaxing steam, the comforting warmth and the invigorating fragrance of xiao long bao! Also a worldwide phenomenon and traditional, like the aforementioned wellness craze that's hitting the globe.

My first xiao long bao experience was two years ago at Lugang Cafe, Glorietta. My family and I devoured two or three steam baskets. Hilarious as it sounds, these little soup dumplings bring joy to me. An awakening😌. 

Sadly, there is no Lugang here in my area. Whenever I want a respite from the stressful work life, I have to settle with what is available and accessible here, that means enduring a half an hour waiting list to be seated in an over-hyped, pricey, but not better than Lugang (and probably any ordinary xlb joint in Taiwan or China), restaurant.  

Their xiao long bao and milk tea are ok. The lovely dumplings are served nice and hot, and the server will offer to make the dip for you. I find their dan dan mien and hongyou chaoshou inconsistent. And, for some reason, I always end up ordering those same food even if I browse the menu over and over. 
Mah babies!

Hot Milk Tea

1 part soysauce+3 parts vinegar+julienned ginger = xlb dip

Dandan mien

Despite all these and everything else, the quest for the best Xiao Long Bao shall continue!☝️😉
Xiao Long bao at Singapore Changi Airport 

The struggle with metal chopsticks is REAL!


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