Mascot Chairman Bao to Arrive Soon at Xiao Long Bao Dumplings in Chinatown

Chinatown's Xiao Long Dumplings originally hoped to debut before summer started. Instead, the restaurant now counts down the days to a launch on Spring Mountain Road. The soup dumpling specialist replaces the 6,815-square-foot Harbor Palace Seafood Restaurant at Chinatown Plaza in a large space that is easy to find on the western side of the landmark retail center.

The name is a joint tribute to its xiao long bao steamed buns and Li Xiao Long, better known as film and martial arts icon Bruce Lee. Diners also will be welcomed by the restaurant’s large mascot dubbed Mr. Chairman Bao.

Expected to be open daily from daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and closing at 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, the new restaurant already previewed a lengthy menu described as “comfort food” served in a “memorable atmosphere.”

Bamboo baskets of six soup dumplings — prepared with shrimp, pork, crab, chicken, beef, and vegetables — are on the menu, along with less common choices among the appetizers, including beef tripe in hot pepper sauce, wood ear with vinaigrette dressing, preserved egg with tofu, and marinated gluten. Diners can also opt for small bites, more than 15 different noodle choices, plus stir-fried dishes, rice cakes, fried rice, and a dessert selection featuring a chocolate-filled dumpling.

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