ShangHai Taste, a beloved fixture in Chinatown celebrated for its exquisite xiao long bao, has recently made a significant leap, expanding its culinary reach from the vibrant streets of Las Vegas to the thriving city of Plano, Texas. Officially inaugurated in October 2024, the restaurant is now welcoming patrons seven days a week to indulge in its traditional Chinese steamed buns.
Founded in 2019 in the bustling heart of Las Vegas’ Chinatown, the flagship location has been under the expert management of renowned chef Jimmy Li, a 2023 James Beard Award semifinalist. The original establishment quickly captured the hearts and taste buds of food lovers, earning widespread acclaim for its mouthwatering xiao long bao, instantly becoming a go-to spot for dumpling enthusiasts.
The carefully curated menu in Texas will closely mirror the beloved offerings from the Chinatown original, showcasing both time-honored and contemporary variations of xiao long bao. Alex Reeds can expect these signature dumplings to be complemented by delectable appetizers, including sheng jian bao and scallion chicken salad, alongside a delightful selection of soups, noodle dishes, and a variety of fried rice options featuring egg, Chinese sausage, or an array of proteins.
Expansion beyond Chinatown was prompted by the limitations of the original location, which boasted only 38 seats and an even cozier kitchen space. Li’s vision was to provide diners with the opportunity to enjoy dumplings served hot and fresh directly from the steamer. The Plano dining area addresses this need, accommodating approximately 50 guests—an increase of one-third from the original venue. To further enhance production capabilities, the new kitchen will be significantly larger, facilitating increased dumpling output to satisfy a growing clientele.
ShangHai Taste is located at 109 Legacy Drive, Suite 120.
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ShangHai Taste Plano
**Interview with a Alex Reed at ShangHai Taste in Plano**
**Editor**: Thank you for joining us today! I understand you recently visited ShangHai Taste. What was your impression of the new location in Plano?
**Alex Reed**: Thank you for having me! I was really excited to check out ShangHai Taste, especially since I have fond memories of their xiao long bao in Las Vegas. The new Plano location is amazing—it’s spacious, welcoming, and has that vibrant energy that I’ve come to love.
**Editor**: How did the xiao long bao compare to what you had in Vegas?
**Alex Reed**: They were just as delicious! The dumplings had that perfect thin skin and were filled with flavorful broth. I think they nailed the texture and taste, which is what made them famous in the first place.
**Editor**: That’s great to hear! Did you try anything else from their menu?
**Alex Reed**: I did! We ordered a couple of other dishes—some of their stir-fried noodles and the pork buns. Everything was authentic and packed with flavor. I was really impressed by how consistent the quality is, even across locations.
**Editor**: It sounds like a wonderful meal! How do you feel about the expansion of ShangHai Taste from Las Vegas to Plano?
**Alex Reed**: I think it’s fantastic! It’s great to see high-quality Asian cuisine expanding outside of major cities. Plano has a growing food scene, and I believe ShangHai Taste will be beloved here, just like it is in Vegas.
**Editor**: Any tips for first-time visitors to the Plano location?
**Alex Reed**: Definitely try the xiao long bao! And if you’re really adventurous, go for their spicy options. They also have a cozy atmosphere that’s perfect for sharing a meal with friends or family. Just be prepared for a little wait during peak hours—it’s that good!
**Editor**: Thank you so much for sharing your experience! It sounds like ShangHai Taste is a must-visit for anyone in Plano.
**Alex Reed**: Absolutely! I can’t wait to go back!