Nov. 5, 2019 By Allie Griffin
After abruptly closing this spring, a famed soup dumpling restaurant reopened in Flushing Friday — with a larger space, extended hours and new menu items.
Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao served its famous soup dumplings to foodies and residents alike for 15 years at 38-12 Prince St. before closing its doors in May. It was considered by many to be the top “xiao long bao” or soup dumpling restaurant in the city with waits often more than an hour long, according to Eater.
Now the beloved eatery is back just a 100 feet down the street from its original home, at 39-16 Prince St in One Fulton Square, a 330,000-square-foot mixed development. Its new spot is much larger than its previous modest location. At 5,113 square feet, the new space will accommodate 150 guests.
“We are so excited to re-open our door to the public and to serve this neighborhood again with a brand-new look,” said Eddie Zheng, General Manager of Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao. “The original team has dedicated to elevating the menu and the service in the past few months, and it’s finally the time for us to share it with our customers.”
The authentic Shanghainese restaurant will continue to serve its signature crab and pork soup dumplings, as well as steamed buns, dim sum, fried noodles, fried rice cakes, scallion pancakes and steamed chicken soup that made its original shop a destination for foodies far and near.
To go with its new digs, Nan Xiang is introducing exciting new dishes as well, including its “lucky six” soup dumplings which come with six different natural colors and flavors, truffle soup dumplings, crispy turnip puffs, Shanghai siu mai and other seasonal specials.
“It’s the new era for this legendary restaurant, and we are so proud to carry the legacy,” Zheng said.
It also has extended its hours to 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and will have a bilingual staff to serve customers.
“The re-opening of Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao means so much to this community,” said Helen Lee, Executive Vice President of F&T Group, One Fulton Square’s developer. ” It is great to see more and more restaurant owners bringing authentic food to New York City and sharing the richness of their culture. We are proud to work with Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao to bring back this local favorite restaurant and to continue the culture and vibe our neighborhood.”
Nan Xiang joins several other authentic Asian restaurants in Flushing’s One Fulton Square, including Guan Fu, Szechuan Mountain House, Mister Hotpot, Pappa Rich and Spot Dessert Bar. One Fulton Square also houses a Hyatt Place hotel, condos, professional and medical offices and commercial space for both restaurants and stores.