WORKING TOGETHER: The management team at the new Nan Xiang Express restaurant in the Mercer Mall is dedicated to providing a unique dining experience for its customers. “Nan Xiang Express is on a mission to offer the best Shanghainese comfort food to every neighborhood in the U.S.!”
By Jean Stratton
Customers not familiar with the Shanghai-inspired soup dumplings will be in for a culinary surprise when they visit Nan Xiang Express.
Opened in Mercer on One, 3349 Brunswick Pike in Lawrence Township last August, the restaurant specializes in these iconic soup dumplings, known as xiao long bao.
As the restaurant’s information statement explains, “Xiao long bao, also known as Chinese soup dumplings, are small steamed buns filled with meat steeped in a savory soup. These bite-sized flavor bombs are among the most famous Chinese dishes, and have become closely associated with Shanghai.”
SHANGHAI-STYLE: Noted for its signature soup dumplings, Nan Xiang Express restaurant is ready to offer this traditional Chinese dish to new diners. Shown are the specialists who are preparing these “signature” Shanghai-style soup dumplings.
Culinary Tradition
The mission statement continues to describe the origin of the soup dumplings. “The name ‘Nan Xiang’ pays homage to the canal-lined ancient town just outside of Shanghai, where xiao long bao, literally translated to ‘little steamer dumplings’ originated. Centuries later, when Chinese diners think of Nan Xiang soup dumplings, we want to create the most memorable flavors of Shanghai, and share them with you.
“Express gives this culinary tradition a new life by making it more modern, more convenient, and even more accessible to the many, without compromising the quality.”
A franchise, headquartered in Flushing, N.Y., the company opened its first Nan Xiang Express in 2006. There are now 10 restaurants in the U.S, including the new Mercer on One location, which has opened to rave reviews.
“We already have many repeat customers, who come every week, and some even come four or five times a week,” says manager Toni Zheng. “They are people of all ages, and we have lots of families.”
Soup dumplings are new to many visitors to Nan Xiang Express, she adds. “Not all Chinese restaurants serve soup dumplings, and it is a new choice and new dining and learning experience for many people, who have never tasted soup dumplings before.”
The soup dumplings, which are considered appetizers, are filled with soup and pork or other ingredients, and custom made-to-order, Zheng points out. “The dumpling is a sort of little container for the soup. We use all fresh ingredients and spices. Everything is completely fresh. These are very popular in China, and what we have is very authentic.“
Servings consist of six dumplings, and the presentation is highlighted by their arrangement in an unusual and attractive bamboo container.
Popular Pork
Soup dumplings are traditionally filled with pork, but modern variations include chicken, crab meat, and Mala beef. In addition, there are vegan options.
“Pork is the most popular,” says Zheng, “but the spicy beef is special with us, and people are enjoying that too.”
In addition to the soup dumplings, Nan Xiang Express offers a variety of other choices, including stir fried dishes, rice bowls, and signature noodles, all of which are entrees.
Among those are vegetarian, pork, chicken, beef, and shrimp stir-fried meals, and Crispy Sesame Chicken, Spicy Crispy Chicken, Crispy Pork Chop, Pepper Beef, and Sweet And Sour Spare Ribs rice bowls (served with broccoli and white rice).
Signature noodles include Scallion Oil Noodles, Vegetable Noodle Soup, Crispy Pork Chop Noodle Soup, Shredded Beef and Pepper Noodles (with or without soup), and the very popular Braised Beef Noodle Soup.
Another favorite at the restaurant is the selection of dim sum. “Many of our customers enjoy dim sum, and there are lots of choices,” reports Zheng.
Sharing Dishes
Popular choices are Sticky Rice And Pork Siu Mai (steamed dumpling), Chicken And Shrimp Siu Mai, Pork Pot Stickers, and Wontons In Spicy Peanut Sauce, among others.
Sharing food dishes, such as in dim sum, is a popular way of eating in China, and this tradition has been followed at Nan Xiang Express, notes Zheng. “Many customers enjoy coming together and sharing dishes, and a lot of them are willing to try different items on the menu.”
The restaurant also offers a selection of snacks, including Crispy Dough, Vegetable Spring Rolls, Beef Scallion Pancakes, and Celery And Tofu Salad, to mention just a few.
A variety of fruit teas, such as grapefruit passion fruit, lychee apple rose, lemon, and mixed berry are also all available, as are homemade organic soy milk and fountain soda.
Nan Xiang Express’s authenticity extends to its staff, points out Zheng, who was born in China. “We have a Chinese staff because we want everything about the restaurant to be authentic. It is very important for all our staff to be very welcoming to the customers. And also, they must be knowledgeable about everything on the menu in order to help customers if they have questions.”
Lunch, dinner, and takeout are available from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days, she adds, and the restaurant also provides catering.
Light and Airy
Prices range from $2.50 to $7.95 for snacks, from $10.95 for six soup dumplings, and $12.95 for entrees.
The restaurant is very light and airy, featuring large windows, and although it seats as many as 74 diners, it is spacious and open, offering a comfortable setting to enjoy traditional Chinese dishes.
Along with the enticing food, the customers appreciate this welcoming ambiance, says Zheng, who is very encouraged with the warm response. She hopes to introduce even more people to the pleasures of soup dumplings.
“I enjoy seeing all the people come in and enjoy our dishes, and I especially like to introduce them to a new dining experience, since our soup dumplings are so new to many people. I also love it, when they leave and say, ‘Thank you. We have enjoyed everything!’”
For further information, call (609) 269-5272, and visit the website at nanxiangexpress.com.