Tangbaole Taipei Review 2026: Cheap Ximending Dim Sum
Discover Tangbaole, a hidden gem in Taipei's Ximending district serving mouthwatering soup dumplings and comforting braised pork rice for under $5!
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Discover Tangbaole, a hidden gem in Taipei's Ximending district serving mouthwatering soup dumplings and comforting braised pork rice for under $5!
Authentic Taipei Dim Sum on a Budget
Why Locals and Travelers Love Tangbaole in Ximending
Ⓒ Written & Photographed by Beau Maleng
Hey there, fellow foodies! I'm Beau Maleng, your go-to travel guide.
Today, I'm sharing an incredible culinary find from my recent trip to Taipei: a hidden gem in Ximending where you can feast on authentic, hand-crafted dim sum without breaking the bank!
🔎 What You'll Discover in This Guide:
1 | Taipei Authentic Local Dim Sum Spot |
2 | Must-Visit Ximending Restaurant |
3 | Tangbaole Hours & Location |
4 | Menu Highlights & Honest Review |
1. A True Local Gem in Taipei
No trip to Taipei is complete without exploring the vibrant streets of Ximending.
While the neighborhood is packed with flashy, touristy eateries, those looking for an authentic and budget-friendly local experience should definitely check out this spot.
Serving up a mix of fresh dim sum and comforting Taiwanese homestyle dishes, it is incredibly welcoming for solo travelers, and the prices are unbelievably pocket-friendly.
It is located just a short walk (about 0.3 miles) from the main Ximending walking district, making it extremely easy to find. During my visit, the dining room was packed with local residents—always the ultimate sign of a great restaurant!
I actually tried to go on a day they were closed, but I was so determined to try their food that I made a special detour back here on the very last day of my itinerary! 🫢
2. Tangbaole: Hours & Location
⏰ Opening Hours
11:30 AM ~ 8:30 PM
(Be sure to double-check Google Maps on the day of your visit just in case of unexpected closures!)
📍 Location
No. 137, Kunming St, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108
📍 Tangbaole (湯包樂)
No. 137, Kunming St, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108
The restaurant interior is clean and surprisingly spacious, with about 7 to 8 dining tables.
I arrived right around the peak dinner hour and was lucky enough to snag a table immediately without waiting.
However, the tables filled up fast as a steady stream of locals kept coming in throughout my meal.
The table turnover is quite fast, so even if there is a short line when you arrive, you won't have to wait very long.
The best part? The open-concept kitchen allows you to watch the chefs hand-rolling, filling, and steaming the Xiao Long Bao right in front of you. It's incredibly mesmerizing to watch while waiting for your order!
3. Tangbaole Menu & Pricing
Their menu features a great variety of options, ranging from their signature soup dumplings to comforting rice bowls, noodle soups, and boiled dumplings.
They also offer classic side dishes like hot soups and appetizers, making it easy to customize a meal to your exact cravings.
Here is what I ordered during my visit:
✔️ Pork Xiao Long Bao (8 pcs) - 90 TWD (approx. ~$3)
✔️ Taiwanese Braised Pork Rice (Lu Rou Fan) - 65 TWD (approx. ~$2)
The total came out to around ~$5 for a incredibly filling, delicious meal! Talk about unbeatable value in the heart of Ximending. 👍
Make sure to stop by the self-serve sauce station. I highly recommend mixing up a dipping sauce with a generous spoonful of their house-made chili oil!
It adds a perfect touch of heat and a deep savoriness that elevates the dumplings to the next level.
4. Our Honest Review
The undisputed star of the show at Tangbaole is their signature Xiao Long Bao. 🤍
The dumpling wrappers are rolled thin, holding in an incredibly generous amount of hot, flavorful broth. The moment you gently pierce the skin, the steaming soup floods out.
The pork filling is clean, incredibly tender, and completely free of any gamey odor. It was so juicy and delicious that I finished all eight dumplings in a matter of minutes!
While world-famous spots like Din Tai Fung are great, when you factor in the incredible price and quality here, Tangbaole offers a truly unbeatable alternative.
The surprise highlight of my meal, however, was the Braised Pork Rice (Lu Rou Fan).
It features a deeply savory, slightly sweet flavor profile that is incredibly comforting.
The melt-in-your-mouth pork is slow-braised to perfection and spooned generously over hot, fluffy rice. It was so delicious that I couldn't stop eating!
It is a flavor profile that is very approachable for Western palates, making it the perfect companion dish to pair with your basket of soup dumplings.
To make the experience even better, the incredibly friendly staff served a complimentary plate of spicy Sichuan-style wontons just as I was wrapping up my meal! 🫢 They were wonderfully silky and packed with flavor.
With its outstanding value, authentic flavors, and generous portions, Tangbaole is a must-visit local spot in Taipei.
If you are looking for a satisfying, budget-friendly meal in Ximending, I highly recommend adding this local gem to your Taipei travel itinerary!
Tangbaole is open from 11:30 AM to 8:30 PM. It is located at No. 137, Kunming St, Wanhua District, Taipei City, which is within walking distance from the center of Ximending.
An 8-piece serving of juicy pork xiaolongbao costs 90 TWD. The home-style braised pork rice is 65 TWD. Even if you order both, the total comes to less than ~$6.
You can make your own sauce at the self-serve bar in the restaurant. Adding plenty of the sauce labeled 'Spicy' gives it a rich, spicy flavor that pairs perfectly with the xiaolongbao.
When you are almost finished with your ordered food, the staff will bring out a complimentary dish. You can enjoy an extra serving of boiled dumplings served with a spicy Sichuan sauce.
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