How does the soup get inside?
Cici will reveal the secret behind the broth inside xiaolongbao — and why it only appears after steaming.
A ShanghaiMorning with Cici
Make xiaolongbao with Cici, discover the stories behind Chinese food culture, and share a Shanghai morning around the table.
Why make xiaolongbao with Cici?
A xiaolongbao looks simple — until Cici starts revealing the magic behind it. From the soup hidden inside to its paper-thin wrapper and delicate pleats, every detail has a story and a technique behind it.
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How can the wrapper be so thin without breaking?
Discover how xiaolongbao gets its almost translucent skin while still holding hot soup inside.
Why all those tiny pleats?
Cici will show you why the pleats matter, how they’re made, and what separates a beautiful xiaolongbao from an ordinary one.
Your local host
Meet Cici
A local host who knows how to make Chinese food culture easy to understand.
Cici grew up in Shandong, northern China, where making dumplings and steamed buns was simply part of everyday family life.
Years later in Shanghai, that ordinary skill unexpectedly became her way of meeting people from around the world.
When she first began teaching international guests, her English was limited. So she taught herself from scratch — and over the years, she learned not only how to explain a recipe, but how to explain the parts of Chinese food culture that locals often take for granted.
Today, Cici teaches with warmth, humor and plenty of hands-on guidance, helping guests feel relaxed, curious and involved from the very first dumpling.
10+ years teaching40+ countries welcomed900+ guests hosted
Cook, connect, enjoy
Your morning with Cici
1
Discover the stories behind xiaolongbao
Watch Cici demonstrate the craft while she shares the little secrets, techniques and food stories behind this Shanghai favorite.
2
Make your own, with Cici by your side
Roll, fill and fold your own xiaolongbao as Cici guides you step by step — and helps whenever your dumpling needs a little rescue.
3
Steam, sit down & share the table
Once the dumplings are ready, steam them fresh and sit down together to enjoy what you've made — over food, stories and conversation.
At Cici’s table
Come as strangers,
share a table.
Travelers from different places arrive at Cici’s kitchen as strangers. You cook, laugh, share stories and sit down to enjoy what you’ve made together. For one morning in Shanghai, you become part of the same table.
Perfect for curious travelers
For people who want more than sightseeing.
Easy to join solo
Come on your own — the table makes conversation easy.
No cooking experience needed
Cici guides you step by step.
Couples, friends & families welcome
A relaxed experience to enjoy together.
Before you request
Questions, answered.
Q: Do I need any cooking experience?
A: Not at all. Both experiences are designed for beginners and first-time cooks. Cici will guide you step by step, so you can relax, enjoy the process and have fun.
Q: Can you accommodate vegetarian, vegan or other dietary requirements?
A: Vegetarian and pork-free options may be possible with advance notice. Vegan and other dietary requests will need to be confirmed individually. Please include your requirements when booking.
Q: Where does the experience take place?
A: The experience takes place in central Shanghai. The exact address and arrival details will be shared after your booking is confirmed.
Q: Can I book a private class or group experience?
A: Yes. A private booking reserves the full class for your group, with up to 10 guests. Select the private option when booking to view availability and pricing.
Q: What is the cancellation policy?
A: Guest cancellations and lower-value changes receive a 94% refund 72 hours or more before the start time, a 47% refund between 24 and 72 hours, and no refund within 24 hours or for no-shows. These percentages include a 6% non-refundable payment processing fee applied only to the amount otherwise eligible for refund. Date/time changes with no reduction in booking value have no fee. Cancellations by Cici are fully refundable.
Q: Are children welcome?
A: Yes. Children are welcome and are charged at the same per-person rate as adults. Please share their ages and any special needs when booking so Cici can prepare accordingly.
Q: What if I have food allergies?
A: Please describe all food allergies clearly when booking. Cici will review your request and let you know whether the experience can be safely accommodated before the class.
Q: How does booking work?
A: Choose your experience, preferred date and group size, then complete payment online. Your booking is confirmed once payment has been successfully completed.
Q: Can I change my date, group size or experience after booking?
A: Yes, changes may be possible depending on availability. If the change affects the booking total, the applicable price difference or service fee will be calculated before the change is confirmed.
Q: What is included in the price?
A: All ingredients and cooking equipment are included, along with tea and the food you prepare during the experience. You’ll also receive digital recipe notes to take home.
Ready to spend a morning with Cici?
Make dumplings. Share stories. Take home memories.
FromUS$59/ person
FromUS$59/ person
Save more with larger groups · Private sessions available