A First of Its Kind: The Tasty Kind of Vegetarian Soup Dumpling

For as long as I can remember, soup dumplings have been a cherished part of my family’s meals. The process of making them was always a labor of love—mixing the filling, kneading the dough, carefully folding each dumpling with practiced hands. It’s a tradition that has been passed down through generations, a ritual that brings people together. But there was always one challenge: creating a truly vegetarian version that could capture the same deep, savory richness as the classic. A real, broth-filled, plant-based soup dumpling? That was something almost unheard of. And so, we decided to make it happen.

This journey was deeply personal. Our new vegetarian soup dumpling is not just a dish—it’s a blend of family traditions, merging the generations-old recipes from my Chinese heritage with the wholesome, comforting vegetable broths inspired by my American mother-in-law’s kitchen. It took months of testing, tasting, and refining to get it just right. But the result? A soup dumpling that’s entirely plant-based yet just as satisfying, just as rich in flavor, and just as comforting as the ones I grew up eating. Now, we are excited to introduce this first-of-its-kind vegetarian soup dumplings in the Bay Area—available right here at United Dumplings.

Read More: Are Frozen Soup Dumplings Healthy? A Closer Look At This Delicious Comfort Food

The Challenge of a Vegetarian Soup Dumpling

Classic soup dumplings, or xiao long bao, are known for their delicate wrappers and the burst of hot, flavorful broth inside. Traditionally, that broth comes from simmered pork bones, gelatin-rich stock, and tender meat fillings. It’s a process that has been perfected over centuries, and one that relies heavily on animal-based ingredients to create its signature richness.

But what if we could achieve that same depth of flavor using only vegetables? What if we could craft a broth so satisfying that even the most devoted meat lovers wouldn’t miss a thing? That became our mission.

We started with the base—slowly simmering a blend of earthy mushrooms, sweet Napa cabbage, fragrant ginger, and scallions. Instead of relying on animal fats, we layered flavors, building richness from roasted vegetables, a touch of soy sauce for umami, and aromatic spices that deepen with time. The result? A broth so full-bodied and flavorful that it rivals even the most traditional pork-based versions. This is what makes our best vegan soup dumplings in San Francisco stand out from the rest.

A Fusion of Traditions

This dumpling is more than just a new dish—it’s a story of two families, two culinary traditions, coming together. On one side, there’s the tradition of my Chinese family, where dumplings are a symbol of home, comfort, and celebration. I remember watching my grandmother’s hands move effortlessly, pleating dumplings with a rhythm that felt almost musical. She taught me that great food isn’t about shortcuts—it’s about patience, care, and the right balance of flavors.

On the other side, there’s my mother-in-law, whose kitchen always smelled of slow-cooked vegetable soups, rich with layers of natural sweetness and earthy depth. She introduced me to the magic of a well-made broth—how a handful of fresh herbs, a dash of spice, and time could transform simple vegetables into something extraordinary.

When we set out to create this dish, we wanted to honor both traditions. We took inspiration from my grandmother’s time-honored techniques and my mother-in-law’s approach to vegetable-based cooking. The result is the best xiao long bao in the Bay Area—a dish that feels both familiar and entirely new. It is rooted in tradition but innovative in its execution. That’s why we’re proud to introduce our authentic soup dumplings in SF, made with the same level of care and passion as the classics.

The Craftsmanship Behind Each Bite

Making a soup dumpling—especially one filled with a delicate, plant-based broth—is no easy feat. Every step requires precision and patience. First, the broth must be carefully prepared, simmered to perfection, and then cooled into a rich, flavorful gel. This step is essential because that gelatinized broth is what melts inside the dumpling when steamed, creating the signature burst of soup.

Next comes the dough. The perfect dumpling wrapper needs to be thin enough to allow the flavors to shine but strong enough to hold the precious broth inside. Our wrappers are handcrafted daily, using a carefully balanced dough that is rolled to just the right thickness.

And then, there’s the folding—a true art form. Each dumpling is pleated by hand, with just the right amount of filling and a precise number of folds to create the perfect little pouch. Too tight, and the wrapper could break; too loose, and the broth might escape. It’s a skill that takes years to master, and our team pours their expertise and passion into every single dumpling. That’s why we believe we offer some of the best dumplings in the Bay Area—and now, we’re proud to add a vegetarian version to our lineup.

Why This Dumpling is Special

Vegetarian dumplings are easy to find, but vegetarian soup dumplings are a rarity. In most places, soup dumplings remain firmly in the realm of pork or chicken-based recipes. Plant-based versions are often difficult to find, and even when they exist, they rarely achieve the same luscious, flavorful experience as their traditional counterparts. That’s why we are so excited to introduce ours.

This dumpling is for everyone—for longtime vegetarians, for the curious food lovers, and for those who simply appreciate the craft of a truly well-made dumpling. It’s proof that plant-based food can be just as rich, just as complex, and just as deeply satisfying as any other dish. If you’ve been searching for vegan soup dumplings in San Francisco, your search ends here.

Read More: Where to Buy the Best Frozen Soup Dumplings From United Dumplings

Join Us in This Culinary First

This March, we invite you to be among the first to experience something truly special. Our Vegetarian Soup Dumpling in the Bay Area is more than just a dish—it’s a celebration of tradition, innovation, and the power of great food to bring people together.

Come, take that first bite. Just visit any of our three locations: Bernal, Marina, and Rockridge. Let the delicate wrapper give way, releasing a burst of warm, fragrant broth. Savor the rich umami, the careful balance of flavors, the love and craftsmanship in every bite.

This is our way of sharing a new tradition with you. We can’t wait for you to try it at United Dumplings—your go-to spot for authentic soup dumplings in SF.