American's dumpling index food for thought

A food writer from the United States has made one of the city's favorite local treats - xiaolongbao, or soup dumplings - a subject of scientific investigation.

Christopher St. Cavish analyzed soup dumplings at 52 restaurants in Shanghai over the last 16 months in an effort to determine the quantitative standards of the popular Shanghai dim sum snacks.

This traditional Shanghai treat is known for its thin skin and meat filling with soup inside. It is steamed and served in a bamboo basket and is popular across China.