Delicious Soup Dumplings at Nan Xiang 🍲🥟

Written by Arlo Grey MacFarland

There is nothing more comforting than a hearty bowl of soup, no matter where it comes from; even better, is not having to cook for yourself.  If you are craving comfort food, Nan Xiang Soup Dumplings has it.  A traditional Southern Chinese kitchen brought to Pittsburgh’s Southside, located at 2773 Sidney Street, they aim to bring authentic flavors and ingredients to a region where we prioritize local foods.  

Head chef Andy Qian, 37, is pioneering the Pittsburgh restaurant industry, owning two restaurants with another on the way!  Owning both Nan Xiang and Top Pot Barbecue, he sources ingredients directly from China to bring the culture here.  Nan Xiang will be present at the Downtown Neighbors Alliance's International StrEAT Festival on September 19-20, 2025. Taking place on Smithfield St. between Strawberry Way and Seventh Ave., the DNA is hosting over a dozen local food vendors representing different world cuisines. This week, we went to try the food and talk with Qian about the business.

Walking into the store, we were greeted by a cat robot that moves the takeout orders, which really set the vibe for the afternoon.  With simple decorations and lots of natural light, Nan Xiang embodies a clean aesthetic akin to fine dining.

Photo courtesy of Zhenru Yan.

Our highlighted dish of the week is by far their soup dumplings, their specialty.  We ordered traditional pork dumplings, chicken dumplings, and a blend of pork and crab meat.  Each dumpling is hand-rolled to perfection, with cooks training for hours to master the process.

The first bite into the dumpling brings a chewy dough, with the surprise of hot soup inside.  Subtle and savory, you are meant to drink the broth before eating the full dumpling.  No matter the filling, the meat was tender, melting in your mouth as you ate.  Savory and umami flavors cover the palette, filling you with a sense of peace with every bite.

The overall experience was very relaxed and food-focused.  Chef Qian prioritizes food accessibility, keeping prices low so that anyone can enjoy their quality food.  Open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Nan Xiang Soup Dumplings is sure to satisfy your craving for a filling, flavorful meal.