Kaifeng's classic guantang bao (soup-filled steamed buns) house; the thin pleated skins hold a rich pork broth. Eat with vinegar and sip through the small opening.
Di Yi Lou Steamed Soup Dumplings (第一楼小笼灌汤包) is a soup-dumpling house in Kaifeng, Henan Province, near Gulou (Drum Tower) Square in the old city. Kaifeng is famous across China for guantang bao, steamed buns whose thin pleated skins hold a rich pork broth, and this restaurant is treated as one of the classic places to try them. Kaifeng was the capital of the Northern Song dynasty, and its food culture is a major draw for visitors touring the historic centre.
The signature dish is the guantang bao (灌汤包), served by the basket for about ¥28 to ¥45. Each bun is delicate, with a thin skin that bursts with hot broth. The traditional way to eat them is to lift a bun carefully, bite a small opening, sip the broth through it and then eat the rest with vinegar. A second option on the menu is lamb noodle soup at about ¥22 to ¥30, a warming bowl that suits colder months and complements the dumplings. A basket of buns with a bowl of soup makes a filling meal for one person.
The dining room is tourist-friendly and orderly, with a hall layout, quick service and a steady flow of visitors and local families. It is informal, there is no dress code, and noise rises at lunch and at weekends. The beverage offering is tea, soft drinks and simple soups rather than a wine list, and the focus stays firmly on the steamed food.
No reservation is needed. The restaurant takes walk-ins, and queues can form at midday and on weekends and public holidays. Approximate hours are 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM daily, so it also suits an early breakfast before sightseeing. Visitors can find the current location by searching 第一楼小笼灌汤包 in Amap (高德地图) or Baidu Maps (百度地图). Prices are modest, and a full meal usually costs under ¥60 per person. Payment is normally by Alipay or WeChat Pay.
| Price | $ |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily approx 7:30 AM-9:00 PM |
| Reservations | Walk-ins only; no reservation needed. Find the branch by typing the Chinese name into Amap (高德地图) or Baidu Maps (百度地图). |
| Address | Near Gulou (Drum Tower) Square, Gulou District, Kaifeng, Henan (search 第一楼小笼灌汤包 in Amap) |
Signature dishes
- Guantang bao (灌汤包), per basket — ¥28-45 (~$4.2-6.7)
- Lamb noodle soup — ¥22-30 (~$3.3-4.5)
Good to know
- Known for
- Soup-filled Kaifeng buns
Location
Near Gulou (Drum Tower) Square, Gulou District, Kaifeng, Henan (search 第一楼小笼灌汤包 in Amap)
34.7955, 114.3490 View on map
Highlights
- Kaifeng guantang bao with thin skins and rich pork broth
- Lamb noodle soup as a warming companion dish
- Location near Gulou Square in Kaifeng's old city
- Baskets from about ¥28 with meals under ¥60
Tips for visiting
- Bite a small hole, sip the broth, then eat the bun with vinegar.
- Arrive before 11:30 AM or after 1:30 PM to skip the lunch queue.
- Add a bowl of lamb noodle soup for a fuller meal.
- Search 第一楼小笼灌汤包 in Amap to confirm the current address.
- Weekends and public holidays are much busier than weekdays.
When to visit
Breakfast or mid-morning is quietest, and midday on weekends and holidays is the busiest.
Accessibility
Hall-style dining room with table seating. Wheelchair access is not confirmed, so visitors with mobility needs should check the entrance in advance.
Frequently asked questions
What is guantang bao?
Guantang bao are soup-filled steamed buns from Kaifeng, with thin pleated skins holding a pork broth. They are eaten with vinegar.
How much does a basket cost?
A basket costs about ¥28-45, depending on size and filling.
Is a reservation needed?
No. Walk-ins are accepted, though queues can form at midday and on holidays.
Where is it located?
It is near Gulou Square in Gulou District, Kaifeng. Searching the Chinese name in Amap shows the exact location.