Insider Compass
An expert assessment built on data, context and gastronomic judgement.
About Baoyilong
Baoyilong brings authentic Shanghainese dumpling craft to Madrid's Salamanca neighborhood, centering its kitchen around handmade baozi and xiaolongbao prepared in full view of diners. The open kitchen setup lets you watch skilled hands pleat each dumpling, a transparency that speaks to the confidence of technique—delicate wrappers balancing tender fillings and rich broth in those iconic soup dumplings. It's a casual, welcoming spot where the focus stays squarely on fresh, made-to-order dim sum that draws both homesick Shanghainese expats and curious locals seeking the real thing.
Good to know
Arrive without a reservation only if you're flexible on timing—the compact dining room fills fast, especially evenings and weekends, but the staff will genuinely work to find you a spot if you're willing to wait.
The Insider Compass
Four dimensions, each assessed independently against the same criteria everywhere we rate.
Plate
The xiaolongbao are the undeniable stars here, with properly thin skins that hold generous soup without tearing, a hallmark of skillful lamination and resting times in the dough prep. Beyond the soup dumplings, the sheng jian bao—pan-fried buns with crispy, caramelized bottoms—demonstrate excellent wok hei and textural contrast, while supporting players like spicy wontons and cold cucumber salads provide the kind of bright, palate-cleansing relief a proper dim sum meal demands. Even the chocolate xiaolongbao manages to translate the technique into dessert without feeling gimmicky, proving the kitchen understands its craft deeply enough to play.
Vibe
LivelyThe dining room strikes a balance between modern chic and approachable comfort, with velvet seating and neon accents creating a stylish but unpretentious backdrop for the dumpling-focused menu. Energy runs high during service—tables fill quickly, and the buzz of conversation mixes with the clatter of the open kitchen, making this a lively, convivial space rather than a quiet refuge. It's the kind of place where solo diners feel welcome at the counter and groups can settle in for a relaxed, social meal without feeling rushed.
Service
The team operates with genuine warmth and patience, taking time to walk first-timers through the menu and explain the nuances of Shanghainese specialties without condescension. Staff members like Vincent and Alejandro have earned mentions for their attentiveness and product knowledge, helping navigate the compact but focused offerings with genuine enthusiasm. On busy evenings, occasional mix-ups in delivery can occur as the kitchen works at full capacity, though the overall hospitality remains consistent and welcoming.
Setting
Located on Calle de Núñez de Balboa in the polished Salamanca district, Baoyilong occupies a compact, well-designed space where the open kitchen becomes the visual anchor. The décor leans into clean lines and contemporary finishes—think sleek surfaces punctuated by warm lighting and pops of color—creating an aesthetic that feels current without chasing trends. It's a neighborhood spot that elevates its casual genre through thoughtful design, making the setting as considered as the food itself.
These four dimensions are a handful of the attributes we review. The Insider Rating also draws on research the compass does not display — among them the wine programme, the size and quality of the cellar, the location, and how long the house has operated. It is not an average of the scores above.
Go for
- The most technically proficient xiaolongbao in Madrid, with proper soup-to-wrapper ratio
- Watching skilled dumpling work happen live in the open kitchen
- Casual, convivial Shanghainese comfort food without pretension
Don't go for
- A wide-ranging Chinese menu—the focus is narrow and dumpling-centric by design
- A quiet, intimate date night—the energy runs high and the room buzzes with activity
Details
Calle de Núñez de Balboa, 64, Salamanca, 28001 Madrid, Spain
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