At the table
Lift a wonton with a spoon or chopsticks and let it and the broth cool. Cut it open or take small bites to reach the hot filling. Eat the wontons and soup together or separately as you prefer.
Contains pork, and wonton wrappers usually contain wheat. Filling, broth and toppings may also include egg, soy, sesame, oyster sauce or other animal stock. Ask about the complete recipe for allergies or dietary restrictions. Both broth and filling can be very hot.
Pork-and-greens wontons in soup can be cut into smaller portions; let the broth and filling cool before serving.
Recipes vary. Ask the restaurant about ingredients and serving before you order.
GET TO KNOW THE DISH
What goes into it?
Explore some key ingredients below. Preparations may use additional seasonings and ingredients.
Bok choy or shepherd's purse are common; wrapper and broth recipes vary.
Typical ingredients
In some versions
Recipes vary by restaurant.
How does it taste?
Savory
- Chili heat
- Texture
- Tender filling and chewy wrappers.
- How it’s made
- Blanch and chop greens, mix with seasoned pork, wrap and boil.
Bok choy or shepherd's purse are common; wrapper and broth recipes vary.
A CONNECTION TO PLACE
Origin & regional roots
Associated with Shanghai.
Ask if they have it first
请问你们有上海菜肉馄饨吗？
Do you have this item?
A LITTLE SOMETHING TO READ
Story & history
Greens inside a Shanghai wonton
Shanghai cai rou wontons combine minced pork with leafy greens, often bok choy or shepherd’s purse. The chopped vegetables bring a lighter contrast to the pork, while a clear, lightly seasoned broth frames the filling. Egg strips and scallions may finish the bowl. Families vary the balance of meat, greens and seasonings, so this familiar combination has many versions rather than one fixed recipe.