Wu You Xian, a dim sum restaurant in Shanghai founded by Chen Lina, is awarded a Michelin star. The prestigious award is nothing less than a brand-new chapter between the pages of the Michelin Guide, a change in perspective that marks the beginning of a new era for Chinese culinary tradition and places it in a radiant new light.
Cover photos: @Celsus and @michelinguide
The News
The Michelin Guide 2025 Shanghai, recently unveiled at the Bellagio Shanghai, has brought a breath of fresh air to the city's culinary scene, awarding a restaurant specializing in dim sum with a Michelin star for the first time. Wu You Xian, a restaurant that has made hairy crab xiaolongbao its signature dish, has won this prestigious award thanks to the mastery of its founder, Chen Lina, a nationally ranked top dim sum chef.
After moving to South Maoming Road, Wu You Xian stood out for his attention to detail in preparing his famous steamed ravioli. Chen Lina devised a meticulous method to process the crab, breaking it down into eight parts, including meat, eggs and dough, to ensure that each taste reveals a unique layering of flavors.
“I treat my xiaolongbao like children, like works of art; they are my life,” the chef told China Daily, describing her work as a fusion of craftsmanship and passion.
This year's guide celebrates a total of 145 restaurants, with 10 new entries and more than 30 culinary styles represented. According to Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guide, the city continues to stand out for its balance of tradition and innovation. “From dim sum and xiaolongbao to the finest court cuisine, Shanghai is a symbol of cultural richness and gastronomic innovation,” he said.
The selection includes more than 50 starred restaurants that reflect a mix of local cuisine and international influences, with the rise of young chefs bringing energy and new ideas to the culinary scene. Notable among the awardees are Taian Table and Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet, which confirm three stars, while Fu He Hui achieves two stars thanks to his ability to combine traditional technique and cultural significance in his dishes.
Wu You Xian was not the only one to celebrate: four other restaurants were awarded or earned their first star, bringing the total number of restaurants with a Michelin star in this year's guide to 41. In addition to restaurants, the Michelin Guide gave awards to outstanding professionals, celebrating culinary artistry in every aspect, from creativity in the kitchen to impeccable service.
Wu You Xian, with his innovative approach to tradition, demonstrates how a small raviolo can encapsulate a world of flavors, winning over the palates of experts and enthusiasts alike. A true demonstration of how cooking, when performed with dedication and skill, becomes an art form.
