Excellent beef soup and dumplings! Authentic original chai long nap comes from Shanghai and Nan Xian. Tastes great! Friendly service!

Staff was amazing...The food was definitely great and I loved the atmosphere as well including the TVs having both sports events on a few and talent shows on the other.....Also the location is great...I went with a friend and I will definitely be back in the very near future...Tried it for the first time last month in 2024 but I am hoping to make some return trips in 2025... read more

Nan Xiang is solid. Thankful for a quality dim sum place in Durham. Their xiao long bao / soup dumplings are tasty and flavorful and soupy. My personal fave is the crispy bottom pork buns. Their hot and sour soup is surprisingly good. Spicy beef and pepper beef is super tender and the soup is yummy. Their drinks are high quality. Friendly service. I'm not a huge fan of the 100 giant flashing screens (overstimulating) but it's a fun vibe. read more

This food tastes as bad or worse than those at a shopping mall food court, think bad Panda Express. Very little broccoli, fried "veggie" rolls & mostly lumpy rice! Avoid if you like good food! read more

Happy to see another dim sum place open in Durham! This restaurant is very casual, you order at big kiosks at the front and then grab a number for your table. We got the crispy bottom buns, classic dumplings, signature Xiao long bao, crab meat and pork Xiao long bao, chicken Shanghai stir fried noodles, and bok choy. The Xiao long bao were a little too doughy for me, but the soup inside was satisfying. I liked the signature more than the crab meat ones, but that's because I'm not a big seafood fan and the crab flavor was pretty strong. The classic dumplings were ok, the wrapper was kinda doughy too and the insides fell out easily. The stir fried noodles were a little overcooked and oily, but the flavor was decent. I enjoyed the crispy bottom buns, they were fried nicely and had a good meat to bun ratio! We also ordered the muskat grape yogurt slush, which was so good and tasted like a grape yakult. I loved the lychee boba we got in it, it added a nice burst of fruity flavor! Overall, the food here was average but a nice addition to the Asian food scene in Durham. Loved the drink though, would definitely come back for boba again! read more

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New dim sum and Chinese place couldn't have opened sooner! I was so excited to check it out after hearing chatter about the soft opening. Nevertheless, a much needed addition to the Durham food scene. Walking in, I was impressed by the extensive decor. There are a tons of screens in the restaurant (2 giant wall TVs, an electronic pillar, and a ceiling screen). It gives the restaurant a very futuristic, techno vibe, reminiscent of some newer age restaurants in China. In terms of food, probably the best soup dumplings I've had in the triangle! The wrapper is on a slightly chewier side, but I didn't mind as it tasted really hand made (Trader Joes cannot compare!) The flavors of the filling were authentic and rich, perfectly accompanied by the refreshing vinegar dipping sauce and chili oil! Service was also great. There are both a self service kiosk and in person ordering. Both of which are very fast and convenient. It's a fast casual place so you would place your order first and sit down with your number. Food also came out reasonably fast! The restaurant also has an attached boba chain called Tsaocaa. I tried a few of the fruit drinks. Although a little on the sweeter side (I would adjust sugar levels accordingly), the fruit flavors were very vibrant and the tea was pleasantly floral. Overall, I'm very excited about this place adding to the ninth street and adjacent food scene. Especially when this might be the best dim sum in the area! Will definitely be coming back very frequently! read more

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I think the food is a solid, so-so. The soup dumplings were good, but not great. The pork bun was ok, but so doughy that I only ended up eating one. The ratio of dough to pork was off. I've definitely had better of everything. I'm not saying don't go here, as it's not terrible, but it's also not really that good either. read more

All show and no go! I was looking forward to this place and what a huge disappointment. If you want salty food plus m s g then go for it.

Visited with my family of 4. Ordered multiple appetizers and multiple entrees and we each got a boba tea. ALL the food was delicious! The original pancake, beef pancake, and wontons with spicy peanut sauce were all great! My chicken wings were similar to Korean Fried chicken wings. I'd order all of it again! We will certainly be back! read more

This is new go-to lunch spot downtown, it's Durham's version of Din Tai Fung and I'm here for it. I love that it's no frills, just order at the kiosk, grab a table number and seat yourself. Everything comes out as it's cooked, hot and always fresh. I've tried a variety of their dishes and literally everything hits! The scallion pancakes are the most crispy pancakes I've ever had. I've had their chicken and crab and pork soup dumplings and both were fantastic. I've also had their stir fried noodles which are delicious. The cucumber salad is light and refreshing with a little tang. I've also tried their fruit teas which are really good as well. Would definitely recommend that everyone give it a shot, they have plenty of dishes available so there's something for everyone here. read more

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My oldest daughter & I came here for lunch a couple of weeks ago after an appointment. I have been CRAVING soup dumpling since I was in Chinatown in NY & haven't had any in a few years. This place definitely fulfilled that craving. It's no Chinatown level, but I'll take this place any day of the week! The service was also very fast & friendly, & the prices are more than reasonable. There are a lot of other things I want to try when we go back; definitely some of the boba. I just wasn't in the mood that day. But, they have a very wide offering. I'll be back in Durham at the end of the month & I plan to go back. read more

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Has self service kiosks which is nice. Probably one of the best boba spots around Durham and definitely one of the better Asian food places in the area read more

Nan Xiang Express - Panda Boba Tea - Shanghainese Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

I've been VERY disappointed in the Chinese food scene in Durham (as someone from Seattle). This place opened up and well, the best dim sum I've had here so far. Sort of reminds me of DTF without the ambiance of course. Delicious dumplings as well as delightful noodles. My husband who's lived around Shanghai agrees. We had take out so no comment on service. Just very long wait time on a Saturday night. read more

This had just been recommended to us. So disappointing and lackluster--absolutely flavorless. We did not order a balanced meal: 3 noodle dishes, 1 rice dish and cucumber salad. This included scallion oil noodles, Shanghai stir fried noodles (veg), noodles and veg with spicy peanut sauce, and nan shiang fried rice--a carb heavy meal. Very few veggies, sauces were bland and boring for noodles and cucumber salad. Fried rice tasted like a regular bowl of rice with some veggies thrown in--no flavor and it didn't seem like the dish was fried. I'd recently eaten great Chinese in Brooklyn so this was such a disappointment. On the good note--our order needed clarification and someone from the restaurant called immediately. read more

Nan Xiang Express is located on the first floor of the Blue Light Apartments. During their soft opening, the restaurant was quite packed for Saturday lunch. You can either order to-go on the kiosk or for dine-in with the cashier. It appears you can also sit down and scan a QR code at the table to order. Food comes out pretty quickly. A server shouts out ticket numbers and brings the food to your table. The restaurant seems to be a fast casual style and all the food comes in takeout containers with disposable utensils. Everything we tried was pretty good and tasted authentic. It's definitely a chain/franchise restaurant but I'm glad to have it as a new Chinese option around Durham. They also have TsaoCaa bubble tea and what appears to be a karaoke setup. Looking forward to their official opening! read more

First time trying this amazing little place. We ordered soup dumplings, regular pork dumplings and some noodles. All were exceptional. The service was fast and the decor was beautifully unusual. Be forewarned: the servings are really substantial so you will be taking home leftovers. Highly recommend. read more

Great place to try! Super fast and very good food! Lots of choices too for food and drinks! read more

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They just opened and are working on the flow, but the food quality was good! We tried the pork and chicken soup dumplings, and the broccoli side. It's a bit on the pricy side but you get what you pay for. Service was stretched thin, it was hard to find a cup of water. And they yell out your order number and I found that a bit distracting while enjoying your meal. But I will come back for those soup dumplings! read more

Great book choy!! I would have eaten them without the garlic sauce. The pork and crab soup dumplings were also good. read more

Cool vibe in here, but could make some people dizzy. Xiao long bao was tasty - wish it had cabbage or green onion or something in it though bc it was very meaty..? If that makes sense? Still yummy though!! The garlic cucumbers were SO GOOD!! They just sprinkle MSG or crack or something on them. They were the most crisp and fresh cucumbers I've ever had. Green onion pancake was meh. Very doughy and not super flaky or too special. Wouldn't order again. I also probably wouldn't order the crispy pork again. It was not very crispy or flavorful. Could use some more breading to get crispy and some white pepper read more

shanghai dim sum is worth the trip. I heard this shop opened recently so very busy and popular currently. Customers service is above average for a fast food business read more

Nan Xiang Express - Shanghai dim sum and the original soup dim sum - Shanghainese Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Excellent food and service! Love the xiao long bao and chili peanut wontons! Definitely recommend checking out this spot!

I have been dreaming of a place like this to open near me and it's finally happened! The decor is very modern, clean, and stylish. You order at a kiosk and sit down which I don't mind at all because I don't have to wait on anyone! My food and drink came out very fast. My wife and I shared a white peach boba, a brown sugar milk tea with boba, beef scallion pancakes, peanut sauce wontons, spicy beef soup dumplings, signature pork soup dumplings, and the pork buns. As someone who is a weekly boba tea enjoyer, this place is a great option. The food was good for a casual quick bite, I will be getting the beef scallion pancakes and peanut sauce wontons again. read more

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A very solid dining experience. Bubble tea and appetizers came out within 5 minutes. Our soup dumplings came out soon after that. Everything tasted great. I've never been to China, but I've had soup dumplings all over the US. These dumplings compete with the best I've had. Pot stickers were crispy on the bottom which was a nice touch. We spent sub $50 for two people and we ordered some extras, so a good value all around. You order at a kiosk but bussers come around frequently. Everybody was really friendly and service was great. We'll definitely be back. read more

Service is amazing and the food is delicious! Great for a family, because the food comes out quickly and you order and pay when you arrive!

Absolutely delicious food and very prompt service/ delivery to table. Sampled quite a bit but you must order the garlic cucumbers and scallion pancake with beef. Regarding the latter, I've had it with way too much sinewy tendon but their version is all succulent beef. Just the right amount of Hoisin Sauce and crispy exterior. Will definitely be back!! Now just open one in Chapel Hill please!!! read more

Amazing food! Order ready super quick! Thank you so much! Will have to go back to check out the restaurant

The soup dumplings were really good and flavorful. I was not a fan of the The spicy braised beef noodle soup. The broth lacked flavor and it came with an inch layer of chili oil on top. I understand that being the spice level up but when you're eating a spoonful of oil vs broth it isn't a pleasant t experience. I would not recommend. Maybe the other soups are better but I won't be back to find out. Get the soup dumplings though. read more

We tried quite a few menu options but most were bland and not very well seasoned. Much of the food could have used some various sauces to help that but when asked we were told there is soy sauce on the table... the drinks were heavily steeped in soy milk and the slushies had no "slushy". We went to ask a question and was promptly told "I'm Chinese, ask someone else". Not the best food or experience read more

Amazing fast and friendly staff! Love it so much , the menu has many options for your favorites! read more

Ordered potstickers (3 kinds), scallion pancakes and 2 different Shanghai noodles. Everything was amazing (although I think you should add more veg in your noodle dishes. I had 2 small green leaves in mine.) The only reason you didn't get 5 stars is because I specifically asked for soy sauce, dipping sauces and forks. When I picked up my order they told me everything was in the bag-and they were not. I had 2 spoons and one tiny container of what I believe to be hoisin sauce? It was disappointing. It won't stop me from coming back (which I certainly will) but please be more cognizant of those small things-they do make a difference. read more

Food is very good and fresh. Highly recommend noodle and dumplings. The area is also very clean and the workers are very friendly. Highly recommended and will come again. read more

Good food, no complaints! Quick and friendly staff. Got two orders of dumplings. Will go back.

The fruit teas are amazing. Brown sugar boba tea is just ordinary -- I hoped there's more flavor. The Shanghai stir fry noodles are great as well! Also, I hope that online orders will automatically give me the in-store pickup number. read more

I was looking forward to try this place tonight. I love the NamXing xiao long bao place in Flusing, NY. Well this NX Express was a bit different. XLB was just meh, skin is thicker and filling is a bit mushy. Pan fried ones are not good. Both look to be machine made. Counter service was nice and tables set up inside was too close. No dipping dishes and all paper bowls and cups. The spicy beef noodles were good and very sauce y. If we ever have a craving for Chinese food, we may go back for the noodles only. read more

I have to start with the food was fantastic! We had dumplings, pot stickers, pork buns and noodle soup and fruit tea. The order is a bit confusing cause the size of the soup looks like individual serving bowls but they are intended to feed 2 people! They give you two small bowls to eat it with. Noodles are difficult to get out of the big bowl and into the smaller without noodles going everywhere so I'm not sure why they don't just serve them small? We took one big one home. It tastes so good!! They serve the potstickers and buns in little cardboard boxes and the dumplings in steamers. Was a little difficult to share because we didn't have plates so we had to put napkins to catch drippings on the table. We saw others doing this also. They should have plates available. Prices are reasonable. The restaurant is very clean, bright and cheerful. The staff were very friendly and helpful. Hope to be back soon! read more

Excited to have this place close to work where you can grab a quick snacks, fruity drinks or diner after a long day work. Nice ambiance with cool fixtures on columns and wall. I will be back to try more food on the menu soon. read more

Outstanding quality at a great price. Most authentic dumpling / noodle place in Downtown proper. They will be opening a bar as well soon!

Overrated. Food is expensive and not that good. It was also really hot in there and the food was extremely hot so we rushed out as soon as we could. read more

So happy that this place opened close to work! I got takeout on a weekday and wasn't expecting much from a chain/fast-casual place, but the food was so good. My goal is to try all the Chinese/Taiwanese restaurants in the Triangle, so I've had many--and while this certainly isn't like a hole in the wall, home-cooked meal, it HITS. I got the braised beef noodle soup and scallion oil noodles for my fiancé and I to share. The packaging was great--no spillage, mostly paper containers/minimal but easily recyclable plastic. The beef noodle soup had super flavorful dark broth, the beef was tender (no tendons, just as I prefer), and the noodles were cooked well. The scallion oil noodles were a sleeper hit. I didn't know what to expect and honestly didn't think they'd be as good as they were. Essentially it was a big bowl of noodles with this incredible, umami-packed sauce that was probably made from masses of caramelized scallions. My fiancé and I had never tasted such a flavor before. We're putting Nan Xiang on our weekly Asian rotation and can't wait to try all their other dishes! No pics because we stuffed our faces too quickly. read more