Nan Xiang Soup Dumplings to Open at Mall in Columbia
The restaurant chain will expand its Maryland presence with a third location at The Mall in Columbia.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Chinese Food
Live Poll
Do you prefer having more dining options available inside your local shopping malls?
The Mall in Columbia announced on Monday that Nan Xiang Soup Dumplings will open a new restaurant at the shopping center. This marks the third Maryland location for the dumpling brand.
Why it matters
The expansion brings a globally recognized brand to the area, following the successful launches of locations in Bethesda and National Harbor.
Nan Xiang Soup Dumplings has earned Michelin recognition for nine consecutive years. This new site will be the brand's third location in Maryland.
The players
Nan Xiang Soup Dumplings
This restaurant brand was founded in Flushing, New York, and is widely recognized for its soup dumplings.
The Mall in Columbia
This shopping destination serves as the site for the new restaurant in Howard County.
The details
Founded in Flushing, New York, in 2006, the restaurant is known for its soup dumplings and has built a consistent reputation over nearly a decade of Michelin acclaim. The company continues its rapid regional growth after establishing its first Maryland footprint in 2025.
Timeline
2006: The restaurant brand was founded in Flushing, New York.
October 2025: The first Maryland location opened at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda.
October 2026: The Mall in Columbia announced the upcoming restaurant addition.
Culture Shift
The entry of a Michelin-recognized brand into the Columbia market highlights a broader shift toward elevating casual dining options within regional shopping malls. This trend capitalizes on consumer demand for accessible, high-quality culinary experiences outside of traditional city centers.
Residents of Columbia can expect a new dining option to join the retail mix at The Mall in Columbia soon. This addition provides shoppers and visitors with access to the brand's specialized menu, which has previously only been available in Bethesda and National Harbor.
The takeaway
The arrival of Nan Xiang Soup Dumplings signals the increasing prestige of suburban retail hubs as destinations for acclaimed international cuisine. Locals should keep an eye on official center announcements to learn when they can visit the new location.
Further reading
Learn more about the local dining landscape in our guide to Columbia Chinese Food.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The MoCo Show.
Live Poll
Do you prefer having more dining options available inside your local shopping malls?
