TLDR
Exceptional, melt-in-your-mouth soup dumplings and authentic Shanghainese classics in a quintessential Chinatown setting.
Details
Located in the heart of Manhattan’s Chinatown, this establishment is widely regarded as a top-tier destination for authentic Shanghainese cuisine [1]. Diners frequently celebrate it as a superior alternative to larger chains for their signature soup dumplings [4], often citing it as their personal favorite in the area [12]. With a reputation for solid, reasonably priced food and an authentic NYC atmosphere, it has become a staple for both locals and visitors [6], [10], [13].
Food Overview
Specializing in authentic Shanghainese dishes, the restaurant is most famous for its excellent soup dumplings (XLB) [2], [4], [10]. Customers also highly recommend the Braised Lions Head, praised for its rich sauce and incredibly tender meatballs, as well as the scallion pancakes and double sauteed pork [17], [18], [22].
Caveats
Potential guests should note that the restaurant does not appear to serve alcoholic beverages [19]. Additionally, while service is generally described as good, it is recommended to consider making a reservation, particularly during busy periods like the holidays [9], [13].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About SHANGHAI 21
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Looking For Recommendations For Longtime Fans Of
"Mentioned as a recommendation."
NeutralFrom post: Best Chow Mein In Nyc Preferably Manhattan Or
"The restaurant is mentioned in response to the request for chow mein recommendations."
NeutralFrom post: Sending Dinner To New Parents In Battery Park City
"This commenter recommended Shanghai 21 for Chinese food, specifically suggesting the Braised Lions Head dish for its sauce and melt-in-your-mouth meatballs, and also noted their liking for the double sauteed pork."
PositiveFrom post: 7 Day Nyc Need Food Recommendations Updated With
"Shanghai Asia Minor in Chinatown is recommended for soup dumplings."
PositiveFrom post: Best Dumplings In The City Looking For Something
"This user expresses that Shanghai 21 is a favorite."
PositiveFrom post: Favorite Chinatown Spot That Has Alcoholdrinks On
"The original poster is looking for restaurants in Chinatown that serve alcohol, and noted Shanghai 21 as a place that does not appear to offer drinks."
NeutralFrom post: You Cant Leave Nyc Without Eating
"Shanghai 21 is highly suggested for a Chinatown food crawl, implying it's a good spot for dim sum or Shanghai cuisine."
PositiveFrom post: Scallion Pancakes
"This commenter recommended Shanghai 21, calling it the overall best Chinese meal they've had in a long time."
PositiveFrom post: Scallion Pancakes
"This commenter recommended Shanghai 21 for scallion pancakes."
PositiveFrom post: Need A Cheap Christmas Dinner
"Shanghai 21 is listed as one of several excellent Chinese restaurants in NYC that are typically open on Christmas Day and within the specified budget, though a reservation might be needed."
PositiveFrom post: What Is Your Favorite Restaurant In Chinatown
"The commenter visited Shanghai 21 recently and found the food solid, also praising the good service."
PositiveFrom post: What Is Your Favorite Restaurant In Chinatown
"A negative and dismissive comment regarding Shanghai 21."
NegativeFrom post: What Is Your Favorite Restaurant In Chinatown
"This commenter expressed gratitude for Shanghai 21, as it was their first experience with soup dumplings."
PositiveFrom post: What Is Your Favorite Restaurant In Chinatown
"The commenter lists Shanghai 21 as a favorite in Chinatown."
PositiveFrom post: What Is Your Favorite Restaurant In Chinatown
"A very positive opinion calling Shanghai 21 their all-time favorite."
PositiveFrom post: What Is Your Favorite Restaurant In Chinatown
"The commenter recommends Shanghai 21, noting its reasonable prices and decent food."
PositiveFrom post: Teen Friendly
"Recommended for soup dumplings in Chinatown."
PositiveFrom post: Fav Restaurant In Manhattan Chinatown
"This commenter recommends Shanghai 21."
PositiveFrom post: 15 Days In Ny
"This restaurant is suggested as a classic NYC Asian option for dim sum in Chinatown, offering an authentic "I'm really in NYC!" experience. It is mentioned as a place a friend from Hubei often visits."
PositiveFrom post: Din Tai Fung Or Other Spot
"This commenter recommends Shanghai 21 as a good place for XLB and also suggests Joe Shanghai as a Chinatown staple."
Positive