TLDR
An old-school UES classic serving up perfectly crisp, made-to-order crab rangoon and nostalgic American-Chinese comfort food.
Reddit Sentiment for SHANGHAI CHINESE RESTAURANT(based on 10 Reddit opinions)
Details
This beloved Upper East Side institution is a go-to spot for those seeking classic American-Chinese comfort food, characterized by its old-school ambiance and unique features like an intercom system [2]. Patrons frequently recommend visiting in person to enjoy their signature dishes, which are fried to order for maximum crispiness [1][9]. While delivery is available, diners suggest that the in-person experience is superior, especially given the established delivery minimums [3][10].
Food Overview
The menu focuses on American-Chinese staples, with the crab rangoon serving as the standout favorite; these are noted for being triangle-shaped, doughy, and fried fresh upon request [4][8][9]. Other notable items include cheese wontons, which feature a distinctively chewy yet crispy skin, and classic egg rolls [1][7].
The crab rangoon is consistently recommended for its crispy, made-to-order quality [4][9], and the egg rolls are another frequently praised appetizer [1].
Customers generally view the restaurant as a reliable and charming spot for authentic American-Chinese takeout, often praising the quality of their made-to-order fried items [2][9]. While opinions on the pricing of specific appetizers like crab rangoon vary, the overall sentiment remains positive regarding the freshness and classic atmosphere [6][8].
Most Mentioned Dishes
- 01crab rangoon4 mentions
Caveats
The restaurant has a $25 minimum for delivery, and patrons report that delivery times can be inconsistent, making in-person pickup the preferred method for many [3]. Additionally, some diners have questioned whether the premium price point for certain appetizers, such as the crab rangoon, provides sufficient value [5].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About SHANGHAI CHINESE RESTAURANT
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Would You Support A Law To Make Ghost Kitchens
"Recommends this spot as a favorite greasy American Chinese restaurant that is fast enough for in-person ordering."
PositiveFrom post: Doing Some Crab Rangoon Research Where Can I Find
"This commenter suggests Shanghai on the UES for crab rangoon, highlighting that they are fried to order and have a desirable crispy texture rather than being soggy."
PositiveFrom post: Doughy Dumplings Where To Find
"This user mentioned Shanghai on the Upper East Side for its triangle doughy crab rangoon, which is served with a bright red sauce."
PositiveFrom post: Where Can I Find New England Massachusettsstyle
"The cheese wontons at Shanghai on 70th/2nd are noted as having a chewier yet crispy skin, similar to some spots visited in Boston."
PositiveFrom post: Best Crab Rangoons And Fried Pickles
"This user responded that the crab rangoons at Shanghai are worth the price, comparing them favorably to Maryland crab season."
Positive