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SHANGHAI 21

Updated

Phone: (212) 766-6311

Address: 21 MOTT STREET 10013

TLDR

Chinatown's go-to for authentic Shanghainese eats. Famous for pan-fried baos & melt-in-your-mouth braised pork belly.

Reddit Sentiment for SHANGHAI 21(based on 25 Reddit opinions)

84% Positive12% Neutral4% Negative

Achievements and Accolades

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Tags

chinese 16shanghainese 11shanghai 2soup dumplings 5dumplings 2xlb 2View All

Neighborhoods

Chinatown

Details

Nestled in the heart of Chinatown, this Shanghainese gem has been a consistent favorite for its authentic flavors and cozy atmosphere. Diners rave about the pan-fried baos and the rich, melt-in-your-mouth Hong Shao Rou. It's a place where traditional dishes are executed with care, making it a must-visit for those seeking genuine Chinese cuisine.

Food Overview

This restaurant is celebrated for its authentic Shanghainese cuisine, with particular highlights being the soup dumplings (Xiao Long Bao), pan-fried baos, and the Hong Shao Rou (braised pork belly). Scallion pancakes and string beans have also received positive mentions. While overwhelmingly positive, one comment dismisses the restaurant.

Highlights / Recommended

"Soup dumplings (Xiao Long Bao), pan-fried baos, and Hong Shao Rou (braised pork belly) are frequently recommended. Scallion pancakes and bacon with preserved vegetable are also mentioned positively."

Customer Sentiment

Customers overwhelmingly praise this restaurant for its authentic Shanghainese dishes, with many calling it a favorite and highly recommending it for its delicious food.

Reddit Opinions & Reviews

Top Reddit Posts About SHANGHAI 21

Multiple users highly recommend Shanghai 21, with one calling it their all-time favorite and another praising the good service and solid food after a recent visit.
This commenter believes Shanghai 21 is superior to both Din Tai Fung and Nan Xiang for XLB (soup dumplings) and also recommends it for general Shanghainese cuisine.
Shanghai 21 is listed by multiple users as a top choice for soup dumplings in Chinatown, with one specifically mentioning their enjoyment of this dish there.
A user specifically suggests Shanghai 21 for Hong Shao Rou (braised pork belly) in Chinatown.
Shanghai 21 is recommended for its soup dumplings and bacon with preserved vegetable.
This restaurant is suggested as a classic NYC Asian option in Chinatown, offering an authentic experience and is a place a local often visits.
A user recalls having enjoyable string beans at Shanghai 21 in the past, but cautions that experiences can vary.
Shanghai 21 is mentioned as one of several excellent Chinese restaurants in NYC that are typically open on Christmas Day and are budget-friendly.

Recent Reddit Mentions

From 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."

Neutral
Mar 25, 2026View Comment →

From 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."

Positive
Feb 11, 2026View Comment →

From post: Scallion Pancakes

"This commenter recommended Shanghai 21, calling it the overall best Chinese meal they've had in a long time."

Positive
Jan 28, 2026View Comment →

From post: Scallion Pancakes

"This commenter recommended Shanghai 21 for scallion pancakes."

Positive
Jan 26, 2026View Comment →

From 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."

Positive
Dec 10, 2025View Comment →

From post: What Is Your Favorite Restaurant In Chinatown

"The commenter visited Shanghai 21 recently and found the food solid, also praising the good service."

Positive
Dec 10, 2025View Comment →

From post: What Is Your Favorite Restaurant In Chinatown

"A negative and dismissive comment regarding Shanghai 21."

Negative
Dec 9, 2025View Comment →

From post: What Is Your Favorite Restaurant In Chinatown

"This commenter expressed gratitude for Shanghai 21, as it was their first experience with soup dumplings."

Positive
Dec 8, 2025View Comment →

From post: What Is Your Favorite Restaurant In Chinatown

"The commenter lists Shanghai 21 as a favorite in Chinatown."

Positive
Dec 8, 2025View Comment →

From post: What Is Your Favorite Restaurant In Chinatown

"A very positive opinion calling Shanghai 21 their all-time favorite."

Positive
Dec 8, 2025View Comment →

From post: What Is Your Favorite Restaurant In Chinatown

"The commenter recommends Shanghai 21, noting its reasonable prices and decent food."

Positive
Dec 8, 2025View Comment →

From post: Teen Friendly

"Recommended for soup dumplings in Chinatown."

Positive
Oct 15, 2025View Comment →

From post: Fav Restaurant In Manhattan Chinatown

"This commenter recommends Shanghai 21."

Positive
Sep 26, 2025View Comment →

From 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."

Positive
Sep 21, 2025View Comment →

From 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
Aug 28, 2025View Comment →

From post: Din Tai Fung Or Other Spot

"This user believes Shanghai 21 is better than both Din Tai Fung and Nan Xiang."

Positive
Aug 27, 2025View Comment →

From post: Visiting Nyc For The First Time

"Shanghai 21 is mentioned as a great place in Chinatown for soup dumplings."

Positive
Aug 23, 2025View Comment →

From post: Visiting Nyc For The First Time

"Shanghai 21 is mentioned as a great place in Chinatown for soup dumplings."

Positive
Aug 23, 2025View Comment →

From post: Favorite Chinese Restaurants Preferably In

"The user recommended Shanghai 21 for Shanghainese cuisine."

Positive
Jul 29, 2025View Comment →

From post: Chinese String Beans In Chinatown

"A user had enjoyable string beans at Shanghai 21 in the past, but advises that experiences may vary."

Positive
Jul 24, 2025View Comment →