Chinatown's go-to for amazing soup dumplings & pan-fried baos. A true NYC gem with authentic Shanghainese flavors & great value.
A true gem in Manhattan's Chinatown, this Shanghainese restaurant is a local favorite for its authentic flavors and excellent value. Diners rave about the expertly crafted soup dumplings and the flavorful pan-fried baos, making it a must-visit for those seeking classic Chinese comfort food. The friendly service and bustling atmosphere add to the overall delightful dining experience.
This Shanghainese restaurant is celebrated for its authentic dishes, with soup dumplings (Xiao Long Bao) and pan-fried baos frequently recommended. Other praised items include bacon with preserved vegetable and string beans. While overwhelmingly positive, one mention suggests experiences with string beans may vary.
"Customers frequently recommend the soup dumplings (Xiao Long Bao) and pan-fried baos. Other dishes that receive positive mentions include bacon with preserved vegetable and string beans."
Customers consistently praise this restaurant for its authentic Shanghainese cuisine, with particular highlights being the soup dumplings and pan-fried baos. Service is generally described as good, contributing to a positive overall dining experience.
Important Note
One comment suggests that while string beans were enjoyed in the past, experiences may vary. Another post notes that the restaurant does not appear to serve alcohol.
"This user expresses that Shanghai 21 is a favorite."
Positive"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"Shanghai 21 is highly suggested for a Chinatown food crawl, implying it's a good spot for dim sum or Shanghai cuisine."
Positive"This commenter recommended Shanghai 21, calling it the overall best Chinese meal they've had in a long time."
Positive"This commenter recommended Shanghai 21 for scallion pancakes."
Positive"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"The commenter visited Shanghai 21 recently and found the food solid, also praising the good service."
Positive"A negative and dismissive comment regarding Shanghai 21."
Negative"This commenter expressed gratitude for Shanghai 21, as it was their first experience with soup dumplings."
Positive"The commenter lists Shanghai 21 as a favorite in Chinatown."
Positive"A very positive opinion calling Shanghai 21 their all-time favorite."
Positive"The commenter recommends Shanghai 21, noting its reasonable prices and decent food."
Positive"Recommended for soup dumplings in Chinatown."
Positive"This commenter recommends Shanghai 21."
Positive"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"This commenter recommends Shanghai 21 as a good place for XLB and also suggests Joe Shanghai as a Chinatown staple."
Positive"This user believes Shanghai 21 is better than both Din Tai Fung and Nan Xiang."
Positive"Shanghai 21 is mentioned as a great place in Chinatown for soup dumplings."
Positive"Shanghai 21 is mentioned as a great place in Chinatown for soup dumplings."
Positive"The user recommended Shanghai 21 for Shanghainese cuisine."
Positive
