Chinatown's go-to for authentic Shanghainese & XLB. Pan-fried baos, braised pork belly, and scallion pancakes make this a must-visit.
A beloved Chinatown staple, this eatery is celebrated for its authentic Shanghainese cuisine, particularly its renowned soup dumplings and pan-fried baos. Many consider it a top-tier choice for XLB, even surpassing well-known competitors. The menu also features standout dishes like braised pork belly and flavorful string beans, offering a genuine taste of NYC Chinese dining.
This restaurant specializes in Shanghainese cuisine, earning high marks for its soup dumplings (XLB) and pan-fried baos. Other recommended dishes include braised pork belly and string beans. While most feedback is positive, one user had a negative experience and dismissed the restaurant.
"This restaurant is highly recommended for its soup dumplings (XLB) and pan-fried baos. Other notable dishes include braised pork belly and string beans."
Customers overwhelmingly praise this restaurant for its authentic Shanghainese dishes, with soup dumplings being a consistent highlight. Service is noted as good, contributing to a positive overall dining experience.
Important Note
One commenter expressed a negative and dismissive opinion of the restaurant.
"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"A user had enjoyable string beans at Shanghai 21 in the past, but advises that experiences may vary."
Positive"This user listed Shanghai 21 as a place for soup dumplings."
Neutral
