No-frills place offering a big menu of beyond-the-basics Chinese dishes including soup dumplings.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 21 Mott St, New York, NY 10013
Phone: (212) 766-6311
Website: https://shanghai21nyc.com/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Order: Order online
Photo Gallery
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Reviews
Steve Kumar
Shanghainese cuisine in Manhattan, Shanghai 21 is a top-tier choice. Here is my take on the experience:
The food is the undisputed star of the show. The Soup Dumplings (XLB) are legendary—perfectly thin skins with a rich, flavorful broth inside. We also tried the scallion pancakes and the crispy beef, both of which were seasoned to perfection. Everything tasted incredibly fresh and authentic.
The service is efficient and the energy is high, which adds to that classic Chinatown feel. However, it’s worth noting that the venue is a bit stuffy. It’s a small, narrow space that gets crowded very quickly, especially during peak hours.
While the experience would be much better if it were a bigger venue—simply to allow for a more relaxed dining environment—the quality of the food makes the tight quarters worth it. If you don’t mind a cozy (and sometimes loud) setting, you’ll be rewarded with some of the best dumplings in the city.
… moreThe food is the undisputed star of the show. The Soup Dumplings (XLB) are legendary—perfectly thin skins with a rich, flavorful broth inside. We also tried the scallion pancakes and the crispy beef, both of which were seasoned to perfection. Everything tasted incredibly fresh and authentic.
The service is efficient and the energy is high, which adds to that classic Chinatown feel. However, it’s worth noting that the venue is a bit stuffy. It’s a small, narrow space that gets crowded very quickly, especially during peak hours.
While the experience would be much better if it were a bigger venue—simply to allow for a more relaxed dining environment—the quality of the food makes the tight quarters worth it. If you don’t mind a cozy (and sometimes loud) setting, you’ll be rewarded with some of the best dumplings in the city.
Johnny Novo
I sat in the booth in Shanghai 21 across from my big bro, and took in an ambiance that ticked many boxes for a legendary Chinese spot: Cash only signs littering the oddly colored green walls, traditional looking tablecloths, beat up tile floors and furniture, servers that don’t really engage with you and whose 2nd language is english, and a huge overwhelming menu that could swallow you if you get too deep into it.
I was ready for battle, as I read the reviews for this place that said it’s almost impossible to avoid a wait, but at 5:42pm on a Thursday we walked right in and were seated in a mostly empty restaurant.
We can both EAT, so we went with the following: Soup Dumpling with pork ($9.75), Fried Tiny Pork Buns ($8.75), Szechuan style wonton ($9.25), Spring rolls ($6.00), Scallion Pancakes ($6.00), Low Mein w pork and shrimp ($13.25), and Szechuan style beef ($24.50).
Pretty cost efficient. Some major bang for your buck here. Inflation buster adjacent.
The only thing that didn’t blow me away was the Szechuan style beef, as it was just a little too heavy for the two of us… I was FORCING it down by the end.
Everything else was phenomenal. Other than that beef, I truly feel like we ordered perfectly. If I could only order 2 things, it would be the end of the road for me as I couldn’t decide, but If I could only order 3 things they’d be the soup dumplings, Szechuan style wontons, and the low mein. Truly the big 3.
IG @johnny.novo
Tiktok @jnov__
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… moreI was ready for battle, as I read the reviews for this place that said it’s almost impossible to avoid a wait, but at 5:42pm on a Thursday we walked right in and were seated in a mostly empty restaurant.
We can both EAT, so we went with the following: Soup Dumpling with pork ($9.75), Fried Tiny Pork Buns ($8.75), Szechuan style wonton ($9.25), Spring rolls ($6.00), Scallion Pancakes ($6.00), Low Mein w pork and shrimp ($13.25), and Szechuan style beef ($24.50).
Pretty cost efficient. Some major bang for your buck here. Inflation buster adjacent.
The only thing that didn’t blow me away was the Szechuan style beef, as it was just a little too heavy for the two of us… I was FORCING it down by the end.
Everything else was phenomenal. Other than that beef, I truly feel like we ordered perfectly. If I could only order 2 things, it would be the end of the road for me as I couldn’t decide, but If I could only order 3 things they’d be the soup dumplings, Szechuan style wontons, and the low mein. Truly the big 3.
IG @johnny.novo
Tiktok @jnov__
Substack @johnnynovo
Emaleigh Melton
We got the pork soup dumplings, scallion pancakes, Shanghai lo mein with chicken, and a cup of egg drop soup. A great comfort meal, especially when it’s as cold as it is outside. LOVE that they serve tea when you first get in. Would probably skip the scallion pancakes next time, not bad just nothing crazy. 100% worth checking out if you’re in the city. Just remember that it’s cash only!
… moreChristopher Rizzo
Shanghai 21 absolutely earns its Chinatown legend status. The General Tso’s chicken was crispy, saucy, and dangerously easy to finish, and the soup dumplings were elite. Full of flavor, perfectly slurpable, no notes.
Now the plot twist. The pork bun was dry. Like, why am I chewing this much dry. I would skip it and emotionally move on.
Also, bring cash. They are cash only, like most places in Chinatown, and yes, you will feel silly if you forget.
Order smart and this place does not miss.
… moreNow the plot twist. The pork bun was dry. Like, why am I chewing this much dry. I would skip it and emotionally move on.
Also, bring cash. They are cash only, like most places in Chinatown, and yes, you will feel silly if you forget.
Order smart and this place does not miss.
Ian Castillo
hype is real folks. this place is amazing. worth waiting 15-20 min. go inside, list your name and wait. ask for recommendations or go directly to the shanghai special dishes. careful with portions or you will ended up taking food to your place. staff is to friendly and they are always looking to make your life much easier (generous tip please!).
my recommendation: ask chatgpt to read the menu while you wait… ask for three options with certain budget. try something beyond the classical stuff!!
… moremy recommendation: ask chatgpt to read the menu while you wait… ask for three options with certain budget. try something beyond the classical stuff!!
Matt Short
Went with the waiters recommended, soup dumplings and scallion pancakes followed by General Tso Chicken and sauteed crispy beef with singapore rice noodles
delicious.
strongly recommend the location and the food.
… moredelicious.
strongly recommend the location and the food.
Alex Was There
This place is known for the best dim sums and fair prices. Service is OK but not the best. Total rating ⭐️ is 8 out of 10. Parking is hard to find in the area.
… moreError Error
very long wait, we waited to be sat and then we also waited a long time at the table to be greeted and have our orders taken
food was great tho: we got salt and pepper squid which was the best in my opinion. crab and pork dumplings and just pork dumplings, the crab and pork was obviously better but both were good. and my mom get beef which was super juicy and flavorful.
… morefood was great tho: we got salt and pepper squid which was the best in my opinion. crab and pork dumplings and just pork dumplings, the crab and pork was obviously better but both were good. and my mom get beef which was super juicy and flavorful.
Cecilia Lee
Even after all these years, this is still and forever my absolute go to soup dumpling spot in Chinatown! I can’t believe my last review was 12 years ago – time flies, but the quality here hasn’t changed.
The tea that’s served here is also very fragrant just the way I like it too!
I remember use to coming here at least once a month.
… moreThe tea that’s served here is also very fragrant just the way I like it too!
I remember use to coming here at least once a month.
Bleesy Dy
Ok. Another spot to highlight. The reviews didn’t disappoint. Was looking for a good Chinese spot and this restaurant was having it.
Servers were quick and attentive. Food was served fast. The place was not crowded when we arrived but approaching lunch time, the restaurant got packed. Only shows that you are in a good spot.
… moreServers were quick and attentive. Food was served fast. The place was not crowded when we arrived but approaching lunch time, the restaurant got packed. Only shows that you are in a good spot.