Tucked into the vibrant heart of Chinatown, Manhattan at 21 Mott Street, Shanghai 21 is a standout spot for authentic Shanghainese cuisine in New York City.

Why It’s Worth a Visit

• The restaurant specializes in Shanghainese-style cooking, offering items like lo mein prepared in Shanghai style and, most notably, soup dumplings (xiao long bao) that many diners say are among the best in the city.
• According to one review:

“Surprisingly good structural integrity, super juicy filling, and a clear, light broth that’s deeply flavorful.”

• It has earned solid praise across review sites — for food quality, authenticity, and value. On TripAdvisor it holds a 4.3/5 rating from 400+ reviews.

 What to Order

Some of the must-try dishes:

• The soup dumplings (xiao long bao): delicate wrappers, savory broth, and rich meat filling — a true flagship dish here.
• Szechuan-style wontons: With a spicy sweet sauce and crisp shallots topping.
• Shredded beef with dried bean curd and Chinese celery: A dish combining tender beef with interesting texture from bean curd.
• Various Shanghai-style lo mein and other noodle/rice dishes: The menu highlights these as signature items.

Atmosphere & Practical Details

• The setting is casual and welcoming, typical of Chinatown but with enough space for small groups. Reviewers note that while the interior isn’t flashy, the food is what really shines.
• Hours: Monday through Sunday from 11:00 AM to 8:30 PM.
• Be prepared for a short wait during peak hours — especially if you arrive after typical lunch time. As one writer put it:

“The only time we’ve been immediately seated was at 3:50pm on a Monday. Even then, a line immediately formed right behind us.”

• If you're ordering take-out, many patrons recommend trying it too:

“Crab & pork soup dumplings. Shanghai beef lo mein & double sautéed pork over rice.”

  Insider Tips

• Arrive slightly before typical mealtimes (e.g., early lunch or before dinner rush) to avoid long waits.
• Bring a little patience for the dumplings — they’re worth it.
• If you’re new to Shanghainese cuisine, tell your server you’d like to try their “signature items” — you’ll likely be guided to their best plates.
• Given the location in a busy area and strong reviews, this is a good spot for a relaxed but memorable meal, whether you’re a visitor or a local food-enthusiast.
• If you prefer certain spice levels (for example, with the wontons), you may ask how spicy they are — while Shanghai cuisine tends to be more subtle than Sichuan, there can still be bold flavors.

Final Thoughts

Shanghai 21 manages to stand out in a crowded Chinatown dining scene by staying true to its roots: excellent execution, strong flavors, and a genuine Shanghainese identity. Whether you make it your destination for soup dumplings or for exploring the broader cuisine, it’s a restaurant worth visiting.