Shanghai 21

Stopped by for a quick dinner while visiting Chinatown on a Friday night. Came early around 5p, before it got crowded, so only had about a 5 minute wait for a table. There's only about 10-15 tables, so it fills up fast, but the service keeps the flow moving. Immediately upon sitting down, server came over with water and ready to take any appetizer order. It was a cold, rainy day so ordered a hot pot of tea and some soup dumplings to start. Dumplings were amazing. Did a quick check to make sure the soup wasn't too hot and ate them whole. For the meal, ordered the pan fried noodles and crispy duck. Both came out within 10 minutes and were obviously freshly made. Pan fried noodles were nice and crispy, then slowly became softer as it mixed with the sauce. The duck was cooked perfectly and not too oily as duck often is. Both dishes were outstanding. Everything from the appetizers and meals were very authentic. I've been to other Chinese restaurants while visiting Chinatown and this is one of the best. Great food and service. I recommend coming early to beat the rush.

Great place to to enjoy authentic steamed bun (soup dumplings with pork). We ordered one basket to start, ate our egg drop soup and Shanghai style lo mein with pork and shrimp, and ordered a second basket they are that good. Meal comes with a pot of hot green tea. Everything was delicious, clean, and the service was very good.

One of the best General Tao chicken I have ever had. We also ordered scallion pancakes and pork soup dumplings which was amazing as well. We came at 1110am and the restaurant was already half filled… speaks loud of the deliciousness that comes out the kitchen.

Cong you bing or scallion pancakes were the crispiest ones I’ve ever had! Definitely something to add to your order. The Pork Soup Dumplings were full of broth and were perfect for dim sum on a chilly morning. Staff was also so attentive and kind. Highly recommend coming a bit earlier to beat the line!

Almost don't want to review this place so more folks don't discover it, but probably too late for that.... What a great experience. Tremendous food, great staff. Accept credit cards. Fair prices. Soup dumplings are insanely good. Wish they worked out a reservation or ability to get in a virtual line system somehow; the wait can be an hour during prime hours and days. But it is seriously worth it. Obviously no street parking. Try to not get a table by the door during colder seasons.

Delicious! Was prepared for a 45+ minute wait but we got a table within 5 minutes. Service was fast and food came out hot and fresh. Everything tasted amazing. Loved the soup dumplings, pan fried pork dumplings and the Shanghai style lo mein. High quality at a good price.

Went here on July 4th weekend. We picked this place because of the rating and were not disappointed. It was a 45 min wait and most people left when they heard that. We did not and then it wasn't 45 min really about 20min. just stay and wait because it's well worth it . Very reasonable prices for mountains of food. I had the Fish over rice and it was fantastic! Everything we had was beyond great - Soup dumplings are insanely good. We also had the fired porkchops dish with soup noodles. Fried pork chops are worth an hour or so wait and the bill for 3 of us in NYC $45. go here - leave a like if I was right. Which I am. Top 10 Chinese food places I have ever been to. Can't wait to go back!

I have had a lot of great Chinese food in my time. But Shanghai 21 has topped the list for taste and quality. I recommend getting there by 5:00-5:30pm so you don't have to wait for a table. We left at 6:30pm and the line to get in was out the door and down the sidewalk. The vegetable spring rolls were out of this world.