Shanghai 21 Introduce
In the vibrant heart of New York City's Chinatown, a culinary gem awaits. Shanghai 21, located on the historic Mott Street, has carved out a reputation as a must-visit destination for anyone craving authentic Shanghai cuisine. This is more than just a place to grab a quick bite; it's a neighborhood institution where the rich, savory flavors of Eastern China are brought to life with every dish. Known for its legendary soup dumplings and an extensive menu that caters to every palate, Shanghai 21 offers a dining experience that is both casual and deeply satisfying. Whether you're a local seeking a familiar comfort or a tourist on a quest for genuine Chinese flavors, this spot provides a warm, inviting atmosphere and a truly memorable meal. The restaurant's popularity is a testament to its commitment to quality and tradition, drawing a diverse crowd of regulars and newcomers who are eager to savor its delicious offerings. From steaming baskets of dim sum to hearty noodle soups and flavorful main courses, Shanghai 21 is a cornerstone of New York's culinary landscape.
Shanghai 21 is perfectly positioned in the bustling hub of Manhattan's Chinatown, at 21 Mott Street. This prime location places it right in the center of one of the city's most dynamic and culturally rich neighborhoods. The restaurant is easily accessible by public transportation, with several subway lines and bus routes serving the area, making it a convenient stop for anyone in the five boroughs. Visitors should be aware that while the atmosphere is energetic and the streets are always lively, parking can be a challenge. Paid street parking is available, but space is often limited, so it's a good idea to factor this into your plans. The cozy and trendy atmosphere inside provides a welcome escape from the city's hustle and bustle. The restaurant's accessibility and central location contribute to its popularity, often leading to a short wait during peak hours. However, the delicious food and efficient service make the wait well worth it.
- Dine-in: Enjoy the full restaurant experience with table service in a casual, cozy setting.
- Takeaway: Order your favorite dishes to go for a convenient and delicious meal at home or on the move.
- Delivery: Get authentic Shanghai cuisine delivered right to your door, perfect for a night in.
- Catering: While not explicitly listed, the restaurant's extensive menu and large-group friendly atmosphere suggest it's a great option for group dining and special events.
- Quick Bites: Ideal for those in a hurry, offering a selection of delicious items that are prepared and served with impressive speed.
- Late-night food: The restaurant offers options for late-night dining, perfect for satisfying those late-night cravings.
- Fast Service: The staff at Shanghai 21 are known for their efficiency and attentiveness, ensuring that food is served quickly and orders are taken promptly.
- Great Tea Selection: Enjoy a variety of tea options to complement your meal, a sign of authentic Chinese dining.
- Serves Local Specialty: The menu is a tribute to Shanghai's unique culinary traditions, featuring dishes that are rarely found in other Chinese restaurants in the city.
- Extensive Menu: From dim sum to pan-fried noodles, seafood, and vegetarian options, the menu is vast and varied, with something for everyone.
- Comfort Food: Many dishes on the menu are classic comfort foods that offer a taste of home for many patrons.
- Vegetarian Options: A wide range of vegetable and tofu dishes ensures that vegetarian diners have plenty of delicious choices.
- Dim Sum: A highlight of the menu, featuring a selection of steamed and fried dumplings, buns, and other small plates perfect for sharing.
- Soup Dumplings: The star of the show, these delicate, flavorful dumplings are a must-try for any first-time visitor.
Address: 21 Mott St, New York, NY 10013, USA
Phone: (212) 766-6311
Shanghai 21 stands out in New York City’s crowded culinary scene for several compelling reasons, all centered around a genuine commitment to quality and authenticity. The restaurant's reputation is built on its mastery of Shanghai cuisine, a style of cooking that is less common than Cantonese or Szechuan but equally, if not more, captivating. The star of the show, and the reason many people make a special trip, is the **soup dumplings**. The delicate wrappers, bursting with savory broth and a perfectly seasoned filling, are an experience that lives up to the hype. The Crab Meat and Pork Soup Dumplings are a particular favorite, combining the sweetness of fresh crab with the richness of pork in a truly exquisite way. Beyond the dumplings, the menu is a journey through Shanghai's culinary landscape. The **Pan-Fried Wontons** offer a delightful crispy exterior and tender filling, while the **House Deep-Fried Pork Chop** is a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that showcases the kitchen's skill with classic preparations. For those who love noodles, the **Braised Noodles With Beef** and the **Shanghai Style Pan-Fried Noodles** are hearty, satisfying choices. The **Sauteed Dry String Beans** and **Eggplant With Garlic Sauce** are excellent vegetarian options that are packed with flavor. The restaurant’s atmosphere, described as both casual and cozy, makes it a great spot for a variety of occasions, from a quick lunch to a full dinner with a group. The service is fast and efficient, which is a major plus in a busy city. This combination of authentic, high-quality food, a welcoming atmosphere, and stellar service makes Shanghai 21 a standout choice. It's not just a restaurant; it’s a destination for anyone who appreciates the art of Chinese cuisine.
Shanghai 21 Menu
Soda and Drinks
- S1. Soda US$2.50
- S2. Mineral Bottled Water US$2.50
Dim Sum and Appetizers
- D1. Soup Dumpling With Crab Meat And Pork US$10.75
6 pieces.
- D2. Soup Dumpling With Pork US$9.75
6 pieces.
- D3. Black Truffle Soup Dumpling With Pork US$16.75
Six pieces.
- D4. Fried Tiny Buns With Pork US$8.75
6 pieces.
- D5. Pan-Fried Pork Dumplings US$8.75
6 pieces.
- D6. Steamed Pork Dumplings US$8.75
6 pieces.
- D7. Steamed Vegetable Dumplings US$8.75
6 pieces.
- D8. Boiled Pork And Leek Dumplings US$8.75
6 pieces.
- D9. Shrimp Dumplings US$7.75
4 pieces.
- D10. Steamed Watercress And Shrimp Dumplings US$7.75
4 pieces.
- D12. Shanghai Wonton Soup US$9.25
8 pieces.
- D13. Szechuan Style Wonton US$9.25
8 pieces. Hot and spicy.
- D14. Pan-Fried Wontons US$10.00
10 pieces.
- D15. House Deep-Fried Pork Chop US$8.75
- D16. Cold Noodles With Sesame Sauce US$8.00
- D17. Scallion Pancakes US$6.00
- D18. Plain Steamed Buns US$6.00
4 pieces.
- D19. Shanghai Spring Rolls US$6.00
- D20. Vegetable Spring Rolls US$6.00
- D21. Sweet Red Bean Pancakes US$8.75
- D22. Sesame Rice Balls In Wine Soup US$7.50
6 pieces.
- D23. Sesame Rice Balls US$7.00
6 pieces.
- D24. Old Style Lo Mein With Scallion Sauce US$7.75
- Beef Siumai US$6.25
- Pork And Shrimp Siumai US$6.25
- Chicken Siumai US$6.25
Soup
- S1. Hot And Sour Soup
With pork. Hot and spicy.
- S2. Egg Drop Soup
- S3. Shredded Pork And Preserved Vegetable Soup US$6.75
- S4. Shredded Pork With Preserved Szechuan Pickle Soup US$6.75
- S5. Fried Bean Curd And Bean Noodle Soup US$7.25
- S6. Chicken Corn Soup US$7.25
- S7. Watercress With Sliced Pork And Bean Curd Soup US$11.00
- S8. Cantonese Hot And Sour Soup US$11.25
Hot and spicy.
- S9. Diced Bean Curd And Shredded Pork Potage Soup US$11.00
- S10. Yellow Fish Mixed Potage Soup US$14.50
Braised Noodles in Soup
- H1. Braised Noodles With Pork US$9.75
- H2. Braised Noodles With Chicken US$9.75
- H3. Braised Noodles With Beef US$11.25
- H4. Braised Noodles With Shrimp US$11.25
- H5. Braised Noodles With Vegetables US$9.25
- H6. Braised Noodles With Scallion And Pork Chop US$11.25
Noodles in Soup
- N1. House Special Pork Chop With Noodles In Soup US$11.25
- N2. Noodles With Meat Sauce US$10.25
Cha chiang mein. Hot and spicy.
- N3. Shanghai Wonton With Noodles In Soup US$9.75
- N4. Shredded Pork And Preserved Vegetable Noodles In Soup US$9.75
- N5. Shredded Pork And Preserved Szechuan Pickle Noodles In Soup US$9.75
- N6. Seafood Noodles In Soup US$16.25
- N7. Shanghai Style Noodles In Soup US$11.25
- N8. Mixed Pork And Shrimp With Noodles In Soup US$10.50
- N9. Spicy Stewed Beef With Noodles In Soup US$11.50
Hot and spicy.
- N10. Baby Shrimp With Noodles In Soup US$11.25
- N12. Aromatic Beef With Noodles In Soup US$11.25
- N13. Dan Dan Noodles US$9.25
- Vegetalbe Noodles In Soup US$9.25
Pan-Fried Noodles
- P1. Chicken Pan-Fried Noodles US$16.00
- P2. Pork Pan-Fried Noodles US$16.00
- P3. Beef Pan-Fried Noodles US$18.00
- P4. Baby Shrimp Pan-Fried Noodles US$18.00
- P5. Shanghai Style Pan-Fried Noodles US$18.00
- P6. Seafood Pan-Fried Noodles US$21.00
- P7. Vegetable Pan-Fried Noodles US$16.00
Fried Rice
- M1. Shanghai Style Fried Rice US$13.50
- M2. Pork Fried Rice US$12.50
- M3. Chicken Fried Rice US$12.50
- M4. Beef Fried Rice US$13.50
- M5. Baby Shrimp Fried Rice US$13.50
- M6. Young Chow Fried Rice US$13.50
- M7. Shredded Pork And Preserved Cabbage Fried Rice US$12.50
- M8. Vegetable Fried Rice US$12.50
- M9. Egg Fried Rice US$10.50
- M10. Hong Kong Style Fried Rice US$15.50
Rice Cake
- R1. Shredded Pork And Preserved Vegetables With Rice Cakes
- R2. Chicken With Rice Cakes
- R3. Vegetable With Rice Cakes
- R4. Beef With Rice Cakes
- R5. Shrimp With Rice Cakes
- R6. Shanghai Style Rice Cakes
- R7. Seafood With Rice Cakes
Shanghai Style Lo Mein
- T1. Shanghai Style Lo Mein With Chicken US$12.25
- T3. Shanghai Style Lo Mein With Pork US$12.25
- T6. Shanghai Style Lo Mein With Beef US$13.25
- T7. Shanghai Style Lo Mein With Shrimp US$13.25
- T8. Shanghai Style Lo Mein With Pork And Shrimp US$13.25
- T9. Shanghai Style Lo Mein With Seafood US$19.25
Poultry
- P1. Diced Chicken With Walnut US$21.00
- P2. Chicken With Cashew US$21.00
- P3. Diced Chicken In Hoisin Sauce US$21.00
- P4. Diced Chicken In Hot Pepper Sauce US$21.00
Hot and spicy.
- P5. Kung Pao Chicken US$21.00
Hot and spicy.
- P6. Sliced Chicken With Broccoli US$20.00
- P7. Sliced Chicken With Eggplant In Garlic Sauce US$20.00
Hot and spicy.
- P8. General Tso's Chicken US$20.00
Hot and spicy.
- P9. Sweet And Sour Chicken US$20.00
- P10. Sliced Chicken With Mixed Vegetables US$20.00
- P11. Half Braised Duck In Scallion Sauce US$26.00
- P12. Half Crispy Duck US$26.00
- P13. Sesame Chicken US$20.00
Pork
- K1. Double Sauteed Pork With Hot Sauce US$20.00
Hot and spicy.
- K2. Shredded Pork With Dried Bean Curd US$20.00
- K3. Shredded Pork With Preserved Szechuan Pickle US$20.00
- K4. Shredded Pork With Bamboo Shoots US$20.00
- K5. Shredded Pork With Garlic Sauce US$20.00
Hot and spicy.
- K6. Hot Peppers With Shredded Pork Stomach US$20.00
Hot and spicy.
- K7. Braised Lion's Head Meatball With Vegetables US$23.00
- K8. Braised Boar Hock With Baby Bai Choy US$29.00
- K9. Pork Chop With Salt And Pepper US$20.00
- K10. Braised Cabbage With Dried Shredded Pork US$18.00
- K11. Cabbage With Salty Pork US$21.00
- K12. Pork Chop With Sweet And Sour Sauce US$20.00
- K13. Fresh Bacon With Preserved Cabbage US$23.00
Beef
- B1. Hot Pepper And Shredded Beef US$24.50
Hot and spicy. Comes with brown sauce.
- B2. Tangerine Beef US$24.50
Hot and spicy.
- B3. Sliced Beef With Broccoli US$24.50
- B4. Shredded Beef With Garlic Sauce US$24.50
Hot and spicy.
- B5. Shredded Beef With Dried Bean Curd And Chinese Celery US$24.50
- B6. Dry Sauteed Shredded Beef US$24.50
Szechuan style.
- B7. Pepper Steak US$24.50
Bean Curd and Vegetables
- V1. Bean Curd Szechuan Style US$17.00
Hot and spicy.
- V2. Sauteed Dry String Beans US$17.00
- V3. Eggplant With Garlic Sauce US$17.00
Hot and spicy.
- V4. Homemade Style Bean Curd US$17.00
Hot and spicy.
- V5. Preserved Vegetable Lime Bean And Bean Curd Sheets US$17.00
- V6. Buddha Deluxe US$17.00
Mixed vegetables.
- V7. Broccoli With Garlic Sauce US$17.00
Hot and spicy.
- V8. Sauteed Spinach With Dried Onion US$17.00
- V9. Sauteed Baby Shanghai Bai Choy US$17.00
- V10. Bean Curd With Black Mushrooms US$21.00
- V11. Black Mushrooms With Shanghai Bai Choy US$21.00
- V12. Watercress Sauteed With Enoki Mushrooms US$20.00
- V13. Chinese Broccoli With Garlic US$19.00
- V14. Sauteed Black Mushrooms And Bamboo Shoots US$21.00
Casseroles
- A1. Salty And Fresh Pork Medley US$26.00
Comes with dry bean curd tripe and bamboo shoot.
- A2. Whole Yellowfish With Pork US$27.00
Preserved vegetables in soup.
- A4. Lion's Head Meatball Casserole US$24.00
Meatball.
- A5. Shi Jin Guo Ba US$24.25
Assorted meat potage with sizzling rice.
- A6. Wuxi Spareribs US$26.00
Seafood
- E1. Fried Jumbo Shrimp With Wonderful Fruit Sauce US$25.50
- E2. Sesame Shrimp US$25.50
- E3. Jumbo Shrimp With Salt And Pepper US$25.50
Hot and spicy.
- E4. Shrimp With Szechuan Chili Sauce US$25.50
Hot and spicy.
- E5. Jumbo Shrimp With Ginger And Scallion Sauce US$25.50
- E6. Sauteed Baby Shrimp US$23.00
- E7. Popcorn Shrimp With Dried Seaweed US$21.00
- E8. Squid And Shrimp Sauteed With Ginger And Scallion US$21.00
- E9. Shrimp And Chicken With Hoisin Sauce US$21.00
- E10. Scallop With White Wine Sauce US$23.00
- E11. Squid With Salt And Pepper US$20.50
Hot and spicy.
- E12. Crispy Whole Yellowfish With Sweet And Sour Sauce US$26.25
- E13. Crispy Whole Yellowfish With Chili Sauce US$26.25
Hot and spicy.
- E14. Braised Whole Yellowfish With Pork In Brown Sauce US$26.25
- E15. Fried Fish Finger With Dried Seaweed US$26.25
- E18. Braised Cabbage With Dried Baby Shrimps US$16.25
- E19. Cabbage With Crab Meat US$23.25
- E20. Bean Curd With Crab Meat US$23.25
- E21. Bean Curd With Baby Shrimps US$20.25
- E22. Baby Shrimps With Shanghai Bok Choy US$20.25
- E23. Baby Shrimp With Broccoli US$21.00
- E24. Fried Fish Filet With Broccoli US$21.00
Cold Dishes
- C1. Wine Chicken US$19.25
- C2. Kau Fu US$9.75
- C3. Spicy Cabbage US$8.00
Hot and spicy.
- C5. Aromatic Beef US$13.75
- C7. Braised Bamboo Shoots US$9.25
- C11. Crystal Noodle With Sliced Chicken And Sesame Sauce US$12.75
Over Rice Dishes
- O1. Sesame Chicken Over Rice US$11.25
- O2. Spicy Stewed Beef Over Rice US$12.25
Hot and spicy.
- O3. General Tso's Chicken Over Rice US$11.25
Hot and spicy.
- O4. House Special Pork Chop Over Rice US$11.50
- O5. Beef With Broccoli Over Rice US$11.50
- O6. Beef With Bean Curd Over Rice US$11.50
- O7. Double Sauteed Pork Over Rice US$11.50
Hot and spicy.
- O8. Fish Filet Over Rice US$11.50
- O9. Shrimp With Lobster Sauce Over Rice US$11.50
- O10. Bean Curd Szechuan Style Over Rice US$11.25
Hot and spicy.
- O11. Squid With Preserved Cabbage Over Rice US$10.50
- O12. Sliced Pork With String Beans Over Rice US$10.50
- O13. Mixed Vegetables Over Rice US$11.25
- O14. Beef With Tomato Over Rice US$11.25
- O15. Chicken With Pepper In Black Bean Sauce Over Rice US$10.50
- O16. Baby Shrimp Broccoli Over Rice US$11.50
- O17. Chicken With Broccoli Over Rice US$11.50
Side Order
- White Rice
Shanghai 21 Details
Service options
- Delivery
- Takeaway
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great tea selection
- Serves local specialty
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Comfort food
- Late-night food
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Table service
Amenities
- Toilet
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cosy
- Trendy
Crowd
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Usually a wait
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Cash only
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
Parking
- Paid street parking
- Parking
Shanghai 21 Photos










Shanghai 21 Location
Shanghai 21 Reviews
soup dumplingsscallion pancakesshrimp dumplingsshanghai foodspicy wontonspan fried dumplingschinatownshanghainesewatercressszechuan wontons
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1very 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 takenfood 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.
August 23 · ERROR ERROROk. 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.
August 27 · Bleesy DyEverything was good, but not five star. Service was profesional, friendly, and quick enough. Quality was good. At least the place was clean and we didn’t have any stomach issue the day after. Food was all alright. We ordered soup dumplings, scallion pancake (that didn’t have much scallion), Shanghai fried rice, and Shanghai lo mien. The fried rice was the best among the four. Other patrons were not loud. So that’s a plus. You also don’t hear all the noise from the kitchen. They also offered cash payment that’s less than the credit card one. So overall, it’s more like 4.3/5.0.
July 26 · He WiWe planned a Chinatown day while in NYC and on a Tuesday! We didn’t realize most of the places are closed but this wasn’t! The food was phenomenal and loved everything hereFood : We got scallion pancakes, super crunchy and yum, Spring rolls (definitely have had better), soup dumplings and spicy wonton. All were yum!Service : Quick and simple!Atmosphere : A very family style restaurant! Loved the homely vibes it has
July 11 · Akshara TarkasYou know, when you're scrambling for a last-minute birthday dinner in New York, you don't always expect perfection. But Shanghai 21? They squeezed our lively bunch in like seasoned pros, and what followed was a truly hilarious and delicious experience.First off, let's talk about the "non-alcoholic" part. We discovered this little detail upon arrival, which for a birthday dinner, was... an interesting twist! Imagining a sober toast with sparkling water was pretty amusing, but honestly, the food was so outrageously good, we barely noticed the lack of bubbly.And what food it was! We gorged ourselves on the most gorgeous, delicious Chinese food I've had in ages. Every dish was a winner, from the perfectly steamed dumplings to the flavourful noodles. And the best part? The bill didn't make our eyes water – it was all incredibly reasonably priced. So if you're looking for a fantastic, funny, and surprisingly sober culinary adventure in NYC, Shanghai 21 is your spot. Just be prepared for a very clear-headed evening!
June 10 · Jon Cass #11
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