What should I order at Shanghai 21?
Shanghai 21
Soup Dumplings
Highly praised across multiple reviews for their exceptional flavor, quality, and consistency over many years. Considered the signature dish and a must-order item.
Szechuan Style Wontons
Mentioned repeatedly as bursting with flavor and the best Szechuan style wontons some reviewers have ever had. Highly recommended and often ordered multiple times.
Scallion Pancakes
Frequently noted for their crunchiness and delicious taste, making them a popular appetizer choice among patrons.
Low Mein with Pork and Shrimp
Highlighted as flavorful and satisfying, often recommended alongside the soup dumplings and wontons as part of a perfect meal.
Crab and Pork Dumplings
Praised for their generous crab filling and excellent broth, standing out compared to other dumplings on the menu.
Beef Siu Mai
Called the best beef siu mai some reviewers have ever had, melting in the mouth and full of flavor, setting a high standard.
Salt and Pepper Squid
Highlighted in one review as the best salt and pepper squid, appreciated for its taste and texture.
General Tso Chicken
Mentioned as fantastic and part of a highly recommended dish trio along with scallion pancakes and siu mai.
Hours
| Monday | 11 AM to 8:30 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 11 AM to 8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 11 AM to 8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM to 8:30 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM to 8:30 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM to 8:30 PM |
| Sunday | 11 AM to 8:30 PM |
About Shanghai 21
No-frills place offering a big menu of beyond-the-basics Chinese dishes including soup dumplings.
Amenities & services
Service options
- Delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great tea selection
- Serves local specialty
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Comfort food
- Late-night food
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Usually a wait
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
Parking
- Paid street parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
Frequently asked questions
What is Shanghai 21 known for?
Shanghai 21 is best known for its soup dumplings, which reviewers describe as especially flavorful with thin skins and rich broth. The restaurant is also praised for Shanghai lo mein, scallion pancakes, and other Shanghainese specialties served in a Chinatown setting.
What dishes are most recommended at Shanghai 21?
The most recommended dishes are soup dumplings, scallion pancakes, pork dumplings, shrimp dumplings, and Shanghai lo mein, with some reviewers also highlighting crispy beef, General Tso chicken, spicy wonton, and salt and pepper squid. People often mention that the dumplings and noodles are the safest bets if you want the dishes reviewers return for most often.
What is the atmosphere like at Shanghai 21?
The atmosphere is casual, cozy, and a little trendy, with a small, narrow dining room that can feel crowded and sometimes loud during peak hours. Reviewers say it has a classic Chinatown energy and works well for groups, tourists, and solo diners who do not mind a busy room.
Is Shanghai 21 good value?
Yes, many reviewers say the food is worth the price, especially for the $10 to $20 range. Comments repeatedly call the prices fair or very reasonable, and the portions are often described as generous enough that people take leftovers home.
How long is the wait at Shanghai 21?
Waits are common, and the restaurant is noted as usually having a wait, especially around lunch when it can get packed. Reviewers mention waits of about 15 to 20 minutes at times, so going earlier or being prepared to line up helps.
Is parking available at Shanghai 21?
Yes. Paid street parking, Usually difficult to find a space is available.
Does Shanghai 21 have vegetarian options?
Yes, Shanghai 21 offers vegan options.
Is Shanghai 21 kid-friendly?
Yes, Shanghai 21 is good for kids.
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