Seemor
Shanghai 21B+Worth Trying
21 Mott St, New York, NY 10013
· Chinese restaurant, Restaurant, Shanghainese restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (3401 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout
Crowded Chinatown staple for soup dumplings and budget-friendly classics; great value and lively vibe, but expect waits, cash-only friction, and inconsistent service.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Shanghai 21 excels at what it does: standout soup dumplings and Szechuan wontons paired with exceptional value and quick service create a compelling neighborhood experience. However, inconsistent execution—dry buns, bland broths, occasional overcooked items—and tight, crowded quarters prevent a higher grade. It's a reliable choice for Shanghainese comfort food in a classic Chinatown setting, competitive with respected local favorites.
Restaurant Summary
Shanghai 21 channels a classic Chinatown energy: narrow room, quick pours of hot tea, and servers hustling dishes to tightly packed tables. Expect a wait at peak times, but many say it moves faster than quoted. As one fan put it, "The dumplings hit, the room buzzes, and the bill stays friendly." Service can feel brisk, and the space is cozy and crowded, but the kitchen moves at a clip. The cooking skews traditional and crowd-pleasing, with soup dumplings, spicy Szechuan wontons, fried rice, and lo mein leading the charge. The culinary approach leans classic, not flashy: familiar Shanghainese and Cantonese-leaning flavors, generous portions, and prices that make a group feast easy. Highlights are XLB and wontons; weaker spots include occasional dry buns or overcooked fried fish. Order smart and you get big value comfort. Families do well here thanks to kid-friendly staples: egg or vegetable fried rice ($10.50), sesame or General Tso’s chicken over rice (~$11), and simple lo mein ($12-$13). Vegetarian items are marked on the menu, but gluten-free options lack clarity and one caller was told none are GF. If your crew includes adventurous and cautious eaters, noodles, fried rice, and dumplings keep everyone happy.
At a Glance
- Standout soup dumplings and spicy Szechuan wontons
- Strong value with generous portions and fair prices
- Door waits and occasional slow greeting at tables
- Reports of automatic service charge surprise
- Inconsistent items (dry buns, bland broth, overcooked fish)
What Sets It Apart
- excellent_value_dumplings
- classic_chinatown_vibe
- fast_kitchen_turnaround
What People Love
- Slurpable XLB with thin skins
- Fiery, flavorful Szechuan wontons
- Fast-arriving plates once ordered
- Prices that feel like a find
Points of Concern
- Door waits of 10-45 minutes at peak are common
- Service can be curt or inattentive between drops
- Some inconsistency: occasional dry buns or bland soup bases
- Reports of automatic 18-20% service charge; check bill before tipping
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$28-40 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Build a two-person set: Pork XLB ($9.75) + Szechuan wontons ($9.25) + Shanghai lo mein ($12-13); add scallion pancakes ($6) if hungry.
- For kids: Egg fried rice ($10.50) or sesame chicken over rice ($11.25).
- For spice fans: Szechuan wontons and spicy stewed beef noodles ($11.50).
Perfect For
- Casual dumpling crawl in Chinatown
- Budget-friendly group feast
- Quick pre-show or post-sightseeing meal
- Solo slurp stop for noodles and tea
Location Insights
Area: Historic Chinatown corridor with dense foot traffic, casual eateries, and tourist spillover; lively day and evening.
Safety: Busy, well-trodden blocks with steady pedestrian activity; typical urban awareness advised.
Nearby: Near Columbus Park, Canal St transit and shopping, and clusters of dim sum and noodle shops.
NolitaNolita is a trendy and fashionable neighborhood with a strong emphasis on boutique shopping, artisanal eateries, and intimate dining experiences. The area is known for its lively yet relaxed atmosphere, attracting food enthusiasts and those seeking a blend of classic New York charm with modern culinary innovation.
Little ItalyLittle Italy is a historic enclave within Nolita famous for its Italian-American heritage, traditional restaurants, and festive street events. It offers a warm, community-oriented dining environment with many classic Italian eateries alongside newer, trendy spots.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–20:30
Tuesday11:00–20:30
Wednesday11:00–20:30
Thursday11:00–20:30
Friday11:00–20:30
Saturday11:00–20:30
Sunday11:00–20:30
Available: Delivery, Takeout
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