Dump Your Plans For These Soup Dumplings ~ By Phil and Lindsey

Photography by Michelle

Joe’s Shanghai

9 Pell Street, New York, NY 10013

(Various Locations, Manhattan and Queens)

Tucked away in the outskirts of China (Town), if you weren’t searching for this delicious oasis of soup dumplings, you would probably be forced to purchase some mangos from a street vendor, with a pinch of e-coli. 

The amazing thing is that it’s almost as if the door to Joe’s leads to the Narnia of dumplings. After awkwardly squeezing by green-tinted fish tanks, you are politely (read: forcibly) seated next to two businessmen grabbing lunch with their secretary and three would-be fashion bloggers having a boozy lunch, downing Tsingtoa like it was Mountain Dew. 

Ah yes, the communal table, nothing screams intimate quite like hearing your neighbor slurp dumplings in your ear.

But seriously, who cares, these dumplings changed our lives! We’re talking about a divine, spiritual, light-a-candle moment. We don’t know what they are hiding back there, but surely they are soaked in the elixir of life. Watch out though, these dumplings will take you to the bank. Literally. They only take cash, but they aren’t expensive, so come prepared! 

Photography by Michelle

Ladies First:

“Growing up in a household with a Tiger Mom, I’ve had my fair share of dumplings. However, I’ve never had a soup dumpling quite like Joe’s Shanghai. These pillows of paradise were steamed to perfection, and with the very first bite, you could tell that the shrimp and pork concoction had been slow cooked.”

Gentleman’s Disclosure: 

“The broth in the soup dumplings had incredible flavor. Honestly, I’ve never had anything like it, and nothing I ate afterwards was enough to steal my attention from its rich, full flavor. The other entrees were delicious, but the dumplings reigned supreme. Inexpensive, engaging, and awkward enough to get a good laugh, this spot made memories and found it’s way to the top of my NYC go-to spots.”

Soup Dumplings (Shrimp and Pork) order of 8: $6.95

Scallion Pancake: $2.95

Clams with Scallion and Ginger: $15.95

Texas Ratings

Lindsey: 

Phil: