Joe’s Shanghai

Joe’s Shanghai brings Shanghainese cooking to Chinatown with a menu centered on soup dumplings and other Chinese specialties. The restaurant is especially associated with xiaolongbao, the delicate dumplings filled with hot broth and pork, and also serves dishes such as scallion pancakes, noodles, fried rice and a range of meat, seafood and vegetable preparations. Its Chinatown location on Bowery makes it a natural stop for a meal built around dumplings, whether you are ordering a few baskets for the table or exploring the broader menu. The restaurant’s name has become closely tied to its soup-dumpling tradition, giving the menu a clear signature while still leaving room for a full Chinese meal.

There’s a reason that the name Joe’s Shanghai is synonymous with soup dumplings in New York City. Their Xiao Long Bao — delicate dumplings filled with hot broth and either pork or pork and crab — are so well-known that they even have their own dedicated section on Joe’s Shanghai’s website. Joe’s Shanghai has been serving these dumplings — and the rest of their enormous menu, which is filled with delicious sides, appetizers, and entrees — to the City for thirty years now, and theirs are still the best a person can find. Each basket is freshly made to order, so make sure to ask for yours when you and your party first sit down at your table.

Famous for bringing authentic flavors and unforgettable dining experiences to the table, Joe’s Shanghai has earned its place as the 2025 Winner in the Chinese Restaurant category. Renowned for its legendary soup dumplings and traditional Shanghainese dishes, this celebrated eatery has become a culinary landmark beloved by locals and visitors alike. Every dish reflects masterful technique and dedication to authenticity, offering a taste of China’s rich culinary heritage in every bite. Guests consistently praise the warm atmosphere, attentive service, and impeccable flavors that make each visit memorable. Whether you’re indulging in signature dumplings or savoring a full feast, expect nothing short of excellence from this award-winning destination for Chinese cuisine.

Steaming, savory, and irresistibly flavorful — few dishes capture the heart like dumplings, and Joe’s Shanghai has perfected them to award-winning status. Crowned the 2025 Winner in the Dumplings category, this iconic eatery has long been celebrated for its delicate wrappers, rich fillings, and signature soup dumplings that burst with authentic flavor. Each bite reflects a balance of craftsmanship, tradition, and culinary passion that keeps guests coming back for more. Beyond the food, the restaurant’s welcoming ambiance and attentive service elevate every dining experience. Whether you’re a longtime fan or tasting these famous dumplings for the first time, expect nothing less than excellence. Discover why this establishment continues to set the gold standard for dumpling lovers everywhere.

For more than 20 years, Joe’s Shanghai has been the best soup dumplings that have New Yorkers talking. This place is so popular that it has outgrown several locations over the years, but its newest spot is plenty spacious. And though it can still get packed, we promise the food is worth the wait. Chef and owner Joe Si specializes in traditional Shanghainese cuisine. The menu has plenty of soup dumplings to choose from, as well as noodles, soups, meats, and vegetable dishes. Some fan favorites are the pork soup dumplings, crab meat soup dumplings, Shanghai noodle soup and fried rice, and sesame chicken.