Shanghai Dumpling King

Awesome xiaolongbao (Shanghainese dumplings) and yummy dishes all round at very reasonable prices. We love this place and would go a lot more often if we lived closer.

When I first heard of shanghai dumpling king I was ecstatic. Being shanghainese myself, I grew up loving the cuisine and especially the dumplings. Naturally, the name “shanghai dumpling king” brought me into the establishment bright eyed and bushy tailed. The first time I ate here, I came during opening time. I went with several friends and the first thing I noticed in the place was the cold, cramped environment of the restaurant. Even the employees wore scarves and long jackets to keep themselves warm. The tables are set literally 4 inches away from each other and trying to move is a definite no no. They even lined the halls leading to the restroom with tables so one can enjoy the sound of the toilet flushing when eating. And btw, the rest rooms had no toilet paper and were filthy.

We ended up ordering eight orders of shanghai dumplings and a “vegetable melody” dish. Being shanghainese, I know the importance of good shanghai dumplings. These were ABSOLUTELY not good. They were cold, dry, and would break and spill all the juices when I would pick them up. It wouldn’t surprise me if they were leftovers from the night before. The “vegetable melody” dish was equally disappointing and consisted of ten pieces of broccoli and some celery. When it came time to pay, the employees force CASH payment only. Despite this experience we still tipped 15% and were on our way.

My second experience will be the last time I EVER eat at this restaurant or recommend it to anyone. When I arrived, the waitress looked me square in the eye and asked me how many people I had in my party. I told her and she told me to wait. I stood patiently behind a group of six individuals and waited. About twenty minutes later, the group of six was called and they requested her to give them a round table since she had one available. She told them “NO” sharply since those were “reserved” and sat them in a compressed 4-person table. She then grabbed a dilapidated clipboard with freehanded lines and read off the names of a party that had arrived after me. They quickly told her that I had been first but she still seated them anyways. I continued to patiently wait. The next group was called and came in even after the previous one. They told her that I had been waiting first in line as well, she seemingly brushed it off and scolded me to sign in. I told her that she had told me to wait but I didn’t sign in. The people that were to be seated told her to seat me first as well because I had been first. Despite BOTH of our efforts, she still seated them. I looked at the guy in line and he told me under his breath “that’s just wrong.” At this point I walked out of the restaurant and found somewhere else to eat.

In conclusion, I am quite disappointed with the service I received at this restaurant. The food was poor-mediocre at best and the environment is cramped, cold, dirty, and windy (I know, somehow the wind gets in). I would NOT recommend this restaurant to anyone.

Great little place that is kinda on the edge of the city. Stuff is hot and fresh, dumplings are juicy and green onion pancakes aren’t soggy. Open fairly late as well.

Great Green Onion Pancake… super bubbly in texture, and it’s definitely got some pork fat action in there…

Xiao Long Bao (Juicy Pork Dumplings) were tasty, though not terribly juicy. Din Tai Fung down south in Arcadia is better.

The Pork and Veggie Dumplings in spicy sauce, the chili oil for those of you who know, is pretty tasty.

I also liked their Pot Stickers… really good crisp on them.

Service was as expected… no courtesy, and they forgot a part of our order, and brought one more of the Green Onion Pancake than we ordered.

If you know and love the real thing, don’t bother unless you’re really desperate.