The search for a great soup Dumpling
For the last few years and perhaps more I have gotten my soup dumplings from Shanghai Cafe, call it habit, simply comfort or laziness. Why fix something that is not broken?
So what happens when you dumpling house decides to close for the Chinese new year and you are still hungry and longing for some food. Better men would be loyal to the end and stand stead fast in when the other part of the relationship fails to be there. I on the other hand was meeting a friend for dinner and needed a replacement to my current destination.
Because I was in the mood for soup dumpling I decided to go to a place I had heard about for almost the same amount of time since my relationship started with my other dumpling house. This place was known for its lines for its superior quality and taste, or at least that was the rumor among my friends.
I went late 8ish pm. When I went there , there was no line it was like going to Madison square and finding Shakeshack empty. I imagine this is what food heaven is like. No line just quality food.
We were showed to our table really quick and asked if we wanted soup dumplings before we removed our coats. Of course I said yes but felt rushed. This set the tone for the whole dinner. The employs were nice but seemed to be trained to feed you and send you out.
The thing I love about Shanghai cafe is that you get to go there and stay as long as you like. I never feel pressured.
The second thing that put me off was that once the first soup dumpling arrived it seem to have atleast 3 broken ones. Now you may not think much of this but the reason I go for soup dumplings is to have the sou inside of it. Now the controversial topic here is the thickness of the skin or though of the dumpling. A few of my friends have raved that the dumpling at Joe's is thinner than at Shanghai and that is what makes them better. Nevertheless, if they break on the way how good is that. So I was willing to let that factor go until I bit into one. Where did the flavor go, did it leave with serenity and calmness. They were bland. That is right Deming, Daniel was right. The dumplings are not even in the same league.
In short Shanghai cafe is much better. Joe Shisuan is over hipped and of lesser quality :)
So what happens when you dumpling house decides to close for the Chinese new year and you are still hungry and longing for some food. Better men would be loyal to the end and stand stead fast in when the other part of the relationship fails to be there. I on the other hand was meeting a friend for dinner and needed a replacement to my current destination.
Because I was in the mood for soup dumpling I decided to go to a place I had heard about for almost the same amount of time since my relationship started with my other dumpling house. This place was known for its lines for its superior quality and taste, or at least that was the rumor among my friends.
I went late 8ish pm. When I went there , there was no line it was like going to Madison square and finding Shakeshack empty. I imagine this is what food heaven is like. No line just quality food.
We were showed to our table really quick and asked if we wanted soup dumplings before we removed our coats. Of course I said yes but felt rushed. This set the tone for the whole dinner. The employs were nice but seemed to be trained to feed you and send you out.
The thing I love about Shanghai cafe is that you get to go there and stay as long as you like. I never feel pressured.
The second thing that put me off was that once the first soup dumpling arrived it seem to have atleast 3 broken ones. Now you may not think much of this but the reason I go for soup dumplings is to have the sou inside of it. Now the controversial topic here is the thickness of the skin or though of the dumpling. A few of my friends have raved that the dumpling at Joe's is thinner than at Shanghai and that is what makes them better. Nevertheless, if they break on the way how good is that. So I was willing to let that factor go until I bit into one. Where did the flavor go, did it leave with serenity and calmness. They were bland. That is right Deming, Daniel was right. The dumplings are not even in the same league.
In short Shanghai cafe is much better. Joe Shisuan is over hipped and of lesser quality :)
picture from the web.9 Pell Street
New York, New York 10013
Phone: 212-233-8888
Fax: 212-233-0278
Hours:
Everyday
11am - 11pm
midtownlunch.com100 Mott St
(between Canal St & Hester St)
New York, NY 10013
Neighborhoods: Chinatown, Little Italy
