For those strapped for cash in NYC, dumplings are perhaps the perfect food. Delicious, quick, fresh, and cheap, they're a staple of New York cuisine. Dumplings are a part of many different international cuisines -- from Russian pelmeni to Italian ravioli. But when you have a craving for Beijing-style fried dumplings or Shanghai-style soup dumplings, look no further than these five Chinatown favorites.
Prosperity Dumpling
Often hailed as the best guotie-style dumplings in the city, Prosperity offers maximum flavor for minimum cost. They're especially known for their pork and chive dumplings (5 for $1), which are packed full of chive and whose unusually light, thin wrappers avoid the doughiness that plagues lesser shops. Think ahead and order a package of frozen dumplings to go (They come in packs of 50 or 100). You'll be needing them later.
46 Eldridge St., Manhattan. 212-343-0683
Tasty Dumpling
On the other side of Canal Street, Tasty Dumpling serves up another top-notch plate, making a name for themselves because of their delicious fillings. The pork and chive dumplings here taste especially meaty, and the chicken and mushroom, often dry at other locations, is succulent and juicy. To enjoy them, head to the bustling park across the street -- and don't forget bring some napkins.
54 Mulberry St., Manhattan. 212-349-0070.
Joe's Shanghai
Just because it's popular with tourists, doesn't mean it's not good. That's definitely the case with Joe's Shanghai, which was discovered by the NYC guidebooks several years ago and has been turning over a brisk business ever since. But stop by and see why: The soup dumplings, filled with either crab or pork meat, are plump and filled with delicious broth. To avoid the waits here, try the more informal Joe's Ginger down the street.
24 W. 56th St., Manhattan. 212-333-3868.
Vanessa's Dumpling House
A favorite with local students thanks to their cheap prices and small sit-down area, Vanessa's pan-fried dumplings make me hungry just looking at them. They're fried to perfection, with a perfectly crispy, golden brown crust, but without the pool of grease that typically accompanies such a dish. Grab an order with one of Vanessa's signature sesame pancakes (we recommend the vegetable), and you've got a full meal for less than $3.
118 Eldridge St., Manhattan. 212-625-8008.
Nan Xiang
If you're looking for a true dumpling adventure, look no further. Take the 7 train into Flushing for some of the best soup dumplings in the five boroughs. Named after the neighborhood in Shanghai where the dish was invented, this restaurant is particularly known for its crab soup dumplings. Be careful when you bite into them -- the skins are so delicate that they break easily, opening up a pocket of delicious, rich broth that will leave you craving these treats all week.
38-12 Prince St., Queens. 718-321-3838.
No comments:
Post a Comment