The temporary closure of Prosperity Dumpling in Manhattan's Chinatown due to health code violations (it wasn't the free-range alley rats that did them in, it was the cockroaches) has left dumpling enthusiasts reeling citywide.
For those of us who frequent Chinatown's ultra-competitive dumpling spots, it's not fresh news that Prosperity was only one of many great dumpling joints in the 'hood.
So we've taken the liberty of alphabetically laying out 6 other dumpling spots in Chinatown that are just as good-- and probably not chockfull of rats and roaches.
(Rather, hopefully not chockfull of rats and roaches; after all, it is Chinatown...)
Now grab your chopsticks, Sriracha and dumpling sauce; it's time to dump it up to these 6 delicious, under-the-radar Chinatown alternatives.
1. Bossanova Ramen (76 Mott Street)
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Bossanova Ramen is not exactly a dumpling joint, per se. Obviously their main pursuit is ramen (and it's great), but let us not forget their dumpling sides.
Dumplings at Bossanova Ramen come on a sizzling pan and feature a thin green wrapping, meaning they're not too filling and make a great accompaniment to any of Bossanova's ramen bowls.
Some complain that they're too greasy, but that kind of goes with the territory of eating dumplings served on the surface they were cooked on-- of course there's going to be more oil involved.
Duh. Think fajitas.
2. Carma Asian Tapas (38-40 Carmine Street)
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Carma is an Asian/Latin fusion spot with a lot to offer, including peking duck tacos (we couldn't neglect to mention them because they're dope).
But on the topic of dumplings, this is the place to go for a variety of soup dumplings: pork, crab, whatever. Their jasmine dumplings are also said to be some of the best around. So if it's soup dumplings you're looking for, look no further.
Now, the other soup dumpling spot everyone talks about is Joe's Shanghai. It's worth noting that these spots are essentially on two sides of the same coin.
Joe's is a Shanghai-nese restaurant and Carma is fusion. Joe's offers larger portions for less money, but the ambiance at Carma's is clearly superior. So bear those crucial details in mind when determining what sort of soup dumpling experience you're going for.
3. Shanghai Asian Manor (21 Mott Street)
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This is another place that's often compared to Joe's Shanghai. For one, they're both strictly Shanghai-nese cuisine, meaning inspired by the traditional dishes of Shanghai's region in China.
After that, the comparisons end. Shanghai Asian Manor is definitely a nicer experience than Joe's. It's also more expensive. But what you get is something more special.
They also offer soup dumplings, but also pan fried and steamed, so they cover the three main groups of dumplings.
Top varieties include the highly recommended shrimp and watercress dumplings, pork dumplings of any kind, and steamed snow pea dumplings for a vegetarian choice.
,4. 21 Shanghai House (21 Division Street)
Another Shanghai-nese restaurant, 21 Shanghai House is about as highly rated as they come (4.5 stars on Yelp).
They, of course, have soup dumplings. And, of course, people rave about them. And, of course, it's no nonsense. They're actually amazing.
They're decorated for the stellar service, and that's an important point.
In Chinatown, you're just as likely to be ignored unless you speak a dialect of Chinese as you are likely to be waited on hand and foot, so it's good to know where you stand with 21 Shanghai House.
The only recognizable downside to 21 Shanghai House is that they use paper lining for steaming dumplings instead of cabbage, making it a bit difficult to pick up the dumplings without tearing the delicate skins.
But really, if that's the biggest complaint than there isn't much to complain about, right?
5. Shu Jiao Fu Zhou Cuisine Restaurant (118 Eldridge Street)
If you're on a budget and looking for the best dumplings for cheap, Shu Jiao Fu Zhou is the place for you. $3 will get you ten dumplings; they are homemade and amazing.
As we mentioned above, dumpling wrapping is very important. These guys use home made dough for wrapping and it is as thin as can be, which allows for optimal dumpling consumption.
Chinese dumplings are not meant to be very starchy; the skin is not meant to be thick. In fact, the skin is really only there to hold the filling in. Besides that, it should be as nonexistent as possible and Shu Jiao Fu Zhou nails that concept perfectly.
Plus, you need to know that you can bring home a bag of 30 frozen dumplings for $10.
6. Tasty Dumpling (54 Mulberry Street)
Tasty Dumpling is a great spot for cheap as cheap can be dumplings in Chinatown. They're not regarded as the best but they're definitely not bad. Who can complain when $1.25 gets you five dumplings?
Not only that, they have perhaps the widest variety of dumplings around: shrimp & chives, mushroom & chicken, dill & pork, cabbage & pork; the list goes on and on.
Just like Shu Jiao Fu Zhou, Tasty Dumpling sells frozen bulk dumpling orders, and they're an insane value: 50 pieces for $9-11, depending on the type you order.
Check out 10 Reasons Why New Yorkers Can't Live Without Chinese Food in NYC.
[Feature Image Courtesy: Instagram]