Joe’s Ginger

Why Come Here? Cheaper alternative to Joe’s Shanghai without the wait, Soup Dumplings

A few year’s back Xiao Long Bao – or soup dumplings – were all the rage in NYC. It all started when Joe’s Shanghai brought the broth filled dumplings of China’s Jiangnan region in Chinatown. But just because the trendsters have moved on to fried chicken and cronuts doesn’t mean soup dumplings are any less delicious. This fact is not lost on most NYC diners, as they still line up for up to an hour at the Chinatown location to be stuffed into communal tables. What is lost on them is that Joe’s Ginger – only a few doors down Pell Street – is serving the exact same thing without the waits.

Joe’s Ginger was opened by Joe Si (of Joe’s Shanghai) ten years ago, but somehow most people never make the connection it’s the same chef. Maybe they think it’s a Ray’s Pizza situation. Or maybe there are just a lot of Joe’s in China. Whatever the reason, it’s good news for you. Joe’s Ginger has a very similar menu, including the signature soup dumplings which I’m happy to say are just as good hear as 100 steps on the road. And while Joes’ Shanghai had a 30 minute wait for a table on a recent Friday night, Joe’s Ginger was half full. And you get your own table. Did I mention it’s also cheaper?

The only downside of Joe’s Ginger is the decor is more typical Chinatown, which is to say there is none to speak of. But if that’s something you’re willing to pay up and wait an extra 30 minutes for, you’re probably not reading a blog called The Dishelin Guide. Because in terms of the dishes, it’s right on par with it’s neighbor. Although it still charges a bit of a premium to lesser known Chinatown haunts for smaller portions, it’s still worth coming in to get our hands on the soup dumplings. Here’s what we had:

Crab Meat and Pork Steamed Buns (Joe’s Soup Dumplings) From the thin skin, to the salty broth to the sweet/savory blend of the sea & land, this is one of my favorite foods and these guys do it as well as anyone. Just remember the first rule of xiaolongbao: place the dumpling on your spoon and take a small bite first lest you want a soup explosion in your face.