Joe's Home of Soup Dumplings — Restaurant in New York

On a beautiful afternoon, following my meeting, I took the subway from Brooklyn back to Manhattan. On a whim, I alighted at midtown to explore and chanced upon Joe's Home of Soup Dumplings. This eatery is the legacy of the second generation from Joe’s Shanghai in Chinatown, renowned for their signature soup dumplings.

The interior of Joe's Home of Soup Dumplings is a modern fusion, radiating brightness and cleanliness. I chose a counter seat, providing me a front-row view of the chefs meticulously rolling dough and crafting their famed soup dumplings along with other bao and dumplings. Their menu is diverse, featuring both cold and hot dishes. The service was swift and attentive. In the mood for a light lunch, I selected two cold appetizers: shredded tofu with rainbow vegetables and wine-soaked chicken, accompanied by a tray of crab and pork soup dumplings.

The cold dishes were delightful. The tofu and vegetables provided a mix of tender and crunchy textures, bursting with flavor. While the wine-soaked chicken could've used a bit more marination time, its taste was still rich and varied. But the pièce de résistance? The soup dumplings. My first experience with Joe's rendition, they were significantly larger than any I'd had before. The accompanying tongs and sauce were essential, given the challenge I faced grabbing them with chopsticks. I savored each dumpling by placing it on a saucer, puncturing it with a chopstick to savor the sumptuous soup inside, and then drizzling it with ginger soy vinaigrette. They were culinary perfection. Each dumpling was brimming with broth and flavor. The freshness of the crab coupled with tender meat and just-right seasoning had me reaching for one after another. Though a tray contained six dumplings, I was satiated by the fourth. Nevertheless, unwilling to let them go to waste, I devoured all six, humorously negating my intent of a 'light' lunch.

Afterwards, I strolled back to my hotel in Union Square, giving myself time to digest the delectable meal. Truly, it was a...

Joe's House of Soup Dumplings isn't just a restaurant, it's a temple dedicated to the art of the perfect dumpling. Forget dry, doughy disappointments; here, plump pillows of joy burst with flavor and juicy goodness, leaving you wanting more.

I dove headfirst into the pork and chicken soup dumplings, and let me tell you, these little parcels were pure magic. Each bite was an explosion of savory broth, tender meat, and perfectly cooked dough. The soup itself was a masterpiece – rich, flavorful, and just the right level of salty. It wasn't just a filling; it was an experience.

But the excellence didn't stop there. The dumplings arrived at our table with impressive speed, even with this bustling, multi-floored restaurant buzzing with life. Our waitress, a true pro, navigated the crowd with grace and efficiency, ensuring our order was flawless.

And then there came the presentation. Steaming hot baskets arrived, each dumpling glistening in the light. Accompanying them were two dipping sauces: a ginger vinaigrette for a touch of sweetness and acidity, and a chili oil for those who like it hot. Both were delicious, although I'll admit the ginger vinaigrette could have used a bit less bitterness.

Whether you're a solo diner seeking a comforting meal or a couple looking for a romantic date night, Joe's House of Soup Dumplings ticks all the boxes. The atmosphere is lively and welcoming, the service is top-notch, and the food? Well, the food is simply divine.

With a near-perfect score of 9.7 out of 10 (minus a tiny point for the slightly bitter vinaigrette), Joe's House of Soup Dumplings is a must-try for anyone who appreciates the art of the dumpling. Just be prepared for a wait – this culinary gem is worth the buzz!

So, next time you're craving a taste of juicy, flavorful heaven, don't hesitate. Head on over to Joe's House of Soup Dumplings and prepare to be wowed. Your taste buds...

4.5 / 5.0 - This is my new favorite soup dumpling place in Manhattan. Dumplings in the city generally have thicker skin and are doughier compared to dumplings in Asia. I prefer them to be less doughy, which you can find in Flushing, but it's been harder to find in Manhattan. So I'm so happy to have found such a great spot nearby.

I came for lunch today with a group of 4 and ordered: Crab Meat w. Pork Steamed Soup Dumplings ($12.95+) Pork Steamed Soup Dumplings x2 ($11.25+) Bean Curd Szechuan Style (w. Minced Pork) (aka Mapo Tofu) ($21.50+) Fried Rice w. Pork ($18.95+) Jasmine Tea ($10+)

The soup dumplings were so juicy and delicious, and were so large they didn't fit on a regular Chinese spoon--they have a special soup dish to eat them. Each order comes with 6 dumplings and they have 3 options: Crab Meat with Pork, Pork and Chicken. We tried the Crab Meat with Pork and Pork and enjoyed them both. They were so good we decided to order another of the Pork soup dumplings.

The mapo tofu (Bean Curd Szechuan Style) was another delightful dish. The tofu was firmer than I'd expected, but it had a nice texture and wasn't too spicy. It also came with a bowl of white rice. The fried rice was your average fried rice, with enough for 4 people.

A few things to note: You can make reservations over the phone. They have a 10-min grace period and everyone in your party must be present to be seated. They charge a 2% credit card fee. So I'd recommend bringing cash if you have it.

Overall, we had a tasty meal with good service and look forward to coming back again for the delicious...