ShangHai Taste (Chinatown) — Restaurant in Spring Valley

Update:

5 stars for the service and crab yolk xiao long bao. These soup dumplings have been fantastic every single time I've been here. So much soup and flavor in each bite. Also the skin is not too thick. These have a seafood/crab flavor that some people might not like, but I love them. It's the only thing I order now. Well worth the drive.

FYI - Currently reservation only due to covid.

Previous review:

Was really craving XLBs, so we checked this place out a couple days ago. Service was average but friendly. To be fair, all the tables got sat at one time. They provided disposable utensils, cups and plates, but the sauces and condiments were community. Wish they had them in little plastic containers like other restaurants. We stayed away from the ones with spoons because they definitely looked suspect.

-Sheng Jian (Pan Fried Soup Dumpling) $7.95 - interesting to try, but just okay -ShangHai Scallion Pancake $3.95 - bland, boring and super oily -XLB - Traditional ShangHai Xiao Long Bao $9.95 - like everyone else said, this is the best you’ll get in Vegas for now (Din Tai Fung is opening in Aria) -Dry Noodles w/ Scallion Oil & ShangHai Soy Sauce $9.95 - nothing special, not memorable -Fried Rice w/ Chopped Chinese Sausage & Greens $10.95 - mediocre, not memorable

Will come back for more XLBs only. Gonna try the Crab Yolk XLB ($13.95) next time. They were out of stock when we tried to order it.

Tip: -Do not use their hand sanitizer (located near the cash register and door). It smells so bad. Washed my hands three times and I still could smell it. -Don’t order the Steamed Vegan Dumplings for $10.95. This is the restaurant’s way of tricking non-Asians or vegans. Who pays $11 for broccoli and tofu dumplings??...

Now expanded to Dallas, Plano and the Southwest Vegas Valley 4 years after opening, despite growing competition, it was as a party of three that diners once again enjoyed an outstanding meal at ShangHai Taste on Tuesday.

Tucked inside Suite 104 of a two-story complex on the corner of Arville Street and Spring Mountain Road, a ground floor flagship since day one, it is upon entry that eyes are immediately drawn to Chinese-born Chefs working inside the restaurant’s glass prep-room, and with Chef Jimmy Li’s time at 3 Villages, 1900 Asian Cuisine and Niu Gu well-known to fans the fact that everything on-site is made from scratch should come as no surprise.

Seating approximately 40 guests from 11:00am until 9:00pm seven-days-a-week it was with warm greetings that twelve items were received, many old favorites but some items not enjoyed in a while.

Affordable without skimping on Ingredients, all thanks to Chef Li and Joe Muscaglione’s dedication, a distinctive feel is ensured by the fact that almost every single item on-site is imported from or near Shanghai, and starting with Soup Dumplings, or XLB, fans will be happy to know ShangHai Taste’s set a high standard whether made with Pork, Shrimp, Crab or Beef.

Able to accommodate most dietary preferences, fried Soup Dumplings in two varieties a winner to all but vegans, those eschewing all Animal products will likely gravitate to green Dumplings, though even more interesting bites are found in the form of Noodles slick with Scallion Oil and Shanghai Soy Sauce or sticky-sweet Wheat Gluten.

Built on family recipes handed down to Chef Li, his Fat Noodles with choice of Protein always a crowd-pleaser, Dumplings taste wonderful with or without spicy Oil or Soy while Fried Rice rivals the...

Shanghai Taste – Authentic Shanghainese Flavors in the Heart of Vegas

Shanghai Taste is widely considered the most famous Shanghainese restaurant in Las Vegas, and for good reason. Nestled inside the bustling Shanghai Plaza, the restaurant brings classic flavors from China’s east coast to the heart of Chinatown.

The dining area is modest in size, featuring a bar and several small tables. Small parties can usually find bar seating, but larger groups should expect a wait during peak weekend hours—making reservations ahead of time is definitely a smart move.

If you sit at the bar area by the glass window, you’ll get a front-row view of the kitchen where chefs skillfully craft their handmade dumplings. Watching the process adds a unique charm to the overall experience.

The must-try here is the Sheng Jian Bao (pan-fried soup dumplings). They're crispy on the bottom and bursting with hot, flavorful broth. Be careful on the first bite—they’re juicy, hot, and messy in the best way. Dip them in vinegar for the ultimate bite. The Xiao Long Bao (steamed soup dumplings) are equally popular, with a thin, delicate skin and well-balanced soup-to-meat ratio.

I also tried the Shanghai Noodles with Chili Soy Bean Paste, a savory mix of diced tofu, pork, and beans. While the flavor was a bit lighter than expected, it paired well with the noodles for those who prefer something less rich.

The restaurant features a few Chinese décor touches, and the staff are efficient and helpful. Please note: this location is not pet-friendly—dogs are not allowed for dine-in, but takeout options are available if you're stopping by with a pet.

Overall, it’s a worthwhile stop for anyone craving authentic Shanghainese cuisine while...