Shanghai Dumpling King

Welcome to Shanghai Dumpling King, a Chinese restaurant located at 2245 140th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98005, USA, specializing in the flavors of Shanghai cuisine. As a participant in the Chinese Restaurant category, Shanghai Dumpling King aims to bring the authentic tastes of Shanghai to the local Bellevue community. While customer reviews offer varied perspectives on the overall experience, they provide insights into the restaurant's environment, service, food quality, and pricing, which can help local users make informed decisions.

The environment of Shanghai Dumpling King is described as "fine" and representative of the "typical decoration for a traditional Shanghai street-food restaurant." This suggests a casual and unpretentious setting, likely focusing on functionality and the essence of a traditional Shanghai eatery rather than elaborate decor. For those seeking an authentic ambiance reminiscent of Shanghai street food, this might be an appealing aspect of the restaurant.

In terms of service, one reviewer noted it to be "very good," particularly highlighting the promptness of the servers. This positive feedback was attributed to a visit during non-peak hours, where servers were readily available upon request, a service level that was considered better than many other Chinese restaurants in the Seattle area. This suggests that during less busy times, customers can expect attentive and efficient service. However, it's important to note that service quality might vary during peak dining hours.

The food at Shanghai Dumpling King has received a mixed reception, with some dishes being praised for their authenticity while others have garnered less favorable reviews. The pork chop was described as "acceptable" and "fairly tender," but also "a bit too sweet" for one reviewer's taste. This indicates that the preparation might lean towards a sweeter profile, which may appeal to some palates more than others.

The green onion oil noodles were considered "not bad" and "about average." This suggests a decent but not exceptional rendition of a classic Shanghainese noodle dish. For those familiar with this staple, the version at Shanghai Dumpling King might meet expectations without necessarily exceeding them.

The small wontons received a more positive review, being described as "very good." A notable feature was the shrimp filling, which provided a "nice texture." However, the wonton soup itself was deemed "just okay," lacking a "rich broth" and containing only seaweed and small dried shrimp, without the inclusion of egg strips (at least in the reviewer's bowl). This suggests that while certain components of a dish might be well-executed, others might fall short of expectations.

The curry beef vermicelli soup received a strongly negative review, labeled as "absolutely bad" and "tasteless." This significant criticism indicates a potentially inconsistent quality across the menu, and this particular dish might be one to avoid based on this feedback.

The fried dumplings were rated as "about average," but with a caveat that the wrapper was "a bit sticky." This suggests a decent execution of a popular dumpling dish, but with a textural issue that might detract from the overall enjoyment.

Despite the mixed reviews from one customer, another reviewer, whose two best friends from southern China recommended the place as "super authentic," had a more positive experience, particularly with the noodles. As someone from Northern China, this reviewer found the noodles to be "delicious" and trusted their Southern Chinese friends' assessment of authenticity. This highlights a potential appeal to those specifically seeking genuine Shanghai-style noodles. The 雪菜肉丝面 (snow vegetable and shredded pork noodles) was specifically mentioned as a "must-try," although the reviewer's friends noted the absence of bamboo shoots, suggesting a slight deviation from a fully traditional preparation.

This second review also mentioned that Shanghai Dumpling King is a "very small place." This could imply limited seating and potentially longer wait times during peak hours. However, it might also contribute to a more intimate and traditional atmosphere, aligning with the "Shanghai street-food restaurant" description.

A notable feature mentioned by the second reviewer is the inclusion of "free appetizers" that are described as a "super local way to start a meal." This suggests a thoughtful touch that aims to provide an authentic glimpse into Shanghai culinary customs and hospitality.

Regarding pricing, one reviewer found Shanghai Dumpling King to be "very expensive," with a meal for two exceeding $80 before tax and tip, ultimately surpassing $100. This indicates that dining at this establishment might come at a premium compared to other Chinese restaurants in the area. Potential customers should be aware of this price point when considering a visit.

Currently, no specific promotional information is available in the provided text. Local users interested in Shanghai Dumpling King might want to check online platforms, social media, or contact the restaurant directly at (425) 746-4764 or +1 425-746-4764 to inquire about any ongoing specials, lunch deals, or other promotions that might be available.

In conclusion, Shanghai Dumpling King in Bellevue offers a chance to experience Shanghai cuisine, particularly its authentic noodles and local appetizers, in an environment reminiscent of a traditional Shanghai street-food setting. The service has been noted as very good, especially during off-peak hours. However, the food quality appears to be somewhat inconsistent, with some dishes receiving high praise for authenticity and taste, while others have been met with average or negative reviews. The pricing is also on the higher side. For local users specifically craving Shanghai food and willing to pay a premium for potentially authentic flavors, Shanghai Dumpling King might be worth a try. However, it's advisable to consider the mixed feedback on certain dishes and the overall cost before making a decision.