Joe's Ginger
After the the posts earlier this week, I had to cool down a little and take a mini-break from the pseudo-flame war that occurred. Weee. This blog is not supposed to get that serious! Obviously I cannot go eat at a Momofuku Ko everyday, but that is mostly because it is super hard to get a reservation with only a twelve seat restaurant. Most of the time I just eat in Chinatown because it is super cheap and simple. Chill, relaxing, and no drama... just how I like my women. I mean uh, dinner and blog writeups. (But you are with me, right? Right??) Joe's Ginger provides a fairly relaxing atmosphere compared to its sister restaurant, Joe's Shanghai. Often over-looked, Joe's Ginger has the same tiny soup buns or Xiao long bao and they are mighty tasty.
They come in two varieties but I always get the regular kind. At $4.25 for eight baos, it was quite a tasty deal. Many people also enjoy the kind with crab meat, but regular is the kind I grew up eating.
I think the things we grow up with stick with us for a long time. Even though the pork with crab meat is also good, I just have a taste for the regular ones. There is also a debate between my friends about whether Shanghai Cafe or Joe's Shanghai/Ginger has the better soup dumplings. I probably side more towards Shanghai Cafe, but to me the enjoyment level at both places are equal. If you have to choose, go to the place with the shorter line.
Joes Ginger
25 Pell St..
New York, NY 10013
212-285-0999
from the picture, it looks like Joes Ginger baos have thinner skin than Shanghai Cafe. I'll have to try for myself and see!
Ang
April 25, 2008 5:12 pm
*drools* Me loves Xiao Long Baos! Its one of my favorite thing to order at Shanghai resturants. Nice photos =)
Kumi
April 25, 2008 11:18 pm
I don't know why people argue Shanghai Cafe is all that great. I mean I like the food more at Shanghai Cafe, but for xiao long bao, Joe's Ginger or Joe's Shanghai, is by far superior.. it's the skin. At Joe's, the skin is nice and thin, just like the way they make it in Shanghai.
anne
April 28, 2008 4:57 pm
Ang,
Yea they are thinner, I agree. The taste of the baos itself are slightly different though.
Kumi,
Hurray for xiao long bao love! I could eat an entire meal of that stuff really. Actually I have done that... what are your favorite Shanghai restaurants?
Anne,
Uh oh! talkin' smack!! I love it. haha. I dunno about 'by far superior' but it is mighty tasty for sure.
Danny
April 29, 2008 12:48 am
Whoa! I just read that post that got everyone all upset. It was far too serious for a food blog! :) The xiao long bao look great - I love them, but I always burn my mouth because I can never wait for them to cool down.
Agnes
May 3, 2008 10:22 am