Joe's Ginger in Chinatown, NYC, New York
When I think that I passed in front of Joe's Ginger many times, thinking it was a pale copy of Joe's Shanghai, the famous Chinese restaurant on Pell street, known for his delicious soup dumplings. Little did I know that it is the sister restaurant of Joe's Shanghai, opened in 2004 by Chef and owner Joe Si. When we went there, we saw the line in front of the flagship restaurant and passed in front of a patient crowd, avid to try the soup dumplings that are often mentioned in tourist guides or magazines.
Joe's Shanghai in Chinatown, NYC, New York
When we arrived at Joe's Ginger, the place was empty and remained empty until few people of Chinese descent came to have lunch.
Dining room at Joe's Ginger in Chinatown, NYC, New York
Dining room at Joe's Ginger in Chinatown, NYC, New York
We decided, of course, to try the soup dumplings and picked the ones with pork, and not the one with pork and crab as Jodi does not like crab.
Soup dumplings at Joe's Ginger in Chinatown, NYC, New York
Soup dumpling at Joe's Ginger in Chinatown, NYC, New York
Soup dumplings at Joe's Ginger in Chinatown, NYC, New York
Soup dumpling at Joe's Ginger in Chinatown, NYC, New York
There were eight of them that came pipping hot. After putting some sauce on it, we ate them from the top, only way not to have some soup all over. It was delicious: very tasty, with a shell that was not too thick and perfectly cooked.
We also shared scallion pancakes that were delightfully greasy and crispy.
Scallion pancakes at Joe's Ginger in Chinatown, NYC, New York
Scallion pancakes at Joe's Ginger in Chinatown, NYC, New York
Last, we shared the chicken pan fried noodles, one of my favorite dishes.
Chicken pan fried noodles at Joe's Ginger in Chinatown, NYC, New York
Chicken pan fried noodles at Joe's Ginger in Chinatown, NYC, New York
The noodles were thick and crispy, but I admit that I prefer thinner noodles as they soften faster. After letting them bathe in the sauce, I literally inhaled them. It was a very comforting dish and a perfect size to share considering the appetizers we had before.
I should probably mentioned that we ate our meal with some black tea, as well as a Tsing Tao beer, perfect for the occasion.
Black tea at Joe's Ginger in Chinatown, NYC, New York
Tsing Tao beer at Joe's Ginger in Chinatown, NYC, New York
This was a very good meal and knowing that Joe's Ginger is there, as an alternative to Joe's Shanghai is a little known secret worth keeping. So, do not tell anybody!
Enjoy (I did)!
