
LJ Shanghai
LJ Shanghai offers authentic, handmade Chinese cuisine with a focus on delectable soup dumplings and flavorful noodle dishes.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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LJ Shanghai

Highlights
Must-see attractions
LJ Shanghai offers authentic, handmade Chinese cuisine with a focus on delectable soup dumplings and flavorful noodle dishes.
"The soup dumplings are absolutely delectable and the beef noodle soup is AMAZING!!!"
Cash is King
The restaurant is cash-only, so be sure to bring bills or use an ATM before your visit.
Off-Peak Hour Visits
Seating is limited; visiting during off-peak hours can help you avoid crowds.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Chinese
Price
Mid-range
Phone
(216) 400-6936
Address
3142 Superior Ave, Cleveland, OH 44114, USA
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Legendary Soup Dumplings
Experience the delicate burst of hot broth and savory filling in these must-try handmade soup dumplings.

Spicy Beef Noodle Soup
Savor the rich, aromatic broth with tender beef and perfectly cooked noodles, a favorite for spice lovers.

Authentic Shanghainese Flavors
Explore a wide array of traditional Chinese dishes, from hand-made dumplings to unique meat and noodle preparations.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Cash is King
The restaurant is cash-only, so be sure to bring bills or use an ATM before your visit.
Off-Peak Hour Visits
Seating is limited; visiting during off-peak hours can help you avoid crowds.
Flavor Enhancers
Enhance your dishes with provided vinegar, soy sauce, and chili oil for extra zest.
Spice It Up
For spice lovers, the spicy beef noodle soup and veggie soup with chili are highly recommended.
Tips
from all over the internet
Cash is King
The restaurant is cash-only, so be sure to bring bills or use an ATM before your visit.
Off-Peak Hour Visits
Seating is limited; visiting during off-peak hours can help you avoid crowds.
Flavor Enhancers
Enhance your dishes with provided vinegar, soy sauce, and chili oil for extra zest.
Spice It Up
For spice lovers, the spicy beef noodle soup and veggie soup with chili are highly recommended.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
LJ Shanghai is highly praised for its authentic Chinese cuisine, particularly its renowned soup dumplings and spicy beef noodle soup. Diners appreciate the friendly service and reasonable prices, though some mention limited seating and the cash-only policy. While most reviews are glowing, a few have cited issues with service rudeness and portion sizes for certain dishes.
"It doesn’t get better than LJ Shanghai. If you told me I was dying and I was allowed one last meal it would be the soup dumplings and pan fried noodles. The service is always excellent. The owner recently went cash only- it is so worth the extra minute to take cash out of an atm ahead of time. If you support small business, support woman owned small business, and support amazing quality food at great prices than you want to experience LJ Shanghai. It is the best."
Tiffany Mennell
"The food here is great! The spicy beef noodles ($16) are, in my opinion, the best in Cleveland. The beef is tender and generously portioned, and the soup base is rich and aromatic, reminiscent of the authentic spicy beef noodles I’ve had in LA. I highly recommend it for spice lovers.
However, the portion size is on the smaller side, and it only comes with wheat noodles. It would be wonderful if they offered a rice noodle option. Another downside is the duck—it’s quite expensive at $18 but comes in a very small portion.
That said, the service is excellent, and the restaurant is spacious and comfortable. Just keep in mind that they only accept cash. I’d definitely return for the beef noodles, especially if they add a rice noodle option!"
Mell T
"I just made my first trip to LJ Shanghai, and I will DEFINITELY be returning in the future. I ordered #029, the spicy beef soup. It's not overwhelmingly hot/spicy, and the flavor of the broth is amazing. Besides beef, it has noodles, cilantro, peanuts, and some other leafy green. The mango drink was also great, and I appreciated the tiny bits of mango in it. Both workers were polite and helpful. The look of the restaurant is simple - not fancy/elaborate, but I don't care about that. Finally, there is free parking on the street directly in front of the restaurant which makes it extremely convenient for me as an out-of-towner."
Steve Wilson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The most famous dishes are the handmade soup dumplings (xiao long bao) and the spicy beef noodle soup. Many also rave about the fried noodles and wontons.
No, LJ Shanghai is a cash-only establishment. It's recommended to have cash on hand or use an ATM nearby.
Parking can be found on the main street and side streets, which are generally not busy.
The restaurant can get busy due to its popularity and limited seating. Visiting during off-peak hours is advised.
While the menu focuses on traditional Chinese dishes, some vegetable-based options like cucumber salad are available. It's best to inquire with staff about specific vegetarian needs.
The spicy beef noodle soup is flavorful and has a noticeable heat, but it's generally described as not overwhelmingly spicy, making it enjoyable for many.
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A soup dumpling — or long xiao bao in Mandarin — is one of a few select foods you would call "an experience." While steamed, most Chinese dumplings contain a combination of meat and vegetables; soup dumplings also include a small amount of liquid broth that spills out when the dumpling wrapper is punctured. If you've never eaten a soup dumpling before, you should know that it needs to be done carefully unless you don't mind a lap full of scalding hot broth. LJ Shanghai is the premier spot for soup dumplings, and many people go there just to eat long xiao bao.
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LJ Shanghai, a relative newcomer in Cleveland's Asiatown neighborhood, has been absolutely besieged by diners who recognize quality xiao long bao—or soup dumplings—when they see and taste them. We've been making habitual pit stops for those amazing dumplings, but also the growing roster of satisfying soup, noodle, and meat dishes. Tops in our book is the plump shrimp wonton soup, spicy beef noodle soup, Shanghai-style scallion noodles, and soy-braised duck.
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At LJ Shanghai, a cartoon soup dumpling with tiny eyes and a wide smile teaches diners how to properly consume xiao long bao, the Shanghainese delicacy ($5 for six) for which the restaurant is known. Illustrated instructions on each table outline the process, which owner Edmond Tsui admits can be difficult even for experienced foodies. “The first time, everybody messes up, no matter what,” he laughs.
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As clevelandmagazine.com writes, this AsiaTown favorite has already drawn rave reviews for its xiao li bao, but there’s far more to discover here than just the (admittedly excellent) soup dumplings. Give your tastebuds a treat with the knockout cold pig ear salad, the thick, springy pan-fried beef noodles served with soy and scallion, and the pan-fried pork dumplings encased n a caramel crust.
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They offer an incredibly wide selection of traditional dishes, including hand-made dumplings. You need to visit LJ if you are looking to try some Chinese dishes that aren’t available at most American Chinese eateries, like pig’s ear and tripe. You can find LJ Shanghai at 3142 Superior Ave.Any one of these great restaurants is sure to provide you with a Chinese meal you won’t soon forget.
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On our most recent visit last month, we loved the fancy take on Cincinnati chili dip, the barbecued carrots, and the bone marrow pot pie, which Cimino described as “the best Dinty Moore you’ve ever had.” Many dishes nod to Cleveland’s history, and the chefs will tell you about how restaurants such as AsiaTown’s LJ Shanghai have inspired their takes on modern Midwest cuisine.
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If you're not a regular in Cleveland's AsiaTown, then you might not have noticed when LJ Shanghai quietly opened its doors in 2017. The truth is, fans of this delightful noodle house love keeping it as their little secret. However, the delicious xiao long bao, or dumplings, served up at LJ Shanghai has made it one of the best restaurants in The Land.
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Another restaurant that’s located in Asiatown, LJ Shanghai is a must-try if you’re looking for some of the best handmade dumplings, classic soups, and delicious noodles. The pricing is incredibly reasonable for the quality that you get. The staff is attentive and you can often find the owner (LJ) moving about the space and chatting to customers.
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My BF and I were supposed to meet up at LJ Shanghai but since they were surprised closed...I stopped by this place and we had a great time!. It's easy to find and even though there isn't a parking lot, the main street and side streets are not busy so parking is easy to find. Menu is extensive and very helpfully accompanied by clear pictures!.
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Sample review: “...First timers will not be disappointed by the soup dumplings, spicy beef noodle soup, or pork and shrimp wontons. If you’re feeling even more Shanghai, go for the fried rice cake or fried bean curd. Honestly, though, any variation of noodles here has restorative powers, particularly on a cold, gray Cleveland day.
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A trip to AsiaTown guarantees authentic Asian cuisine, and LJ Shanghai is no exception. Bold foodies can order pig ears or beef tripe to excite the palate, while those a tad less adventurous may enjoy the pan-fried noodles or deep-fried shrimp. (And everyone will love the soup dumplings.)
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LJ Shanghai is a Shanghainese restaurant with the most delicious soup dumplings. These dumplings are bursting with flavor and (very) hot soup – so beware and definitely let it cool before biting into them!. Aside from the soup dumplings, be sure to order the Chongqing spicy noodle soup.
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When you go to LJ Shanghai, you should only be thinking about one dish: the soup dumplings. You're going to have to stop yourself from slurping loudly to get every last drop of soup from them because they're just that good. At least your obsession with this place won't break the bank.
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Most Americans are accustomed to U.S.-style Chinese food, but you'll find all sorts of authentic options at LJ Shanghai. Here, xiao long bao (steamed dumplings) are out-of-this-world delicious. Visit this spot at 3142 Superior Ave, Cleveland, OH 44114.
AsiaTown Favorites
LJ is a Shanghainese restaurant that specializes in Xiao Long Bao – their menu is small and perfect. Besides the soup dumplings, I love their spicy beef noodle soup, cucumber with garlic,. pig ear salad, and smoked fish.
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- Rating: 4.0 / 5 (19 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.0/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5)- Type of cuisine: Chinese, Asian- Price: $- Address: 3142 Superior Ave E, Cleveland, OH 44114-4343- Read more on Tripadvisor
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LJ Shanghai has been the mainstay of locals and visitors alike. They are open all year round while featuring favorite Asian dishes. Moreover, the team strives to become the best Chinese restaurant in the city.
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3142 Superior AveCleveland, OH 44114(216) 400-6936 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. The LJ Shanghai, completed in 2017, is a highly acclaimed restaurant serving traditional Chinese-style dishes.
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– Rating: 4.0 / 5 (20 reviews)– Detailed ratings: Food (4.0/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5)– Price: $– Address: 3142 Superior Ave E, Cleveland, OH 44114-4343– Read more on Tripadvisor
Where can I find the BEST bowl of Pho in CLE? : Cleveland
Bonus Broth: not what you asked for, but next to these places is LJ Shanghai, the only place in town (afaik) that makes soup dumplings.
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