Shanghai Dumpling King serves a great non-Cantonese dim sum (you won't find cha siu bao here). True to the name, this is my favorite place to get xiao long bao (aka Shanghai soup dumplings). I usually eat an entire flat of 10 by myself, and I'm not the only one. Everyone in the restaurant orders at least 1-2 flats, and you should do the same.

In addition to the xiao long bao, I love the Tianjin-style dumplings (gou bu li bao). These do not appear on the English menu, but only on a Chinese menu taped onto the walls. Just ask the wait staff. If you go for a weekend lunch, you will see others ordering sugar-topped puffs the size of your fist. These Chinese-style donuts are eggy and slightly chewy, yet light. Another off-the-menu item. If the wait staff doesn't automatically offer them to you (not for free, of course), ask for them. A good way to finish off your meal.

My only warning is that some may find the food a tad oily. That is just the nature of Shanghainese food. Just get some tea to combat that oil!

Cuisine:	Chinese / Dim Sum
Price:	Entrees are $5-10.
Dress:	Casual. The faded 501s and shorts are OK.
Noise:	Not a problem at all. The room to the right of the entrance is typically a little quieter.
Reservations:	Taken but usually none needed.
Payment:	Cash only.
Parking:	Street parking is pretty easy in the Outer Richmond.
Date place?	Not unless you're going to take a stroll along Ocean Beach before or afterwards. This place is a hole-in-the-wall and besides going Ocean Beach, there's not much else to do around here.