Tucked into Manhattan’s Upper West Side, Tri Dim Shanghai West isn’t your typical dim sum spot. It’s a place that blends classic Shanghainese flavors, bold Szechuan spices, and elevated comfort food in a setting that works for date night, family meals, or dinner with friends. Across the board, diners praise its range of dishes from steamed soup dumplings to rich braised meats, and the energetic but relaxed vibe makes it feel like a grown-up Chinatown escape without leaving Manhattan.
While Tri Dim Shanghai West shares roots with its sister location on the Upper East Side, the West Side outpost has carved its own following thanks to a broad, thoughtfully curated menu, attentive service, and quality that feels consistent night after night. Whatever you order here, dim sum, noodles, or mains, it’s meant to showcase both comforting tradition and playful culinary range.
How It Fits Into NYC’s Chinese Cuisine Scene
Tri Dim Shanghai West isn’t a hidden underground find, it’s intentionally a neighborhood restaurant with a cosmopolitan edge. Its menu weaves together dim sum classics, Shanghainese specialties, and Szechuan spice highlights, giving diners a chance to sample multiple corners of Chinese cuisine in one meal.
People come here for everything from juicy soup dumplings and pan‑seared potstickers to more composed entrées like braised duck or Szechuan‑style chicken, yet the experience never feels overwhelming or overly formal. Instead, it’s a place where diners can explore bold flavors at a meal pace that suits them, long and social or quick and satisfying.
There’s also a growing appreciation among locals for how Tri Dim handles vegetarian and gluten‑free options, something not every Chinese restaurant prioritizes. From flavorful tofu dishes to vegetable‑forward stir‑fries, the vegetarian side of the menu stands out in reviews as thoughtful rather than perfunctory.
Food Highlights
Here are some of the standout dishes people return for, whether it’s a simple first visit or a repeat night out:
- Shanghai Steamed Pork Juicy Dumplings: Tender, soup‑filled dumplings that exemplify Shanghainese dim sum craftsmanship and are often recommended as a must‑order starter.
- Pan‑Seared Pork Dumplings: Crispy bottoms with juicy interiors, a satisfying contrast of textures that many diners praise.
- Shanghai Steamed Crab Meat & Pork Dumplings: A luxury‑leaning dim sum option with rich seafood flavor balanced by delicate pork.
- Red Cooked Short Ribs: Beef braised in soy and spice until deeply flavorful and fall‑off‑the‑bone tender, a classic dish with international appeal.
- Salted Egg Yolk Custard Buns: A dessert‑style dim sum favorite that blends sweet and savory into a creamy, rich bun.
- Cold Sesame Noodles: A lighter, refreshing choice that balances tangy, nutty sauce with chewy noodles, ideal as an appetizer or side.
The menu also features options like braised duck, jellyfish salad, tofu with mushrooms, and good vegetarian stir‑fries, so there’s always something new to try.
What the Crowd Really Says
Reviews paint a picture of a restaurant that’s versatile, reliably delicious, and welcoming, with a few caveats that give you a real sense of what to expect. Many customers highlight dim sum and soup dumplings as star bites, often comparing them favorably with other places around the city.
Some comments from local threads hint that while Tri Dim’s soup dumplings and dim sum are crowd‑pleasers, opinions vary, some diners find certain dishes a bit heavier or saucier than expected. Still, for many on the Upper West Side and beyond, it’s a go‑to for comfort Chinese food that feels familiar without being basic.
For larger gatherings like birthday dinners or casual group meals, locals sometimes recommend Tri Dim alongside other Manhattan dim sum spots, which speaks to its community role as both a friendly neighborhood place and a worthy dining outing.
Atmosphere
The interior is polished without being stuffy, modern, comfortable, and lively, fitting for dinners with friends, business lunches, or weekends out. It strikes that nice balance between casual and special, where you can linger over plates without feeling rushed, but also grab dim sum for a quick meal if you prefer.
Seating is arranged to accommodate both intimate two‑tops and larger tables, making it comfortable for groups. The staff are generally described as friendly and attentive, helping guide newcomers through the menu.
Insider Tips
- Go early for dim sum dinners, especially on weekends.
- Mix savory and sweet buns if you’re sharing.
- Ask about vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Bottom Line
Tri Dim Shanghai West is worth visiting because of:
- A broad menu balancing Shanghainese, Szechuan, and dim sum classics.
- Juicy soup dumplings and well-textured pan-seared dumplings.
- Thoughtful vegetarian and gluten-free options.
- A comfortable, stylish atmosphere for groups or date nights.
- Consistent reviews praising flavor and variety.
Tri Dim Shanghai West
📍 467 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10024
📞 (212) 585-1398
🕔 Tue–Mon 12 PM – 9:30 PM (hours may vary)