CheLi

Set in Manhattan's East Village, CheLi builds its dining room with carved wooden rooftops, paper lanterns, and bamboo rafters to evoke an ancient rural backdrop. The kitchen pairs this setting with traditional Shanghainese and Jiangnan dishes. Specific menu highlights include sauce-drenched squirrel fish that stays crispy, cold wine-soaked chicken, and fried pumpkin coated in salted egg yolk for a balance of sweet and savory notes. Diners also note classic preparations like lotus pond stir-fry, sweet-and-sour eel, and crispy smoked fish served in a tangy sauce—where small bones are part of the dish.