Restaurant Reviews
Shanghai Chinese Cuisine
Reviewed by jamescollier on Mar 11, 2009
What's it like?
As a general rule, I try to avoid Chinese restaurants. Too many childhood memories of eating at a buffet after church—there's nothing like pasty mints with jelly in the middle to finish off a meal of starchy orange chicken.
All that said, if a potential client asks me to lunch, I go, no matter the cuisine. Yesterday's lunch was held at Shanghai, which has a surprisingly positive reputation considering the location. And the decor.
I honestly walked in expecting to be handed a plate for the buffet line. Instead, my host suggested either the Chinese chicken salad, or one of the lunch combos. I opted for the spicy chicken plate, which came with fried rice.
Prices seemed reasonable for a full lunch, but when I saw the portions, I couldn't believe how inexpensive it was. I'm not exactly a small guy, and I could have easily shared the plate with my wife. Even the "small" chicken salad that another guest ordered was too much for one person.
So, I'm glad that a business meeting once again pushed me out of a comfort zone. Shanghai has renewed my interest in Chinese cuisine, and I'll definitely be back.
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Comments
nickgundry | Wed, 2009-03-18 00:15
Shanghai has the most enormous portions of ANY chinese restaurant I've ever been to. I have to be honest I'm not a huge fan of Shanghai but the chicken salad is good (is that Chinese food though?).
The food isn't bad, but I don't go out of my way to visit the restaurant, mainly as the portions put me off. I like a Chinese meal to be an opportunity to try a number of dishes but if there's a small number in your party the portions just don't lend themselves to doing that.
Make room in your car, you'll need it for the take-home after you've finished your meal. Alternatively go with a number of friends so you can share.
jamescollier | Wed, 2009-03-18 11:41
Interesting take. Again, I'm used to Chinese buffets, so I'm really not sure what traditional cuisine would be, or how large of a portion would be served. Perhaps it should be compared with something like Panda Express - not as convenient, but even more of a bargain?
choskins (not verified) | Tue, 2009-11-03 23:27
The orange chicken at this place is the best I've ever had, the lemon chicken is pretty good too. The portions are enourmous, usually the whole family has enough leftovers for days. Prices are more reasonable than panda express even for the portions you get, but of course the food is much better. Dont let the location or the decor fool you, this place has great food at great prices.