Someone name me the 5 Best Chinese restaurant in Singapore. Interestingly, nobody really compiled such a list, and it should never be judged based on their dim sum lunch alone. Would Shang Palace be in that classification somewhere?
Being the main Chinese restaurant of one of Singapore’s top hotel Shangri-la, Shang Palace has a glorious history of 42 years. If ginger and wine get better as it age, then Shang Palace can be a testimonial of providing exquisite Chinese cuisine for close to half a century.
Shang Palace’s take on Cantonese cuisine has hints of Shanghainese and Szechuan influence, with some plating taking a more European style of interpretation.
Interior is moderately grand (would be more majestic if there are taller ceilings), with décor based on the theme of floral and Chinese garden.
My only main experience with Chinese food at Shangri-la is with the wedding banquets of richer friends, though I was told the food served at the banquets and the restaurant is radically different.
Masterchef Steven Ng recently launched a new à la carte menu – the highlights include Braised Baby Abalone and Pork Belly ($28), Stewed Lobster Noodle with Young Ginger and Onion ($38 per person) and Master Chef Roasted Lamb Shoulder ($98 per whole).
Our table was served 8 dishes, and amusingly, all of us had a different favourite. I liked about 5 dishes, not because the other half or so were not enjoyable, but the sentiment of ‘I had this before’.
The Lamb Shoulder was exceptional, partly charred, wasn’t the melt-in-your-mouth type but with enough bite and tenderness which is perfectly delightful to eat on its own.
I find some of the best Chinese restaurants in Hong Kong (and sadly none of the restaurants in Singapore come close in terms of the entire package). The Stewed Lobster Noodle had that modern-meets-Cantonese take, with a combination of rich luxurious lobster meeting homely simple ‘shen mian’ which vaguely reminds me of that. (Interestingly, RubbishEatRubbishGrow feels the same way.)
Shang Palace offers an almost outstanding Cantonese meal match with professional service. I have few complains. Perhaps it just needs a few distinct star dishes to confirm it as the best amongst the best.
Shang Palace
Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore Tower Wing, Lobby Level, 22 Orange Grove Road, Singapore 258350
Opening Hours: Lunch 12pm – 2.30pm Dinner 6pm – 10.30pm (Mon-Fri); 10.30am to 3pm (Sat, Sun, & PH)
Other Chinese Restaurant Entries
Imperial Treasure Shanghai (Ngee Ann City)
LÈ Restaurant and Asian Tapas Bar (Suntec)
Majestic Restaurant (Bukit Pasoh)
Crystal Jade Pristine (Scotts Square)
Old Hong Kong Legend (Raffles City)
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