Shang Palace is a great place to experience Chinese food in Dubai
Did you know that every Shangri La hotel has a Shang Palace? Dubai is no exception and we sampled the latest Chinese New Year dinner menu there last night. (February 4th 2016) Welcome to the Year of the Red Monkey at the Shang Palace on Sheikh Zayed road!
The Shang Palace isn’t new
The Shang Palace isn’t a new restaurant by any means, I first ate there almost 10 years ago when we came to Dubai in 2006! The fact that it’s stood the test of time, is still there and is full for next February 9th for Chinese New Year speaks volumes in a city like Dubai! Restaurants open and close all the time here.
Chinese New Year Menu at the Shang Palace 7th to 13th February
A big emphasis on Seafood on the menu here, expect items like steamed sea bass with caviar, and wok fried Canadian lobster. In fact our whole party agreed that the sea bass was among the best we’ve ever tried in Dubai!
I’m really not a chicken person but could be converted if the chicken I ate was anything like the crispy organic chicken on offer at the Shang Palace!
The menu is a traditional Chinese New Year menu so don’t expect noodles and duck pancakes! I loved the fact the menu was preset and we didn’t have to decide what to have. But I also really liked the fact there was no “stodge” on this menu at all! We ate course after course of high quality food that was well cooked and presented. There really is very little in the way of noodles, rice or thick pastry, so you really don’t feel at all bloated or heavy after this meal. Alex our waiter (from China) even offered explanations of why certain dishes were chosen.
The rainbow dish at Shang Palace
Chinese rainbow combo fish plate really didn’t sound that appetizing to me and I really wasn’t sure what to expect! But I was really pleased with the taste of this fresh salad with sashimi type salmon and raw vegetable dish. We all used chopsticks and served ourselves from the central plate, but first we had to combine and blend our salads ourselves for good luck! Alex explained how each different ingredient was key for diners to be assured of good health and good fortune in the coming year.
How much and what’s included
The menu is priced at AED 418 per person and includes a glass of branded champagne – Perrier – Jouet, Brut from Epernay in France. It also includes unlimited Chinese tea, water and soft drinks. Bearing in mind the quality of the food on offer, I thought this was a good way to experience Chinese New Year in Dubai. The only item I wasn’t completely happy with was dessert. Again a traditional Chinese item, the glutinous rice balls with sesame paste while sweet enough weren’t easy to eat for me because of the glutinous rice coating. Bring me a fresh fruit platter as well please! And I still really love classic prawn and chive dim sums with some chilli oil on the side!
The Shang Palace is located on the mezzanine floor of the Shangri La hotel on Sheikh Zayed raod. Ask to book a table in the inside circular area as I think it has more atmosphere that the outer area. We also tried the Monkey Sling cocktail which is made with vodka and peach juice!
Experience a bit of the Shangri La Paris in Dubai!
If you miss the Chinese New Year menu then try a different exclusive Chinese tasting menu between the 23rd and the 29th of February at Shang Palace Dubai. Michelin star Executive Chef de Cuisine Samuel Lee from the Shangri La in Paris is heading to Dubai as part of the Masters of China chef showcase! Watch this post for updates on that special menu.
Gong Xi Fa Cai 2016!
Thanks Moinca.
