Shang Palace in Shangri-La hotel has almost become an institution when it comes to dim sum. When I was a young teenager, I remember how my parents would bring overseas guests to Shang Palace especially for dim sum. And as a young adult, I followed their footsteps and whenever someone suggested dim sum, Shang Palace would always be in the top of the list. With a history spanning over 40 years in Singapore, the quality of the food has been consistent. Despite competition from many new and even established Chinese restaurants, Shang Palace has manage to keep that badge of honour and continues to delight customers today.
Chef Li Shou Tao, their new head dim sum chef, has been honing his dim sum making skills for over 20 years in China and also in Singapore, before joining Shang Palace to lead the team of seven chefs. Chef Li tries to create dim sum with a modern twist. It is important to do the traditional items well, but having unique new creations is always a bonus. At Shang Palace, you get best of both worlds.
Here are some of the new dim sum creations that we recommend.
Baked Crispy Barbecued Pork Bun (S$4.50 for 1 piece). Sweet filling of chunky pork with sweet bolo bun.
Deep-fried Shredded Turnip Pastry with Foie Gras (S$7 for 2 pieces). Turnip is light and almost melts in your mouth. Just bits of foie gras for added taste.
Steam Lobster and Bitter Gourd Dumpling (S$10 for 3 pieces). Quite a luxury to have lobster in a dumpling.
Steamed Bronze Bolete Mushroom Dumpling (S$7 for 3 pieces). Intense taste of the porcini, great for mushroom lovers.
Pan-fried Chilli Crab Meat Bun (S$7 for 2 pieces). Abundance of crab meat in chilli crab sauce inside a mantou-like sesame bun. This is like eating your chill crabs without getting your fingers dirty. Highly recommended!
Besides dim sum, Shang Palace also serves a wide range of Cantonese, Shanghainese and Szechuan cuisine.
Shang Palace is located at Shangri-La Hotel Singapore, Lobby level, 22 Orange Grove Road, Singapore 258350. Call +65 6213 4473 / 6213 4398 for reservations
Opens for Lunch from 12noon to 2.30pm (Monday to Friday) and 10.30am to 3pm (Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays). Dinner is available from 6pm to 10.30pm daily.
Dress code is smart casual.
Photo credits: Shangri-La Hotel Singapore