Shanghai Tang

LOCATION
On the mezzanine level of the BreakFree Hotel on the southern end of George Street. Close to Capitol Theatre.

PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA
It’s not hard to locate a Chinese eatery around the south end of George Street – after all this is where you’ll find Sydney’s colourful and bustling China Town. But with so many options, an unprepared diner can end up in a world of confusion – and no closer to the perfect dumpling. If you ever find yourself in this predicament, Shanghai Tang is a great place to ease your hunger. Hiding behind glass doors of the BreakFree Hotel, it is not immediately noticeable to the unsuspecting – or non-attentive – pedestrian, but you should definitely give this restaurant some notice.

Despite its simple, minimalist decor, Shanghai Tang has a broad menu of modern Shanghai cuisine that ranges from authentic dishes like salty duck giblets to western-palate-happy options like braised pork with brown sauce. If you’re a dim sum fan, it also does a very respectable (and delicious) traditional Shanghai Xiao long bao, as well as a range of dumplings, buns, rolls and cakes. Munching though a selection of these is a great way to share a meal with friends and sample the various tastes and textures of Shanghai cuisine. However, if you’ve got bigger things on your mind (or palate), there’s an equally tasty selection of rice, noodle, meat, fish and vegetarian dishes to choose from. You might like to try the traditional drunken chicken, or run your tastebuds over sliced beef in hot spicy sauce. Then again, a large serving of Shanghai noodles in soup or the house speciality of wok-tossed tofu with salted eggs might be what you’re craving. Regardless what you choose make sure to save room for dessert – the melting Xiao long baos (egg and milk or sesame) are not a pleasure you want to forego.

Agnes Gajewska