There’s something deeply comforting about revisiting a cuisine that feels both familiar and full of surprises. On a recent trip to China, the very first thing on my agenda as a foodie was to reconnect with and rediscover its rich culinary heritage. One of the highlights was dining at Shanghai Table, located at Room 104A, West Wing of Shanghai Centre, No.1376 West Nanjing Road, Jing’an District, Shanghai - right in the heart of one of the city’s most vibrant neighbourhoods.
This particular restaurant brought back the nostalgic flavors of traditional Shanghainese food while reminding me of what makes Chinese cuisine so beautifully balanced and satisfying.
The Signature Sweetness of Shanghai
True to its regional roots, the food at Shanghai Table leaned into the classic Shanghainese profile: a gentle sweetness layered with a long-lasting umami depth. Whether it was the braised meats or delicately sauced vegetables, each bite felt thoughtfully composed, hitting that perfect spot between indulgence and comfort. Unlike cuisines that can feel heavy or overwhelming, Shanghainese cooking keeps things light on the tummy yet always filling and deeply satisfying.
The Art of Balance
What particularly stood out during my meal and what I’ve always admired about Chinese cuisine in general is the harmony in how a meal is structured. A well-rounded offering typically includes a variety of proteins (both meat and fish), an abundance of vegetables, and just the right touch of carbs to bring it all together. This balance isn’t just about nutrition - it’s about texture, taste, and experience. You leave the table feeling nourished, not stuffed.
The fish and meat dishes at Shanghai Table were especially memorable. No matter the cooking method - steamed, stir-fried, braised, or deep-fried, the flavors held up. There’s a confidence in Chinese kitchens that comes from centuries of culinary refinement, and it shows in how effortlessly each dish hits the mark.
Must-Try Dishes at Shanghai Table
If you're planning a visit to Shanghai Table, don’t miss out on some of their standout dishes - each one a beautiful representation of Shanghainese comfort cooking:
- Pomelo Fried Shrimp – Lightly crispy with a refreshing citrus twist, this dish offers a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors that make it both unique and incredibly moreish.
- Dong Po Rou (Braised Pork Belly) – A Shanghainese classic. Rich, caramelized, and melt-in-your-mouth tender, this dish is the ultimate indulgence that still somehow feels like home.
- Scallion Oil Noodles – Simple yet satisfying. The springy noodles are tossed in fragrant scallion-infused oil, delivering big flavor with minimal ingredients — a testament to the elegance of Chinese comfort food.
- Beancurd Soup – Delicate, earthy, and soothing. This soup is nourishing and light, offering a lovely contrast to the richer dishes on the menu.
Each of these dishes captures the essence of what makes Shanghainese cuisine special: balance, depth of flavor, and a comforting familiarity that stays with you long after the meal.
Kitchen-Style Dining: Homestyle Comfort with Convenience
One restaurant format I’ve come to appreciate in China is the “kitchen-style” canteen, where you're greeted by rows of ready-made dishes, pick what you want, and pay by weight. It’s a system that offers a buffet-like choice with home-cooked authenticity. Everything tastes like it came from someone’s family kitchen - soulful, warm, and honest. It’s perfect for those who want variety without compromising quality or taste.
A Dim Sum Delight
No journey into Chinese cuisine is complete without a nod to dim sum — those small bites of joy that make any breakfast buffet a mini adventure. Whether steamed or fried, dim sum never disappoints. I always look forward to seeing bamboo steamers stacked high in hotel restaurants, revealing treasures like shrimp dumplings, pork buns, or pan-fried turnip cakes. It's the kind of food that invites you to slow down and savor, one piece at a time.
Dining at Shanghai Table was a wonderful way to begin my culinary journey in Shanghai this time around, but what made the experience truly memorable was how it set the tone for everything that followed. From “kitchen-style” eateries where you pay by weight and eat like a local, to comforting hotel breakfasts filled with steaming dim sum baskets, every meal felt like a discovery or a rediscovery of flavors I love.
Shanghainese cuisine, and Chinese food more broadly, has a way of making you feel grounded. There’s always a sense of balance: sweet and savory, rich yet light, always paired with generous portions of vegetables and thoughtful preparation of proteins, whether it’s fish, poultry, or pork. And no matter the setting - from elegant restaurants to casual food stalls, the quality and soulfulness of the food remains constant.
Shanghai reminded me that good food doesn’t have to be complicated. It just has to be done right - and here, it often is.
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