A grand celebration, a comforting meal for one or an intimate feast, Chinese cuisine always remains at the very top of the list of dining options. For generations, the comforting flavors have resonated with the local palate deeply embedded in the local culinary mainstream going as far back as the 9th century with the opening of historic trade routes and migration. Its popularity endures and there's a high probability you'll have Chinese food in some form or another anytime this week. And that's no surprise with Chinese food emerging as the most popular, most Googled and hashtagged on the net in the whole world. Back here in the metro, one of those dependable restaurants shares its comforting and even nostalgic take on the well loved culinary tradition...
Chinese cuisine can be lavish and extravagant or downright hearty, simple and uncomplicated depending on your particular mood, craving or budget. Whichever end of the spectrum you pick, Chinese food always delivers the flavors you love. At Modern Shanghai, you'll find all the classics expressed in traditional yet modern executions from their extensive menu of Shanghainese specialties. Ready for a comforting feast? Then read on...
The name says it all, Modern Shanghai offers an array of comforting Shanghainese flavors inspired by tradition and refreshed with a contemporary spin. Flavor remains the thread that ties nostalgia and creativity at Modern Shanghai with its approach to Shanghainese cuisine for well over a decade (for more on Modern Shanghai, see my earlier posts A Blend of Traditional and Contemporary Flavors at Modern Shanghai from ten years back, A Taste of the Metro's Number One Xiao Long Bao at Modern Shanghai also from 2014 and The Bistro Group Food Crawl at Robinsons Magnolia Part 4: Classic Chinese Cuisine with a Cool Contemporary Spin at Modern Shang from last year). As with many enduring restaurants, consistency and quality remain the not-so-secret formula behind the brand's longevity.
Inside Modern Shanghai, you'll find some clever touches like these lighting fixtures shedding light on the restaurant's menu and its famous dim sum selection led by the signature Xiao Long Bao. Consistent, tried and tested flavors, that's what continues to draw customers to Modern Shanghai.
That day, our feast of dim sum, salad, savory mains, noods and dessert at Modern Shanghai takes you back to your first visit and yes, the flavors still hits the spot. So, where is my bao? Anticipation builds as the kitchen expedites the order...
...but first, some libations. The Black Jelly with Tapioca Pearls (P 168 Glass/P 278 Pitcher) soothes the palate with its refreshing sweetness with each sip and bite while the Shanghai Lily (P 168 Glass/P 278 Pitcher) with its blend of lychee, mint leaves and soda water pairs well with the savory offerings of Modern Shanghai with its vibrant and zesty notes.
A bamboo steamer with Modern Shanghai's SignatureXiao Long Bao (P 198-4 pcs/P 268-6 pcs) is pretty much mandatory, and it's the perfect start to a sumptuous feast. The moment the lid is lifted is your cue to dive right in for a bite. The sheer elegance in its simplicity teases the eyes, but it's that first bite through the delicately soft dumpling followed by a rich yet refined flavorful burst of the soup filling that gets you all the time. A dip in black vinegar with ginger completes the flavors.
Be sure to ask about their special Afternoon Tea offer (prices start at P 598 good for 2 to 4) featuring their specialty dim sum and other dishes in a lavish bundle served with house tea available Monday to Friday, 3 pm to 6 pm.
The Hot Prawn Salad (P 598) is another classic with the briny sweetness of the succulent prawns made even sweeter with fruit cocktail, peach and cherry slathered in silky smooth cream sauce. The luscious blend of contrasting flavors and textures come together seamlessly in a refreshingly indulgent salad.
For the mains, Modern Shanghai brings a savory pair to the feast starting with the Wok-Fried Beef with Broccoli (P 528/P 948) with fork-tender beef sirloin, broccoli and straw mushrooms draped in richly seasoned oyster sauce...
...and the Roasted Crispy Pork (P 528/P 888) paired with pickled carrots and cucumber with hoisin sauce. Both dishes reflect Modern Shanghai's culinary style anchored on Shanghainese culinary traditions and comforting flavors. The savory richness of the tender beef sirloin and broccoli and the crisp and juicy pork belly are masterfully executed renditions of classic and nostalgic dishes reminding us once more why we love Chinese food.
No Chinese feast is complete without noods, right? The Crispy Fried Noodles (P 288/P 408) with egg noodles, squid, shrimp, fish fillet, bean sprouts and a thick brown sauce brings its festive vibe to your table at Modern Shanghai. Crisp noodles with seafood, veggies and thick sauce, what's not to love?
The theatrical presentation with the pouring of the sauce on the crisp noodles adds to the dining experience at Modern Shanghai. The delectable textural contrasts and medley of ingredients makes this another mandatory order for any festive gathering. Noods always completes any Chinese feast. Modern Shanghai offers a stellar cast of noodle dishes from the Birthday Noodles (P 358/P 618) and Braised Beef Noodle Soup (P 378/P 628) to the Shanghai Vegetable and Pork Wonton Noodles (P 418) and Shanghai Mien (P 358/P 558).
Pair your Wok-Fried Beef with Broccoli and Roasted Crispy Pork with the specialty fried rice of Modern Shanghai like the Yang Chow Fried Rice (P 228 Cup/P 498 To Share), Seafood Fried Rice (P 228 Cup/P 498 To Share), Egg Rice (P 158 Cup/P 288 To Share) and Foo Yang Rice (P 498 To Share). Now you have a serious Modern Shanghai feast.
It's dishes like these that makes us reconnect with the flavors we love. But save room for the picture-perfect sweet ending at Modern Shanghai. Ready for dessert?
The Fresh Mango Cream with Mango and Pomelo (P 148) is just what you need after a sumptuous feast at Modern Shanghai with the vibrant tart notes of the pomelo tempering the creamy finish and sweetness of the mangoes for balanced flavors.
Then, there's the Deep-Fried Glutinous Dumplings (P 208-4 pcs) filled with red bean paste and sprinkled with sesame seeds. One bite just takes you back to simpler carefree times.
But it's the Nutella Filled Deep-Fried Glutinous Dumpling (P 228-4 pcs) that makes quite an impression. No, it definitely isn't your traditional buchi. But it works for me.
The sinfully smoother texture of the Nutella transforms the buchi into a lavish dessert. It's inventive touches like this that make Modern Shanghai a tried and tested dependable go-to spot for hearty Chinese cuisine with some playfully creative surprises from their playbook.
As the local culinary scene continues to evolve, we all still return to the flavors we love. Like the extensive repertoire of comforting dishes at Modern Shanghai.
Modern Shang is located at the Ground Floor of Robinsons Magnolia, New Manila, Quezon City. You can also visit their FB Page and IG Feed at https://www.facebook.com/ModernShanghaiPhilippines and https://www.instagram.com/modernshanghai/ for more information and updates.
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