‘Shanghai Chic’ as a restaurant name is certainly emphasised by the impressive, gargantuan, sleek decor. You can’t help but feel almost dwarf-like next to the oversized pillars, seating, lampshades, pictures and ceiling height! I could almost imagine having the same feeling if I went to the Great Wall of China! I particularly liked the private seating booth that we were escorted to, albeit that they were quite low to sit and eat upon. The colour scheme is how you would expect it-red and black, but interestingly with a little twist of near-tartan upholstery! Weird, but it works!
First of all we asked for the waiting staff to recommend dishes to try, aiming to veer away from the stereotypical Peking duck pancakes or dim sum (as delicious as they are). We wanted to try something a little bit different. For starters we had ‘Braised Shanghainese Lion Head Meat Balls’-prawns, water chestnut, dried scallops and chicken (I’d seen it on a cooking show!)and ‘Wasabi Prawns’ - garlic and wasabi fried butterflied prawns with celery. The prawns were outstanding - big, juicy and full of flavour. Not being a particular fan of celery, I was quite pleasantly surprised to enjoy them on the side of this dish...they were so tender and light in their sweet dressing.
In my moment of gluttony, I opted to have half of two main courses, in order to maximise on the tastes available. The main event delivered ‘Roasted Sesame Chicken’ served with mango salad, ginger and spring onion sauce and ‘Pan Fried Marinated Lamb Ribs’- lamb ribs, lemon grass, honey syrup served upon a radish cake. Although the chicken was a little dry, the crispy skin encrusted with crunchy sesame seeds more than compensated and the unusual mango salad complimented it nicely. For me, the lamb ribs were the star of my meal - delicious! I was sad that I had opted to just have half! My Mum chose the ‘Sauteed Beef Cube in Black Pepper Sauce’- beef tenderloin and eggplant entrenched with a black pepper sauce. I have to admit that I was rather envious of this dish also, as the beef was cooked to perfection with a fantastic balance of flavours.
The dessert selection was quite small and there was not much option for the dessert loving expert. We both opted for ‘Deep Fried Ice Cream’ served with cinnamon mixed fruit. Disappointed that there was only one scoop of ice-cream, I must admit that appearances can be deceiving... and we were quite full by the end. I would have preferred if the ice-cream had been freshly fried instead of re-frozen afterwards, in order to get the contrast in temperatures, but it was pleasant enough. Accompanying the dish was a shot glass sprinkled with finely chopped fruit dowsed in a deep, cinnamon syrup. It was a lovely combination!
The atmosphere in this restaurant on a Thursday night, was very quiet. The privacy of the private booths added to this, but if you wanted to see other guests, you could always look up the mirrored-ceiling for company! I envisage that it could be quite cosy and intimated for a romantic date, but not when you’re sat with your Mum!
3 course meal for two: 450dhs food only
By Julie Joseph
Enter ExpatWoman competition and get a chance to win a table for two on Valentines Day at Shanghai Chic – good luck!
For reservations call: 04 444 5613
