I am back at Shang Palace, Shangri-La Singapore, to experience its refreshed menu that redefines timeless Cantonese gastronomy through a contemporary lens. Guided by Executive Chef Daniel Cheung, the new offerings honour tradition while introducing refined techniques and elegant presentations.
The meal begins with a delightful Amuse Bouche featuring sweet prawn paired with a zesty sauce. The bright acidity complements the prawn's natural sweetness beautifully, awakening the palate and setting the tone for what's to come.
Trio of Dim Sum Items 4/5
We commence the dinner with a Trio of Dim Sum Items, each showcasing refined craftsmanship and thoughtful layering of flavours and textures. The Steamed Chicken Roll with Ham, Black Mushroom and Fried Fish Maw is comforting yet elegant, with tender chicken wrapped around savoury ham and earthy mushrooms, punctuated by the gentle chew of fish maw. The Traditional Deep-fried Hokkaido Scallop Dumpling with Supreme Broth delivers a delightful contrast: crisp on the outside, revealing a sweet, succulent scallop filling within. Rounding off the trio is the Steamed Crystal Dumpling with Black Truffle, Assorted Mushroom and Preserved Olive, where translucent skin encases an aromatic medley of mushrooms, lifted by the earthy perfume of black truffle and a subtle briny note from the preserved olive. Together, the trio offers a graceful introduction to Shang Palace's refreshed Cantonese repertoire.
Double-Boiled Soup 4.5/5
Next is a hearty and nourishing Double-Boiled An Xin Chicken Broth with Fish Maw, Sea Conch and Honey Dew. Ingredients including sea conch, chicken, chicken feet, fish maw, honeydew, jade bamboo and ginger are double-boiled for over three hours, resulting in a rich, velvety broth. The addition of honeydew is particularly intriguing and uncommon in traditional double-boiled soups. It imparts a subtle melon sweetness at the finish, adding complexity without overpowering the broth's savoury depth.
Baked Australia Pork Rib with Osmanthus Honey and Black Pepper Sauce 4.5/5
One of the highlights of the evening is the Baked Australia Pork Rib with Osmanthus Honey and Black Pepper Sauce. Rose wine is poured tableside before the ribs are flambéed, adding a touch of theatre. The pork ribs are exceptionally tender, falling off the bone with ease. The osmanthus honey lends a delicate floral fragrance, while the black pepper sauce delivers a bold, peppery kick. The sweet-and-spicy interplay is truly lip-smacking.
Baked Assorted Diced Seafood and Sea Conch with Cream Sauce 4/5
This dish is a nostalgic nod to Hong Kong's 1980s culinary era, where Chinese and Western influences converged. Traditionally cooked with Portuguese sauce, Shang Palace adapts it using a creamy white sauce akin to béchamel. The Baked Assorted Diced Seafood and Sea Conch with Cream Sauce is topped with mozzarella cheese and baked until golden brown, resulting in a comforting, creamy dish with a satisfying crust.
Braised Boneless Duck with Eight Treasures 4.5/5
The Braised Boneless Duck with Eight Treasures is served in a rich abalone sauce broth, alongside prawns, cuttlefish, pig kidney, chicken, bamboo shoots, fish maw, sea cucumber, and mushrooms. The duck is deep-fried before braising, a technique that tightens the skin, keeps it crisp, and removes any gaminess from the meat. The result is a luxurious, well-balanced dish showcasing both technique and tradition.
Deep-fried Crab Claw with Shrimp Paste and Almond Flakes 4.5/5
The Deep-fried Japanese Snow Crab Claw, stuffed with shrimp paste and coated with almond flakes, offers excellent textural contrast. The succulence and sweetness of the prawn filling are enhanced by the nutty crunch of the almonds, making this a crowd-pleasing classic.
Braised Assorted Vegetables with Preserved Beancurd in Claypot 4.5/5
Vegetable dishes shine just as brightly with the Braised Assorted Vegetables with Preserved Beancurd in Claypot. Featuring broccoli, Nai Bai, bamboo fungus, shiitake mushrooms, eggplant, snow peas, vermicelli and beancurd, everything is braised in a flavourful vegetable broth with preserved beancurd and vegetarian oyster sauce. The preserved beancurd sauce is the star, packed with umami and depth, while the vermicelli soaks up the delicious broth beautifully.
Chilled Pandan Pudding Topped with Bird's Nest 4.2/5
Dessert is a refreshing Chilled Pandan Pudding topped with Indonesian Bird's Nest and edible gold foil. Made from fresh pandan juice, the pudding is silky smooth and fragrant. The addition of bird's nest lends a touch of luxury, ending the meal on a light yet indulgent note.
Shang Palace's refreshed menu is a confident showcase of classic Cantonese flavours reimagined with finesse. Chef Daniel Cheung strikes an admirable balance between tradition and modern expression, delivering dishes that are comforting, elegant and thoughtfully executed. A worthy revisit for both loyal patrons and newcomers alike.
Note: This is an invited tasting.
Shang Palace
22 Orange Grove Road
Singapore 258350
Tel: +65 6213 4473
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)
Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 2.30pm, 6pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 11am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm
Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk towards Wheelock Place via ION. Exit Wheelock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Cross the road at the traffic light junction and turn left towards the Royal Thai Embassy. Walk down to the end of Orchard Road. Turn right onto Orange Grove Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 23 minutes.[Map]
