Shanghai Express Collinsville offers a delightful culinary journey that brings the vibrant flavors of authentic Chinese cuisine right to the heart of Collinsville. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and attentive service, Shanghai Express has become a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike who crave a genuine taste of Shanghai’s rich food traditions.
The menu is thoughtfully curated to satisfy a variety of palates, featuring a balance of classic dishes, innovative specials, and carefully selected ingredients. Whether you’re seeking a quick bite or planning an elaborate dinner, the diverse options ensure a fulfilling dining experience.
The restaurant’s commitment to quality and freshness is evident in every dish, from the tender dim sum to the bold, spicy stir-fries. Each plate is crafted with care, combining traditional techniques with modern flair to elevate the flavors.
Beyond the food, the menu reflects a cultural narrative that invites diners to explore the culinary heritage of Shanghai through familiar favorites and unique specialties. The Shanghai Express Collinsville menu is not just a list of dishes—it’s a gateway to discovering the essence of a city known for its dynamic food scene.
Appetizers and Starters
The Shanghai Express Collinsville menu begins with a variety of appetizers designed to awaken the palate and set the tone for the meal ahead. These starters reflect the diversity of Shanghai cuisine, ranging from delicate dim sum to savory fried delights.
They offer a perfect introduction to the restaurant’s approach to blending subtle and bold flavors.
Among the appetizers, the Soup Dumplings (Xiao Long Bao) are a standout, celebrated for their thin skin and flavorful broth. These dumplings are carefully steamed and served with a dipping sauce that complements their juicy filling.
Another popular choice is the Pan-Fried Pork Buns, which balance a crispy, golden bottom with a tender, juicy interior.
For those looking for something lighter, the Seaweed Salad and Spicy Cucumber provide refreshing, palate-cleansing options. These dishes incorporate fresh vegetables with a hint of spice and acidity, preparing diners for the richer courses to come.
- Soup Dumplings (Xiao Long Bao): Juicy pork filling with savory broth
- Pan-Fried Pork Buns: Crispy bottom, soft dough, and flavorful pork
- Seaweed Salad: Light, tangy, and refreshing
- Spicy Cucumber: Cool with a kick of chili and garlic
“The appetizers at Shanghai Express perfectly capture the essence of traditional Shanghai street food, making each bite a memorable start to the meal.”
Main Course Selections
The main course offerings at Shanghai Express Collinsville provide an extensive range of choices, from hearty noodle dishes to expertly prepared seafood and meat. Each dish showcases the restaurant’s dedication to authenticity and quality, using fresh ingredients and balanced seasoning.
The Shanghai-Style Braised Pork Belly is a signature dish, slowly cooked to achieve a melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich, savory flavor. Accompanied by steamed buns or rice, this dish exemplifies the comforting, hearty qualities of Shanghai cuisine.
Another popular entrée is the Drunken Chicken, marinated in Shaoxing wine, which offers a delicate flavor profile that pairs well with lighter sides.
Vegetarian options are thoughtfully included, such as the Stir-Fried Eggplant in Garlic Sauce, which brings a satisfying umami punch without overpowering the palate. Noodle lovers can enjoy the Shanghai Fried Noodles, featuring a perfect harmony of soy sauce, vegetables, and tender meats or tofu.
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor Profile | Recommended Pairing |
| Shanghai-Style Braised Pork Belly | Pork belly, soy sauce, sugar, spices | Rich, savory, slightly sweet | Steamed buns or jasmine rice |
| Drunken Chicken | Chicken, Shaoxing wine, ginger | Light, aromatic, subtle sweetness | Light vegetable stir-fry |
| Stir-Fried Eggplant in Garlic Sauce | Eggplant, garlic, soy sauce, chili | Umami-rich, mildly spicy | Steamed rice |
| Shanghai Fried Noodles | Wheat noodles, soy sauce, pork/tofu, vegetables | Savory, slightly sweet, chewy texture | Green onion pancake |
Protein Choices
Shanghai Express offers a variety of protein options within the main courses, designed to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences. From tender pork and succulent chicken to fresh seafood and vegetarian proteins, each is prepared with precision to maintain the dish’s integrity.
- Pork: Often braised or stir-fried, pork is central to many Shanghai dishes, prized for its flavor and texture.
- Chicken: Used in both light and rich preparations, including marinated and fried styles.
- Seafood: Includes shrimp and fish, emphasizing freshness and delicate seasoning.
- Vegetarian proteins: Tofu and mushrooms, incorporated in flavorful sauces to enhance taste.
Dim Sum and Small Bites
Dim sum is a cherished part of Shanghai’s culinary culture, and Shanghai Express Collinsville honors this tradition with an array of small plates perfect for sharing. These dishes allow diners to sample multiple flavors and textures in one sitting, reflecting the communal spirit of dim sum dining.
The menu includes classic offerings like Har Gow (shrimp dumplings) and Shumai (pork and shrimp open dumplings), both crafted with delicate wrappers and fresh fillings. The Turnip Cake is another favorite, pan-fried to achieve a crispy exterior while remaining tender inside.
Vegetarian dim sum options are also available, with items such as the Steamed Vegetable Dumplings and Sticky Rice in Lotus Leaf, featuring aromatic rice and mushrooms wrapped in fragrant lotus leaves. These small bites are perfect for light meals or as starters alongside other dishes.
- Har Gow: Succulent shrimp dumplings with translucent skins
- Shumai: Open-faced pork and shrimp dumplings
- Turnip Cake: Pan-fried savory cake with shredded radish
- Steamed Vegetable Dumplings: Colorful, fresh vegetable fillings
- Sticky Rice in Lotus Leaf: Aromatic, savory rice wrapped for steaming
“Dim sum at Shanghai Express is a celebration of texture and flavor, each bite offering a glimpse into Shanghai’s rich culinary heritage.”
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Shanghai Express Collinsville recognizes the importance of accommodating diverse dietary needs and offers a thoughtfully crafted selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes. These options are designed to be flavorful and satisfying, highlighting fresh vegetables, plant-based proteins, and balanced seasonings.
Popular choices include the Ma Po Tofu, adapted here to be vegan-friendly by omitting meat and focusing on the bold flavors of fermented bean paste and chili. The Vegetable Lo Mein features a medley of crisp vegetables tossed with perfectly cooked noodles and a savory sauce.
Additionally, dishes like Stir-Fried Bok Choy and Vegetable Fried Rice are prepared with minimal oil and fresh ingredients, making them excellent choices for health-conscious diners. The menu ensures that guests seeking plant-based meals do not have to compromise on taste or variety.
- Ma Po Tofu (Vegan): Spicy tofu in a savory chili and bean paste sauce
- Vegetable Lo Mein: Soft noodles with a colorful vegetable mix
- Stir-Fried Bok Choy: Crisp, tender greens with garlic seasoning
- Vegetable Fried Rice: Fragrant rice with mixed vegetables and light soy sauce
| Dish | Key Ingredients | Dietary Notes |
| Ma Po Tofu (Vegan) | Tofu, chili bean paste, garlic, scallions | Gluten-free option available |
| Vegetable Lo Mein | Wheat noodles, carrots, bok choy, mushrooms | Contains gluten |
| Stir-Fried Bok Choy | Bok choy, garlic, vegetable oil | Vegan, gluten-free |
| Vegetable Fried Rice | Rice, peas, carrots, soy sauce | Vegan, contains soy |
Sauces and Condiments
A hallmark of Shanghai cuisine lies in its expertly crafted sauces and condiments, which add depth and complexity to even the simplest dishes. Shanghai Express Collinsville offers an assortment of house-made sauces that allow diners to customize their meals and enhance flavor profiles.
The Savory Soy Glaze is a versatile option, used both in cooking and as a dipping sauce. It balances saltiness with a subtle sweetness, complementing meats and vegetables alike.
The Chili Garlic Sauce adds a spicy kick and aromatic garlic notes, perfect for those seeking a bolder taste.
For a refreshing contrast, the Vinegar and Ginger Dip is often served alongside dumplings, providing acidity and zest that cut through richer flavors. Other condiments include sesame oil, hoisin sauce, and plum sauce, each contributing unique elements to the dining experience.
- Savory Soy Glaze: Sweet and salty, enhances grilled and stir-fried dishes
- Chili Garlic Sauce: Spicy with deep garlic undertones
- Vinegar and Ginger Dip: Tangy and sharp, perfect for dumplings
- Hoisin and Plum Sauce: Sweet and rich, great for dipping or glazing
“The sauces at Shanghai Express are the silent heroes of each dish, bringing harmony and balance that elevate every bite.”
Desserts and Sweet Treats
To conclude the meal, Shanghai Express Collinsville offers a selection of desserts that reflect traditional flavors with a modern touch. These sweet treats provide a satisfying finish, combining textures and tastes that complement the savory courses.
The Sweet Red Bean Soup is a comforting classic, served warm with soft red beans and a hint of sugar. Another popular dessert is the Mango Pudding, a creamy and fruity option that’s light yet indulgent.
For those who enjoy baked sweets, the Sesame Balls filled with sweetened red bean paste offer a crispy exterior and chewy center.
Each dessert is crafted to balance sweetness without overwhelming the palate, making them ideal for pairing with tea or coffee. These selections provide a glimpse into the traditional dessert culture of Shanghai while appealing to contemporary tastes.
- Sweet Red Bean Soup: Warm, mildly sweet, and comforting
- Mango Pudding: Creamy, fruity, and refreshing
- Sesame Balls: Crispy, chewy, filled with sweet red bean paste
- Green Tea Ice Cream: Light, subtly bitter, and refreshing
| Dessert | Main Ingredients | Texture | Serving Style |
| Sweet Red Bean Soup | Red beans, sugar, water | Soft, soupy | Warm bowl |
| Mango Pudding | Mango puree, cream, sugar, gelatin | Smooth, creamy | Chilled cup |
| Sesame Balls | Glutinous rice flour, red bean paste, sesame seeds | Crispy outside, chewy inside | Fried, served hot |
| Green Tea Ice Cream | Green tea powder, cream, sugar | Creamy, cold | Chilled scoop |
Beverages and Tea Selection
The beverage menu at Shanghai Express Collinsville complements the food perfectly, featuring an array of teas, soft drinks, and specialty beverages. Tea holds a central place in Shanghai’s dining culture, and the selection here emphasizes quality and traditional preparation.
Jasmine Tea and Oolong Tea are popular choices, both known for their aromatic qualities and ability to cleanse the palate. These teas are served hot and brewed fresh, enhancing the overall dining experience.
For those preferring cold drinks, the menu offers classic soft drinks and refreshing fruit juices.
Specialty drinks include Plum Juice and Chrysanthemum Tea, which provide unique flavors and are valued for their health benefits. The thoughtful pairing of beverages with food ensures that each meal is balanced, refreshing, and memorable.
- Jasmine Tea: Floral aroma, light and refreshing
- Oolong Tea: Earthy with a complex flavor profile
- Plum Juice: Sweet and tart, a traditional favorite
- Chrysanthemum Tea: Mild, floral, and cooling
- Soft drinks and fruit juices
“A great meal is incomplete without the perfect beverage, and Shanghai Express’ teas offer a harmonious balance that elevates every dish.”
Shanghai Express Collinsville’s menu is a comprehensive showcase of authentic Shanghai cuisine, skillfully blending tradition with contemporary flair. From the carefully crafted appetizers to the rich main courses, delicate dim sum, and thoughtfully prepared vegetarian options, every dish tells a story of culinary heritage and passion.
The inclusion of expertly made sauces, desserts, and a diverse beverage selection further enhances the dining experience, ensuring that guests leave satisfied and eager to return. Whether indulging in the signature braised pork belly or savoring the delicate soup dumplings, diners are invited to immerse themselves in the vibrant flavors and cultural richness of Shanghai.
This menu is not only a testament to great food but also to the restaurant’s dedication to quality and customer satisfaction, making Shanghai Express Collinsville a must-visit destination for lovers of Chinese cuisine.
