Shanghai Garden’s Centennial Menu represents an exquisite journey through a century of culinary evolution, blending tradition with modern innovation. This special menu celebrates the rich heritage of Shanghai cuisine while introducing contemporary twists that captivate the senses.
Each dish is a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to authenticity, quality ingredients, and masterful techniques that have been perfected over decades.
From the delicate flavors of classic Shanghai dim sum to bold and fragrant braised meats, the Centennial Menu offers a harmonious balance of taste, texture, and presentation. It invites diners to explore the depth of regional specialties, enhanced by creative adaptations that respect both history and modern palates.
Whether savoring the iconic xiaolongbao or indulging in uniquely crafted desserts, guests are immersed in a culinary experience that transcends time.
More than just a meal, the Centennial Menu tells a story—one of cultural pride, culinary artistry, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. It is both a tribute to the past and a celebration of the future, making it a must-experience for food lovers seeking a truly memorable dining adventure.
Heritage Highlights: A Tribute to Classic Shanghai Flavors
The Centennial Menu begins by honoring the traditional dishes that have defined Shanghai cuisine for generations. These heritage highlights are crafted with unwavering attention to authenticity, showcasing the subtle balance of sweetness, umami, and aromatic spices that characterize the region.
Key dishes such as Shanghai-style braised pork belly (Hong Shao Rou) and Steamed xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) take center stage, each prepared with time-honored recipes passed down through chefs’ apprenticeships.
The menu emphasizes the importance of sourcing premium local ingredients, including fresh pork, seasonal vegetables, and fragrant Shaoxing wine.
The cooking techniques used—slow braising, delicate steaming, and light frying—are integral to preserving the authentic textures and layered flavors. The result is an immersive experience that connects diners directly to Shanghai’s culinary roots.
Signature Dishes Overview
- Hong Shao Rou: Tender pork belly slow-braised in soy sauce, sugar, and Shaoxing wine.
- Xiaolongbao: Thin-skinned dumplings filled with savory pork and rich broth.
- Drunken Chicken: Chicken marinated in Shaoxing wine, served cold with a fragrant aroma.
- Scallion Oil Noodles: Simple yet flavorful noodles tossed in aromatic scallion oil.
“The essence of Shanghai cuisine lies in its subtle sweetness balanced with rich, savory undertones—each dish tells a story of careful craftsmanship and cultural heritage.” – Executive Chef Li Wei
Innovative Creations: Modern Twists on Time-Honored Recipes
While deeply rooted in tradition, the Centennial Menu also embraces culinary innovation, offering modern interpretations that excite contemporary palates. These innovative creations showcase how classic ingredients can be reimagined through creative cooking techniques and artistic presentation.
For example, the beloved xiaolongbao is reinvented with alternative fillings such as truffle-infused pork and seafood medleys, introducing new dimensions of flavor while maintaining the delicate soup-filled experience.
The menu also features fusion-inspired dishes that blend Shanghai flavors with global influences, reflecting the cosmopolitan nature of the city.
The chefs leverage sous-vide cooking, molecular gastronomy, and selective plating to elevate the dining experience, ensuring each dish is both visually stunning and deeply satisfying.
Modern Dishes to Watch
- Truffle Xiaolongbao: Classic soup dumplings enhanced with aromatic black truffle.
- Shanghai-style Beef Tartare: A delicate balance of raw beef, soy, and sesame oil with pickled ginger.
- Foie Gras Red Braised Pork: A luxurious twist combining rich foie gras with traditional braised pork belly.
- Seafood Crystal Dumplings: Translucent dumplings filled with fresh shrimp and scallops.
| Traditional Version | Modern Adaptation |
| Xiaolongbao with pork broth | Xiaolongbao with truffle-infused pork broth |
| Slow-braised pork belly | Foie gras-enhanced braised pork belly |
| Steamed shrimp dumplings | Seafood crystal dumplings with scallops and shrimp |
Dim Sum Delights: The Art of Small Bites
Shanghai Garden’s Centennial Menu pays special attention to dim sum, offering an extensive selection of meticulously crafted small bites. These dishes celebrate the communal spirit of dining while showcasing the precision and artistry required in their preparation.
The dim sum range includes both traditional favorites and creative new offerings, all made fresh daily. From steamed buns and dumplings to pan-fried treats and delicate pastries, each item is designed to deliver maximum flavor in every bite.
The use of premium fillings—such as fresh seafood, high-quality pork, and seasonal vegetables—ensures that every dim sum dish bursts with vibrant taste and texture. The chefs’ dedication to balance and harmony is evident in the subtle seasoning and perfect cooking times.
Must-Try Dim Sum Items
- Crystal Shrimp Har Gow: Translucent wrappers encase succulent shrimp, steamed to perfection.
- Pork and Chive Dumplings: Juicy pork mingled with fresh chives, wrapped in delicate dough.
- Pan-Fried Turnip Cakes: Crispy on the outside, soft and flavorful inside.
- Red Bean Sesame Balls: Sweet red bean paste encased in glutinous rice flour, coated with toasted sesame seeds.
“Dim sum is not just food; it is a cultural ritual that brings people together, celebrating warmth, tradition, and shared joy.” – Dim Sum Chef Mei Lin
Seafood Sensations: Freshness from the East China Sea
Seafood plays a vital role in Shanghai cuisine, and the Centennial Menu highlights the freshest catches from the East China Sea. The seafood dishes emphasize natural flavors enhanced by refined cooking methods, allowing the ingredients to shine.
Whether it’s steamed fish with ginger and scallions or stir-fried clams in black bean sauce, each dish is crafted to retain maximum freshness and vibrant taste. The menu uses sustainable sourcing practices to ensure quality and environmental responsibility.
The preparation techniques range from light steaming and quick stir-frying to braising with flavorful sauces, each method chosen to complement the specific seafood variety.
Featured Seafood Dishes
- Steamed Sea Bass: Delicately steamed with ginger, scallions, and soy sauce.
- Clams in Black Bean Sauce: Stir-fried clams with fermented black beans, garlic, and chili.
- Salt and Pepper Squid: Crispy fried squid seasoned with aromatic spices.
- Braised Abalone: Tender abalone slowly braised in a rich oyster sauce.
| Dish | Primary Flavor Profile | Cooking Method |
| Steamed Sea Bass | Light, fragrant, umami-rich | Steaming |
| Clams in Black Bean Sauce | Salty, savory, mildly spicy | Stir-fry |
| Salt and Pepper Squid | Crispy, spicy, aromatic | Deep-fry |
| Braised Abalone | Rich, tender, umami-packed | Braising |
Vegetarian Inspirations: Elevating Plant-Based Shanghai Cuisine
Recognizing the growing demand for vegetarian options, the Centennial Menu features a thoughtfully curated selection of dishes that highlight the versatility and depth of plant-based ingredients. These dishes offer a creative take on Shanghai cuisine without compromising on flavor or texture.
By using fresh seasonal vegetables, tofu, mushrooms, and carefully crafted sauces, the chefs create meals that appeal to both vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. The vegetarian dishes maintain the signature balance of sweet and savory flavors, enhanced by traditional cooking methods.
Each dish is designed to provide satisfying complexity and richness, proving that plant-based cuisine can be just as indulgent and memorable.
Popular Vegetarian Selections
- Braised Eggplant with Garlic Sauce: Silky eggplant cooked in a savory garlic and soy mixture.
- Stir-Fried Seasonal Greens: Fresh greens quickly sautéed with ginger and chili.
- Vegetarian Lion’s Head Meatballs: Plant-based “meatballs” made from mushrooms and tofu.
- Sweet Osmanthus Jelly: A light, fragrant dessert made from osmanthus flowers and agar.
“Vegetarian cuisine is about celebrating nature’s bounty, transforming humble ingredients into extraordinary dishes full of character.” – Chef Zhao Min
Desserts and Sweet Endings: A Perfect Conclusion
The Centennial Menu concludes with a selection of traditional and inventive desserts designed to provide a perfect balance to the meal. These sweet endings highlight regional ingredients and classic Shanghai flavors, presented with artistic flair.
Popular desserts include delicately steamed buns filled with sweet red bean paste, refreshing chilled mango pudding, and the unique osmanthus-flavored jelly. The menu also features contemporary creations that incorporate unexpected textures and flavors, such as matcha-infused custards and black sesame mousse.
Each dessert aims to leave a lasting impression, combining subtle sweetness with elegant presentation to round off the dining experience beautifully.
Signature Desserts
- Steamed Red Bean Buns: Soft buns filled with sweet, smooth red bean paste.
- Mango Pudding: Creamy pudding made from fresh mangoes, served chilled.
- Osmanthus Jelly: Light jelly flavored with fragrant osmanthus flowers.
- Black Sesame Mousse: Rich, nutty mousse with a silky texture.
| Dessert | Main Ingredient | Flavor Profile |
| Steamed Red Bean Buns | Red bean paste | Sweet, smooth, comforting |
| Mango Pudding | Mango | Fruity, creamy, refreshing |
| Osmanthus Jelly | Osmanthus flowers | Floral, light, subtly sweet |
| Black Sesame Mousse | Black sesame seeds | Nutty, rich, smooth |
Beverage Pairings: Complementing the Centennial Experience
The carefully curated beverage list at Shanghai Garden complements the Centennial Menu by enhancing flavor profiles and balancing the meal’s intricate tastes. From traditional teas to fine wines and innovative cocktails, each drink is selected to elevate the dining experience.
Traditional Chinese teas such as Longjing and Jasmine provide cleansing and refreshing notes, ideal for pairing with dim sum and seafood. For those seeking alcoholic options, the menu offers premium Shaoxing wines, delicate sake, and a range of wines chosen for their ability to harmonize with the rich and varied flavors of Shanghai cuisine.
Innovative cocktail creations incorporate local ingredients like lychee, ginger, and chrysanthemum, offering a contemporary twist that complements the modern dishes on the menu.
Beverage Recommendations
- Longjing Green Tea: Light and vegetal, perfect with light dishes.
- Shaoxing Wine: A traditional Chinese rice wine that pairs beautifully with braised meats.
- Chrysanthemum Cocktail: A refreshing drink with floral notes and subtle sweetness.
- Pinot Noir: A versatile red wine that complements both seafood and pork dishes.
“A well-paired beverage not only enhances the food but also creates a dialogue between flavors that elevates the entire meal.” – Sommelier Wang Hui
Shanghai Garden’s Centennial Menu is a masterful celebration of a century of culinary tradition and innovation. It invites diners to embark on a flavorful journey through time, savoring the delicate balance of classic and contemporary dishes crafted with passion and precision.
Every bite tells a story—of heritage, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Whether you are a connoisseur of Shanghai cuisine or a curious food lover, this menu promises an unforgettable experience that honors the past while embracing the future.
The thoughtful pairing of dishes, the meticulous sourcing of ingredients, and the masterful execution ensure that each visit is not just a meal but a rich cultural encounter.
By bridging generations of culinary artistry and innovation, the Centennial Menu encapsulates the spirit of Shanghai Garden, a place where history and modernity coexist harmoniously. It exemplifies how food can connect people, evoke memories, and inspire new traditions.
For those seeking an exceptional dining adventure marked by elegance, authenticity, and creativity, Shanghai Garden’s Centennial Menu stands as a beacon of culinary excellence—an experience that lingers long after the last bite.
