Shanghai Lee offers a culinary journey into authentic Chinese cuisine, blending traditional flavors with contemporary touches that delight both locals and visitors. The menu at Shanghai Lee is thoughtfully crafted to showcase the rich heritage of Shanghai’s food culture, offering a diverse range of dishes that cater to various tastes and preferences.
Whether you’re a fan of bold, spicy flavors or prefer delicate and subtle tastes, the menu presents something for everyone, making it a go-to destination for lovers of Chinese gastronomy.
From the first bite of their signature appetizers to the last spoonful of dessert, Shanghai Lee’s menu is an exploration of texture, aroma, and taste. The restaurant emphasizes freshness and quality, sourcing ingredients that bring authenticity to each dish.
Diners can expect a harmonious balance of traditional cooking techniques with modern presentation, ensuring every meal is visually appealing and deeply satisfying. The menu is not just about food; it’s an experience that celebrates culture, history, and culinary artistry.
Appetizers and Starters
Appetizers at Shanghai Lee set the tone for the meal, offering a variety of small plates that tease the palate and introduce diners to the complexity of Chinese flavors. These starters are designed to complement the main dishes, providing a delicious prelude that awakens the senses.
Popular choices include the classic Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), which are steamed delicately to hold a rich, savory broth inside a thin dough wrapper. Another favorite is the Crispy Spring Rolls, filled with seasoned vegetables and minced pork, fried to golden perfection.
These starters not only offer great taste but also showcase the skill and precision in preparation.
The appetizer menu also features cold dishes such as the Spicy Szechuan Cucumbers and the Marinated Century Eggs. These provide a refreshing contrast and highlight the variety of textures and temperature in the cuisine.
Incorporating both light and hearty options, Shanghai Lee’s appetizers ensure there’s something for every appetite.
- Xiaolongbao: Juicy soup-filled dumplings served hot.
- Crispy Spring Rolls: Golden-fried rolls with savory fillings.
- Spicy Szechuan Cucumbers: Cool, spicy, and crunchy.
- Marinated Century Eggs: A delicacy with a rich umami flavor.
“An appetizer at Shanghai Lee is never just a starter; it’s a flavorful invitation to explore the depths of Chinese culinary tradition.”
Main Courses
The main courses at Shanghai Lee are the centerpiece of the dining experience, featuring an array of dishes that highlight the diversity of Shanghai and broader Chinese cuisine. The menu offers everything from hearty meat dishes to vegetarian-friendly options, catering to a wide spectrum of dietary preferences.
Signature dishes such as Braised Pork Belly (Hong Shao Rou) exemplify the restaurant’s commitment to authentic recipes. Slow-cooked in a rich soy-based sauce, the pork is tender and flavorful, melting in the mouth with every bite.
Another standout is the Stir-Fried River Prawns, which combine freshness with a subtle blend of garlic and ginger, creating a perfect balance of taste and texture.
Vegetarian diners are well served as well. The Buddha’s Delight, a medley of seasonal vegetables, tofu, and mushrooms stir-fried with light sauces, offers a nourishing and satisfying option.
Each main course is prepared with care, focusing on the natural flavors of the ingredients while maintaining traditional seasoning.
Meat and Seafood
Meat and seafood dishes highlight the richness of Chinese culinary art, often involving intricate preparation and balance of flavors.
- Hong Shao Rou: Braised pork belly in a caramelized soy glaze.
- Stir-Fried River Prawns: Fresh prawns with garlic and ginger.
- Kung Pao Chicken: Spicy stir-fried chicken with peanuts and chili.
- Steamed Fish with Ginger: Delicately steamed fish topped with fresh ginger and scallions.
Vegetarian Options
Vegetarian dishes provide vibrant flavors and hearty textures, ensuring no one misses out on the Shanghai Lee experience.
- Buddha’s Delight: Mixed vegetables and tofu stir-fried with light sauces.
- Mapo Tofu (Vegetarian): Silky tofu in a mildly spicy, flavorful sauce.
- Eggplant in Garlic Sauce: Tender eggplant with a savory garlic glaze.
- Stir-Fried Bok Choy: Fresh greens cooked simply with garlic.
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor Profile |
| Hong Shao Rou | Pork belly, soy sauce, sugar, ginger | Sweet, savory, rich |
| Stir-Fried River Prawns | Prawns, garlic, ginger, scallions | Fresh, aromatic, slightly spicy |
| Buddha’s Delight | Tofu, mushrooms, seasonal vegetables | Light, earthy, savory |
Noodles and Rice
Noodles and rice are fundamental components of Chinese cuisine, and at Shanghai Lee, these staples are elevated with quality ingredients and traditional preparation methods. Whether as a main dish or a side, these items add substance and complement the other menu offerings.
One of the standout dishes is the Shanghai-Style Fried Noodles, made with thick, chewy noodles stir-fried with pork, vegetables, and a savory soy-based sauce. The texture is satisfying, and the flavors are bold but balanced, making it a popular choice among regulars.
For rice lovers, the Classic Yangzhou Fried Rice offers a colorful medley of shrimp, eggs, vegetables, and barbecued pork, perfectly seasoned and fragrant.
In addition to the fried options, Shanghai Lee also offers comforting bowls of noodle soup, such as the Beef Noodle Soup, featuring tender beef, flavorful broth, and hand-pulled noodles. These dishes are perfect for those seeking warmth and heartiness in their meal.
- Shanghai-Style Fried Noodles: Thick noodles with pork and vegetables.
- Yangzhou Fried Rice: Classic fried rice with shrimp and BBQ pork.
- Beef Noodle Soup: Hearty broth with tender beef and hand-pulled noodles.
- Vegetable Lo Mein: Stir-fried noodles with mixed vegetables.
“Noodles and rice at Shanghai Lee aren’t just staples—they’re expressions of comfort, tradition, and the heart of Chinese cooking.”
Soups and Broths
Soups serve as both a comforting start and a nourishing accompaniment throughout the meal at Shanghai Lee. The menu offers a variety of broths and soups, each crafted to enhance the dining experience and showcase the depth of Chinese culinary heritage.
The Hot and Sour Soup is a perennial favorite, balancing tangy vinegar with spicy chili and silky tofu. It’s a perfect appetizer for those who enjoy bold flavors.
Another signature offering is the Crab Meat and Sweet Corn Soup, which provides a delicate sweetness paired with the savory richness of crab meat.
For a more traditional approach, the Herbal Chicken Soup is slow-cooked with Chinese herbs, delivering restorative qualities and a subtle, earthy flavor. These soups are made with fresh ingredients and slow simmered to extract maximum flavor, ensuring a satisfying and authentic taste.
- Hot and Sour Soup: Tangy, spicy, and packed with tofu and vegetables.
- Crab Meat and Sweet Corn Soup: Sweet and savory with a creamy texture.
- Herbal Chicken Soup: Slow-cooked with traditional Chinese herbs.
- Wonton Soup: Clear broth with delicate pork-filled wontons.
| Soup | Main Ingredients | Flavor Notes |
| Hot and Sour Soup | Tofu, mushrooms, vinegar, chili | Tangy, spicy, savory |
| Crab Meat and Sweet Corn Soup | Crab meat, sweet corn, chicken broth | Sweet, rich, creamy |
| Herbal Chicken Soup | Chicken, Chinese herbs, ginger | Earthy, soothing, aromatic |
Desserts and Sweet Treats
The dessert selection at Shanghai Lee offers a delightful finish to the meal, focusing on traditional Chinese sweets that provide a perfect balance to the savory dishes. These desserts are crafted with care, often incorporating ingredients like red bean, sesame, and fresh fruits.
One of the most popular desserts is the Black Sesame Soup, a warm and velvety dish that’s both nutritious and satisfying. Another favorite is the Mango Pudding, a cool, refreshing option that provides a fruity contrast to the heavier main courses.
For those who enjoy a bit of crunch, the Fried Sesame Balls filled with sweet red bean paste offer an irresistible texture and flavor combination.
Shanghai Lee’s desserts are designed to be light yet flavorful, ensuring that the meal ends on a high note without feeling overly heavy. They reflect the restaurant’s philosophy of balance and harmony in every aspect of dining.
- Black Sesame Soup: Warm, sweet, and rich in antioxidants.
- Mango Pudding: Creamy and refreshing with tropical flavors.
- Fried Sesame Balls: Crispy exterior with sweet red bean filling.
- Lychee Sorbet: Light and fruity palate cleanser.
“Desserts at Shanghai Lee are a testimony to the sweet artistry of Chinese culinary tradition—simple, elegant, and unforgettable.”
Beverages and Tea Selection
Complementing the menu, Shanghai Lee offers an extensive beverage list that includes traditional teas, refreshing soft drinks, and carefully curated alcoholic options. The beverage selection is designed to enhance the dining experience and pair well with the flavors of the dishes.
Chinese teas such as Jasmine, Oolong, and Pu-erh are available, each selected for their unique flavor profiles and health benefits. These teas are served hot and brewed fresh, offering aromatic and soothing qualities that complement the meal.
For those seeking something cold, Shanghai Lee provides classic Chinese sodas as well as contemporary soft drink options.
Wine and beer selections focus on light, crisp varieties that do not overpower the food. The menu also includes specialty cocktails inspired by Chinese ingredients, such as lychee martinis or ginger-infused drinks, adding an innovative twist to traditional dining.
- Jasmine Tea: Floral and fragrant, perfect for cleansing the palate.
- Oolong Tea: Rich, slightly roasted flavor with complex notes.
- Pu-erh Tea: Earthy, smooth, and known for digestive benefits.
- Lychee Martini: A cocktail with sweet lychee and crisp vodka.
| Beverage | Type | Notes |
| Jasmine Tea | Hot Tea | Floral, refreshing |
| Lychee Martini | Cocktail | Sweet, crisp, fruity |
| Chinese Soda | Soft Drink | Light, sweetened with unique flavors |
| Oolong Tea | Hot Tea | Rich, roasted aroma |
Specialty and Seasonal Dishes
Shanghai Lee also embraces the concept of seasonal menus and specialty dishes that highlight fresh, local ingredients and celebrate Chinese festivals and traditions. These offerings change throughout the year, providing diners with unique experiences beyond the standard menu.
During the Lunar New Year, for example, the restaurant features dishes like Whole Steamed Fish for prosperity and longevity, or Niangao (sweet rice cake) symbolizing growth and success. In the autumn months, specialties such as Braised Duck with Chestnuts showcase the season’s bounty and warmth.
These specialty dishes are crafted with the same attention to detail and authenticity as the regular menu items, often incorporating rare ingredients and complex techniques. They provide a wonderful way to experience Chinese culinary culture in a dynamic, evolving way.
- Whole Steamed Fish: Symbolic dish for Lunar New Year celebrations.
- Niangao: Sweet rice cake representing growth.
- Braised Duck with Chestnuts: Autumn specialty rich in flavor.
- Mooncakes: Traditional pastries served during the Mid-Autumn Festival.
“Seasonal dishes at Shanghai Lee are more than meals; they are celebrations of culture, tradition, and the changing cycles of nature.”
Conclusion
The Shanghai Lee menu is a testament to the rich culinary traditions of Shanghai and Chinese cuisine as a whole. Each dish is thoughtfully prepared with an emphasis on authenticity, quality ingredients, and balanced flavors.
From the enticing appetizers to the comforting soups, from the robust main courses to the delicate desserts, the menu offers a diverse and satisfying dining experience for all palates.
Whether you are new to Chinese food or a seasoned enthusiast, Shanghai Lee provides an inviting environment to explore the depth and breadth of one of the world’s most beloved cuisines. The attention to detail in both the preparation and presentation of the dishes reflects a deep respect for tradition while embracing the creativity and innovation that keep the cuisine vibrant today.
Dining at Shanghai Lee is more than just a meal; it is an immersive journey through culture, history, and flavor. The menu’s variety ensures that every visit can offer something new and exciting, making it a destination for memorable culinary experiences time and time again.
