Shanghai Restaurant Paterson has established itself as a culinary gem, offering an authentic taste of Shanghai’s rich and diverse food culture right in the heart of Paterson. Known for its vibrant flavors, delicate textures, and a menu that balances tradition with innovation, this restaurant captures the essence of Chinese cuisine with a special focus on Shanghai-style dishes.
Whether you are a seasoned lover of Asian cuisine or a curious newcomer, the menu here presents an exciting journey through aromatic broths, expertly stir-fried vegetables, and signature seafood delicacies that are both comforting and sophisticated.
The atmosphere at Shanghai Restaurant Paterson complements the menu perfectly, with a warm, inviting setting that encourages diners to savor every bite. The chefs use carefully sourced ingredients and time-honored techniques to bring out the best in each dish, ensuring that every plate tells a story of Shanghai’s culinary heritage.
Guests can expect to find a thoughtful balance of classic favorites and inventive specials that highlight the region’s unique use of soy, ginger, and subtle spices.
Exploring this menu reveals a careful curation designed to appeal to a wide range of tastes. From delicate dumplings to hearty noodle soups and flavorful meat dishes, the menu caters to both those seeking comfort food and those eager to experiment with new flavors.
With generous portions and reasonable prices, Shanghai Restaurant Paterson’s menu is a destination for memorable dining experiences that celebrate Chinese cooking at its finest.
Appetizers and Small Plates
The appetizer section at Shanghai Restaurant Paterson sets the tone for a delightful meal with its variety and freshness. These small plates are designed to awaken the palate and offer a preview of the rich flavors to come.
From traditional dumplings to crispy spring rolls, the appetizers provide a wonderful mix of textures and tastes.
Among the most popular starters are the Shanghai Soup Dumplings (Xiao Long Bao), renowned for their delicate skins and flavorful broth inside. These dumplings require skill to prepare, and each bite delivers a burst of savory goodness.
Another favorite is the Scallion Pancakes, which are perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, offering a satisfying contrast that pairs well with the restaurant’s dipping sauces.
Vegetarian options are also thoughtfully included, such as the Steamed Vegetable Dumplings and the Cold Sesame Noodles, which feature a refreshing balance of nutty sesame flavor with a hint of spice. These appetizers are perfect for sharing and provide a great introduction to the menu’s breadth.
Popular Appetizers Overview
- Shanghai Soup Dumplings: Juicy, delicate dumplings filled with savory pork broth.
- Scallion Pancakes: Crispy, flaky pancakes with fresh scallions.
- Spring Rolls: Light, crispy rolls stuffed with seasoned vegetables and meat.
- Cold Sesame Noodles: Chilled noodles tossed in a rich sesame sauce, garnished with cucumber.
“The appetizers at Shanghai Restaurant Paterson are a masterclass in flavor balance—each dish expertly crafted to tease the taste buds and prepare you for the main course.”
Main Course Specialties
The main course offerings at Shanghai Restaurant Paterson are where the kitchen’s expertise truly shines. Drawing from classic Shanghai cuisine, the menu features an array of dishes that highlight the region’s preference for sweet, savory, and umami-rich flavors.
Signature dishes such as Red Braised Pork Belly (Hong Shao Rou) exemplify the restaurant’s commitment to authenticity. This dish is cooked slowly to achieve a tender texture and a rich sauce that perfectly balances sweetness and saltiness.
Another beloved entrée is the Drunken Chicken, marinated in Shaoxing wine, offering a subtle and aromatic flavor profile that is both refreshing and deeply satisfying.
Seafood lovers will appreciate the Steamed Whole Fish with Ginger and Scallions, which preserves the delicate flavors of fresh fish while enhancing it with traditional seasonings. For noodle enthusiasts, the Shanghai Fried Noodles provide a hearty and comforting option, featuring stir-fried noodles with pork, vegetables, and a savory soy-based sauce.
Main Courses at a Glance
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor Profile |
| Red Braised Pork Belly | Pork belly, soy sauce, sugar, Shaoxing wine | Sweet, savory, rich |
| Drunken Chicken | Chicken, Shaoxing wine, ginger, scallions | Aromatic, mild, slightly sweet |
| Steamed Whole Fish | Fresh fish, ginger, scallions, soy sauce | Delicate, fresh, umami |
| Shanghai Fried Noodles | Wheat noodles, pork, cabbage, soy sauce | Savory, hearty, slightly sweet |
Dim Sum Selection
The dim sum menu at Shanghai Restaurant Paterson offers a delightful range of bite-sized dishes that are perfect for sharing or enjoying as a light meal. Dim sum is a traditional part of Chinese dining culture, and the restaurant honors this with meticulous preparation and fresh ingredients.
Popular dim sum items include the Har Gow (Shrimp Dumplings), known for their translucent wrappers and juicy shrimp filling. The Char Siu Bao, steamed buns filled with sweet barbecued pork, offer a soft and fluffy texture that contrasts beautifully with the savory meat inside.
Vegetarian dim sum options such as Steamed Mushroom Buns and Turnip Cake provide flavorful choices that do not compromise on authenticity. These dishes are often enjoyed with a cup of hot jasmine tea, which complements the flavors and aids digestion.
Dim Sum Highlights
- Har Gow: Delicate shrimp dumplings with a chewy, translucent wrapper.
- Char Siu Bao: Soft steamed buns filled with sweet and savory barbecued pork.
- Turnip Cake: Pan-fried slices made from shredded radish and rice flour, flavorful and crispy.
- Steamed Mushroom Buns: Vegetarian buns stuffed with seasoned mushrooms and vegetables.
“Dim sum at Shanghai Restaurant Paterson is an invitation to experience the artistry of small bites, each one crafted with care and bursting with authentic flavor.”
Soups and Broths
Soups hold a special place in Shanghai cuisine, often served as a comforting start to a meal or as a main dish that warms and nourishes. The soup selections at Shanghai Restaurant Paterson are crafted with slow-cooked stocks and fresh ingredients to deliver deep, layered flavors.
One standout is the Hot and Sour Soup, a perfect blend of spicy, tangy, and savory notes, featuring ingredients like tofu, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and pork. Another notable offering is the Seafood Tofu Soup, which combines delicate seafood flavors with silky tofu in a light yet flavorful broth.
The Wonton Soup is a favorite among guests for its comforting combination of tender wontons filled with seasoned pork and shrimp, served in a clear, savory broth. These soups not only satisfy hunger but also showcase the skill of balancing flavors that is essential to Shanghai cooking.
Soup Varieties Explained
| Soup | Key Ingredients | Taste Profile |
| Hot and Sour Soup | Tofu, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, pork, vinegar, chili | Spicy, tangy, savory |
| Seafood Tofu Soup | Shrimp, fish, tofu, ginger, scallions | Light, umami, delicate |
| Wonton Soup | Pork and shrimp wontons, broth, scallions | Mild, savory, comforting |
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Shanghai Restaurant Paterson recognizes the growing demand for plant-based dishes and has developed a robust selection of vegetarian and vegan options that do not compromise on flavor or authenticity. These dishes use fresh vegetables, tofu, and other plant proteins to create satisfying meals.
The Ma Po Tofu is a standout vegan dish that features silken tofu in a spicy, flavorful sauce made from fermented black beans and chili oil. The restaurant also offers Stir-Fried Seasonal Vegetables, which highlight the natural sweetness and crispness of fresh produce with a light soy-based glaze.
For noodle lovers, the Vegetable Chow Mein offers a hearty and tasty option packed with colorful vegetables and a savory sauce. These dishes demonstrate that vegetarian and vegan cuisine can be just as rich and fulfilling as their meat-based counterparts.
Top Vegetarian Choices
- Ma Po Tofu (Vegan): Silken tofu in a spicy, fermented bean sauce.
- Stir-Fried Seasonal Vegetables: Fresh vegetables lightly cooked to preserve texture and flavor.
- Vegetable Chow Mein: Stir-fried noodles with mixed vegetables and savory sauce.
- Steamed Vegetable Dumplings: Delicate dumplings filled with a seasoned vegetable medley.
“The vegetarian dishes at Shanghai Restaurant Paterson are a testament to the creativity and depth of Chinese plant-based cooking.”
Desserts and Sweet Treats
To conclude the meal, the dessert menu offers a selection of traditional and modern sweets that provide a perfect balance of richness and lightness. These desserts reflect the subtle sweetness preferred in Shanghai cuisine and offer a delightful end to any dining experience.
The Mango Pudding is a popular choice, known for its smooth texture and fresh fruit flavor. Another favorite is the Red Bean Soup, a warm dessert made from sweetened red beans that are slow-cooked until tender, often served with small glutinous rice balls.
For those who enjoy a bit of texture contrast, the Sesame Balls are deep-fried pastries filled with sweet red bean paste and coated with sesame seeds, offering a crunchy exterior and a soft, sweet center.
Sweet Selections
| Dessert | Main Ingredients | Texture |
| Mango Pudding | Mango puree, gelatin, cream, sugar | Smooth, creamy |
| Red Bean Soup | Red beans, sugar, glutinous rice balls | Soft, hearty |
| Sesame Balls | Glutinous rice flour, red bean paste, sesame seeds | Crispy outside, soft inside |
Beverages and Tea Selection
The beverage menu complements the food perfectly with a wide range of teas, soft drinks, and specialty drinks. Tea plays an important role in Chinese dining, aiding digestion and enhancing the overall meal experience.
Shanghai Restaurant Paterson offers traditional teas such as Jasmine Green Tea and Oolong Tea, both prized for their aromatic qualities and health benefits. These teas are brewed fresh and served hot, providing a soothing counterpoint to the bold flavors of the food.
For those seeking non-tea beverages, the menu includes soft drinks and specialty drinks like Plum Juice and Lychee Soda, which offer sweet and refreshing alternatives. The careful selection ensures there is something for every palate, whether you prefer something calming or more invigorating.
Beverage Highlights
- Jasmine Green Tea: Fragrant and light, perfect for cleansing the palate.
- Oolong Tea: Rich and floral with a smooth finish.
- Plum Juice: Sweet and tangy, a traditional favorite.
- Lychee Soda: Refreshingly sweet with a unique fruit flavor.
“Pairing the right tea with your meal enhances the flavors and creates a truly immersive dining experience.”
Shanghai Restaurant Paterson’s menu is a carefully curated celebration of Shanghai’s culinary traditions, designed to offer something for everyone. From the delicate appetizers to the hearty main courses, and from the comforting soups to the delightful desserts, each dish is crafted with attention to detail and a deep respect for authentic flavors.
The inclusion of vegetarian and vegan options reflects a modern sensibility that embraces dietary diversity without sacrificing taste.
The restaurant’s commitment to quality ingredients and skilled preparation ensures that every visit is memorable. Whether you are indulging in the signature soup dumplings, savoring the sweet and savory braised pork, or ending your meal with a silky mango pudding, the menu promises a rich and satisfying culinary adventure.
Shanghai Restaurant Paterson is more than just a place to eat; it is a gateway to the heart of Shanghai’s vibrant food culture, brought to life in Paterson with warmth and expertise.
