Shang Palace Restaurant Review: Shangri-La Luxury Resort Bangkok

Welcome to Bangkok Fine Dining

            Sometimes the winds of change can blow sweetly on someone as nomadic as myself. With the Bangkok tourism industry influx I found myself at the stunning Shangri-La Hotel. After spending a month eating Thai food, I found myself craving something different. With the Chinese New Year only two days past the iconic Shang Palace, serving traditional Cantonese fare, seemed to be appropriate. With its subtle yet elegant decor, Shang Palace opened the door to my stomach and never closed it. Treating me to one of the best culinary experiences of my life.

Mixing Chinese and Thai Culture to create Ambiance

            Stepping into Shang Palace is not much different than stepping into many Cantonese restaurants in Beijing or Hong Kong. Presided over by a large Buddha at the entrance and stunning chandlers overhead, I find that Shang Palace is a bit more “subtle” overall. It’s not sensory overload as I find in many other Cantonese restaurants at times. Recently undergoing a 4 million dollar renovation, Shang Palace presents Chinese culture elegantly but very reserved. Something I found quite pleasing as a westerner. The tables are set up for traditional “family style” dining with comfortable chairs and large round tables. Perfect for passing around the dim sum or Peking Duck. With it’s beautiful red and gold accents, Shang Palace is truly a beautiful restaurant.

Thai Hospitality on Full Display

            I honestly can’t say enough about the service at Shang Palace. From the hostess to Executive Chef, Sham Yun Ming, everyone goes out of their way to ensure that you’re comfortable and well taken care of. The staffs’ English and Cantonese are very good and readily on display as you dine. A special acknowledgement must go out to Martha the restaurant manager. Martha, and her staff, displayed the famous Thai courtesy and professionalism that have made this country world renowned for its service. Shang Palace is truly a place where high customer service is a priority.

 

 

 

An Experience for All Senses

            The food presentation wasn’t what I expected from a 5-Star resort. In the case of Shang Palace, this was a very good thing. Aside from the table side carving, the presentation was quite straight forward. Each dish was plated to appear simple and elegant. No dish was overly garnished or stacked in anyway. I’ve admonished restaurants for giving more garnish than food. That is not a problem at Shang Palace. Executive Chef, Sham Yun Ming, and his team have found a perfect balance between the sight and taste senses.

 

NOTE: Shang Palace has taken a very important ethical and environmental stand against the Shark Fin hunting community. Shang Palace is one of the few Cantonese restaurants that doesn’t serve Shark Fin soup. A very popular Chinese dish that is extremely harmful and wasteful to shark populations. They should be commended for taking this much needed step to save marine life.

 

 

Cantonese Cuisine for All Palettes  

            I’ll get straight to the point here. As an overall meal, this was the best I’ve had in my life. We tried eleven dishes and each was better than the last. For the sake of brevity i’ll describe the standouts.

            Your meal begins with traditional Jasmine Tea or beer as you choose. Shortly after the wait staff brings an array of small appetizer like dishes including sauces, cucumbers, and roasted nuts. Then the duck arrives and the meal goes from traditional to extraordinary.

            In traditional Cantonese dining the skin of your Peking Duck is consumed first. I was a bit apprehensive about just eating duck skin. Well until I actually ate it. The wait staff carefully carves the entire duck at your table side. Ensuring all of the meat returns to the kitchen for further preparation, into a delicious stir fry, while the skin is placed at the center of your table. Paired with homemade pancakes, cucumbers, preserved ginger, and a sweet/spicy sauce, you eat everything family style. As is tradition in China. The duck skin has just the right amount of salt and fat while the homemade pancakes absorb and distribute the flavors perfectly.

            Another delicious dish was the River Prawn in curry sauce. Served with thick cut pieces of toast, the dish presents two flavors not normally associated with Cantonese cuisine. River Prawns tend to absorb the flavors around them and these aren’t any different. The curry was mild and smooth when paired with the prawn. Large and delicious crustaceans that will have you wanting more.

            It breaks my heart to think that many of you won’t get to experience this next item as it was one of the most delicious dishes I’ve ever eaten. The Pan Fried Shrimp Cake with Lotus Root w/Honey is a seasonal item. Specially put on the menu for the Chinese New Year. I hope Shang Palace decides to put this dish on their menu. The crunch of Lotus root, sweetness of honey, and savory shrimp combine to overload your taste buds with joy. This dish was a culinary experience like no other I’ve had.

            Our meal ended with a tasty Mango Sago which was the perfect balance between sweet and sour. Just the right portion size to complement a hearty meal filled with amazing flavors and combinations.

 

 

You Get What You Pay For Here

               As expected, a 5-Star restaurant comes with 5-Star prices. But the difference is, it’s worth it. Executive Chef, Sham Yun Ming, has created dishes with perfect portions that allow you to feel like you’ve gotten your monies worth. The family style presentation and service, the immaculate decor, and hospitable wait staff make Shang Palace more than worth the price. Customers receive amazing value for their money. Western diners will truly appreciate the lengths Shangri-La Hotel has gone to ensure their customers an amazing experience.

 

A Truly Unique Experience for Guest to Enjoy

              I’ve eaten in hundreds of restaurants in eighty five countries. Shang Palace truly stands out for me. Our dining experience was accented by an outstanding wait staff, exquisite food, and an experience that I’ll never forget. Even if you aren’t staying at the excellent Shangri-La Bangkok, On your next visit to Bangkok be sure to visit Shang Palace and the best Cantonese food in the city.

Shang Palace at Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok