Modern Shang

Modern Shang-Chinese Cuisine: Food Review

This weekend, my husband and I decided to try out Modern Shang or Modern Shanghai, a fairly new restaurant serving authentic Chinese cuisine. Located inside a mall, the restaurant’s tables and chairs spilled out into the walking space, making it seem like it was intentionally designed to attract passing mall goers. I was initially hesitant to dine there, as the setup and staff gave off a fine dining vibe, but my husband’s persistence paid off. The experience turned out to be a good one – the food was delicious and the service impeccable. For those interested in trying out this restaurant, their website and locations, click HERE

Disclaimer: I am not a food expert or a culinary school graduate, so don’t expect any technical reviews from me. All I know is how to eat and appreciate good food, so let’s dig in!

WHAT WE ORDERED

Yang Chow Fried Rice
Hunan Style Beef
Xiao Long Bao (their signature dish)
Crispy Fried Noodles
Shanghai Lily – drinks with lychee, honey and mint leaves

AMBIANCE

The ambiance of the restaurant is quite an interesting experience. As you take a seat at a table, you may feel like you are in a big open hall, with an indoor al fresco dining feel. On a busy day, the crowded mall adds to this sensation. However, as you look around, you may notice that the atmosphere is quite different. With the presence of an expensive casual Italian restaurant right beside your own, complete with the same table and chair set up, the ambiance takes on a more upscale feel. Despite being in a busy mall, the ambiance gives off a fine dining on a street resto vibe that is both unique and alluring. The combination of these elements creates an inviting environment that is perfect for enjoying a delicious meal while still being immersed in the energy of a mall setting.

SERVICE

The service at the restaurant was exceptional. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted warmly and the staff made sure we were comfortable. Complimentary tea and kropek or prawn crackers were served, which was a refreshing start to our dining experience. Our order was also served in a timely manner, although it’s hard to say for certain as the restaurant was not busy at the time. However, based on how we were treated and served, I would easily give the service an A+. We arrived around 4 pm and there were hardly any other customers, yet the staff still maintained a high level of attentiveness. Overall, the service at this restaurant was top-notch and definitely added to our enjoyable dining experience.

AMOUNT OF SERVING

The amount of serving at the restaurant we went to was quite surprising. My husband ordered a small bowl of yang chow rice, but it came overflowing and could have easily fed two small people. Similarly, the portion of Hunan Style Beef was also quite generous and could have been shared between two people. The crispy fried noodles were a good size for 2-3 people to share. However, the Xiao Long Bao and Shanghai Lily drinks were served in just the right amount. Despite our excitement, we ended up taking some of our order home as we couldn’t finish it all.

TASTE

I personally ordered their signature dish, Xiao Long Bao, and their best seller, Crispy Fried Noodles. I had never tried Xiao Long Bao before and I was excited to finally taste it after hearing so much about it. The dish did not disappoint, with its delicious broth and taste of ginger. However, I was disappointed that it was not served piping hot as it is supposed to be. This affected the overall taste of the dish. Similarly, the crispy fried noodles were flavorful but lacked heat as they were not served hot enough. Despite this, the shrimp and squid were cooked to perfection and the blend of ingredients was spot on. I could detect the subtle sweetness from the sauce, making the dish enjoyable. The Han So Beef had also a unique sweetness to it, a typical Chinese stir-fried cooking style. However, the Yang Chow did not stand out in comparison to other Chinese restaurants. My personal favorite was the Shanghai Lily drink, with its refreshing combination of lychee, honey, and mint. Overall, while the dishes were tasty, the lack of proper serving temperature affected the ultimate taste experience.

PRICE

In the case of this particular place, the price is reasonable and reflects the quality of both the location and the food. With all orders amounting to P1,525.76 or about $30. Considering the overall dining experience, it is deemed acceptable

RATING:7/10

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