Shang Palace, located at Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri in Abu Dhabi, brings over five decades of Chinese culinary tradition to the capital. As the flagship Chinese restaurant of Shangri-La Hotels since 1971, it blends time-honored flavors with modern techniques and local touches. With elegant interiors and a warm, intimate setting, it offers an authentic dining experience that reflects the heritage of its globally acclaimed sister locations.

Key highlights:
- Authentic Chinese cuisine perfected over half a century
- Traditional tea ceremony performed by a tea master
- Award-winning restaurant recognized by industry experts

PROFILE

Shang Palace is the signature Chinese restaurant of Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri in Abu Dhabi. It was established in 1971 as the signature restaurant of Shangri-La Hotels worldwide. The restaurant brings the art of Chinese cuisine to Abu Dhabi with flavors that have been perfected for over 50 years. Traditional tastes get mixed with local influences and modern cooking techniques to create something special. Their Hong Kong and Paris locations have Michelin Stars. You can find other Shang Palace restaurants in cities like Beijing and Istanbul.

AMBIENCE

The restaurant has a mix of modern and traditional Chinese décor. The bright red colors, plants, and dark wood create a cozy feeling. There are not a lot of tables inside or on the outside patio. This makes it feel more private and special. Some tables offer a view of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Though some recent construction might have changed this view. The atmosphere is upbeat and good for both family gatherings and couples. The soft Chinese music adds to the experience.

MUST-TRY

Peking Duck is their signature dish, and it's prepared right at your table. The chef carves the duck while the staff makes delicate duck wraps for you. The rest of the duck gets taken back to the kitchen. Then it's transformed into another dish that comes with your main meal. Their dim sum is handcrafted and super popular. On weekdays from Monday to Thursday, they offer unlimited dim sum from noon. The tea ceremony is something you shouldn't miss. The restaurant has a tea master who performs the traditional Chinese tea ritual during meals.

FOOD

Shang Palace serves authentic Cantonese cuisine along with dishes from other Chinese provinces. The menu includes a wide selection of exquisite Cantonese and provincial delicacies. The portions are generous and worth the money. All dishes are prepared using traditional Chinese cooking techniques. If you like spicy food, try their Szechuan dishes. The restaurant is known for balancing spices that pack a punch without overwhelming your taste buds. Their Mapo Tofu is a standout dish. The orange shrimp is also a must-try, according to many visitors. For dessert, the mango soup is something different. It works great after a spicy meal to cool your mouth down.

SERVICE

The staff at Shang Palace are attentive, polite, and professional yet friendly. They take time to explain dishes and make recommendations based on your taste preferences. Some reviewers mention specific staff members like Maribeth, Natasha (the tea master), Min, Jelyn, and Chef Su, who go above and beyond. Chef Su often comes out to interact with diners to make sure they're happy with their food. The service can be a bit slow sometimes. A few reviews mention wrong orders or delays between courses. But most people say the staff are genuinely friendly and helpful. They create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

PRICING

The prices at Shang Palace are what you'd expect for a high-end restaurant in Abu Dhabi. Most people find it reasonable for the quality and experience they get. They offer special brunches on weekends. The 'Peking Social Brunch' on Saturdays and 'Szechuan Dynasty Brunch' on Sundays cost 198 AED for a soft drinks package and 298 AED for an alcoholic package. Golden Circle members get a 25% discount. This makes it more affordable for regular visitors. For the quality of food and the overall experience, most diners feel they get good value for their money.

SUMMARY

Shang Palace offers an authentic Chinese dining experience in Abu Dhabi. The combination of excellent food, traditional tea ceremonies, and attentive service makes it special. The restaurant has been recognized by industry experts over the last decade. It has received awards from TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice, Time Out Abu Dhabi, What's On Abu Dhabi, and BBC Good Food Middle East. While there might be occasional service hiccups, the overall experience is positive. Most visitors leave happy and planning to return. If you're looking for high-quality Chinese food in Abu Dhabi, Shang Palace is worth checking out. Just remember to make a reservation since there aren't many tables.

FAQs

What is the dress code for Shang Palace?
The dress code is smart casual. You don't need to wear super fancy clothes, but flip-flops and beachwear probably won't cut it.

Do I need to make a reservation?
Yes, a reservation is recommended. The restaurant doesn't have many tables inside or on the patio, so it's better to book ahead, especially for dinner or weekend brunches.

Is there a vegetarian menu available?
Yes, Shang Palace offers vegetarian-friendly options. They also have vegan, halal, and gluten-free choices available on their menu.