Foodie friends described it as 'legendary' or part of their childhood memories.
There is something about Chinese restaurants with decades-long-history that intrigues and makes it imperative for this foodie-mom-of 4 to try despite its distance from the family abode.
Surely 60 years of being in the business is testament to how good their food is. I found out soon enough...
Rows of red-linen-clad round tables, low ceiling, parquet floors, a huge mirror dominating one wall greeted us. It was a no frills restaurant with nothing to distract you from the feast that was about to be served. Yes you go here for the food and not for the ambiance.
Origins.Per Justin Chang ( 3rd generation owner), Shantung is a province in China where the family patriarch or his grandfather hailed from.
This branch in 98 West Avenue Philam Homes West Triangle, Quezon City is actually Shantung's 2nd store after its Echague branch went up in flames some 25 years past.
Comments from foodie friends who grew up eating Shantung's food ranged from adjectives such as 'legendary', 'authentic' and just heightened my anticipation for the food journey ahead.
We tried and enjoyed the following...
Assorted Cold Cuts P445
The portion is generous vis a vis the price. It is just the perfect starter to whet the appetite. If you are not into innards and seaweed, just order the century eggs.
The portion is generous vis a vis the price. It is just the perfect starter to whet the appetite. If you are not into innards and seaweed, just order the century eggs.
Shantung Fried Crispy Chicken Half P250
Long before the buttermilk chicken trend, there was Shantung Fried Chicken . Tender, juicy morsels of chicken that had crispy exterior yet succulent interior were simple yet delicious. No wonder this is also one of the restaurant's best seller.
Long before the buttermilk chicken trend, there was Shantung Fried Chicken . Tender, juicy morsels of chicken that had crispy exterior yet succulent interior were simple yet delicious. No wonder this is also one of the restaurant's best seller.
Hot & Sour Soup P230 small, P295 medium
Perfect balance of sour and savory. The ideal starter to a traditional Chinese feast
Perfect balance of sour and savory. The ideal starter to a traditional Chinese feast
Pata Tim P655
Think melt-in-your-mouth pata swimming in a delicious sauce that begs for bowls of rice or several pieces of freshly-baked mantao bread that incidentally Shantung makes from scratch
Pot Stickers
Think gyoza. This was also a great starter to jolt your taste buds awake
Think gyoza. This was also a great starter to jolt your taste buds awake
Salted Egg Pork
Tender and flavorful, this is an addicting dish that can be a starter or a main.
Tender and flavorful, this is an addicting dish that can be a starter or a main.
Steamed Dumplings 10 pcs p180
Freshly made upon order, the 'skin' had just the right thickness while the filling was scrumptious. Dip in soy with chili sauce....yum!
Freshly made upon order, the 'skin' had just the right thickness while the filling was scrumptious. Dip in soy with chili sauce....yum!
Shrimp Balls
One more delightful dish that is a must try. Dip in sweet & sour sauce or
eat as is for starter or as main.
Overall. We must have tried more than 15 dishes. What stood out for me were the Shrimp Balls, Fried Chicken, Pata Tim with made-from-scratch Mantou bread, Hot & Sour broth.
60 year old recipes, 3 generations of history, freshly-cooked food, authentic and delicious Chinese fare, affordable price - no wonder Shantung at 60 is still going strong.
Definitely returning with the handsome hubby and piggery in tow.
 |
| Thank you Spanky Enriquez for the invite |
No comments:
Post a Comment