Shanghai Night - Ashfield

I was craving for dumplings since our last visit to Din Tai Fung. And so, Shanghai Night became my tunnel-visioned destination.

Shanghai Night.

We got there early in the evening, and yet the little store was already buzzing with activity. Although the menu on the wall was written in Chinese, and my ability to read these hieroglyphic-like characters is limited, we managed to get a few delicious eats on the table.

Decor of Shanghai Night.

Our order looked a bit like this:

The green bean starch sheet cold noodle ($11.80) came first. Didn't look spectacular, but tasted quite alright (could be because we were extremely hungry). It bought along with it an immensely strong sesame oil. A was a bit disappointed at this because, although the green bean starch sheets are an old time favourite of mine, I preferred the peanuty-based sauce offered at some other Shanghainese restaurants.

Green bean starch sheet cold noodle -$11.80

Then came the crab and pork xiao long bao [mini pork bun with crab] ($9.80). Compared to the xiao long bao at Din Tai Fung, the "skin" of these little buns were quite a bit thicker. However, the flavour burst encased in these dumplings was amazingness. Simply exquisite.

Mini Crab and Pork buns - $9.80

Vinegaring the xiao long bao.

We also ordered the pan-fried pork bun with shallots ($8.80). As I bit into one, I instantly realised that these little pork buns come out extremely hot and fresh (hot enough to burn one's tongue). As I was trying to convince my partner how amazingly wonderful this creation was, he pointed out that the buns seem as if they were deep-fried a the bottom. But, pan-fried or deep-fried, they still tasted pretty awesome.

Pan-fried pork bun with shallots - $8.80

Lastly came the prawn and pork wonton soup ($6.80). By this time, my partner and I were both incredibly satiated. And since these did not look or taste anything like the Shanghainese-style wontons at Din Tai Fung, my partner was none too pleased. Nonetheless, they were... okay?

Prawn and pork wonton soup -$6.80

In all, this shop is able to satisfy any dumpling craving - and quite a cheap and yummy option too! Definitely worth a visit and definitely not a bad alternative to the world famous Din Tai Fung.

Ratings:
Food - 9/10
Service - 6/10
Ambiance - 6/10
Value for money - 9/10
Overall - 30/40

Shanghai Night
275 Liverpool Road
Ashfield, Sydney
Tel: (02) 9798 8437