Shan Shui Social - Review - Victoria - London - The Infatuation
"Shan Shui Social is a welcome respite in an area filled with mediocre burger chains and stressed-out commuters lugging suitcases around after confusing Victoria coach station for Victoria train station. Enter Shan Shui Social, a Chinese restaurant on Buckingham Palace Road that feels surprisingly cool for SW1. It’s all in the details here. Gorgeous ceramic tea pots line the walls on one side, while old-fashioned telephones line the other. Booths are taken by families getting a meet-in-the-middle dinner after work and solo diners who refuse to settle for a Pret before their 8pm train. When it comes to the ordering, remember that the most delicious things can be found in a bamboo steamer.
photo credit: Rianne Shlebak
video credit: Rianne Shlebak
video credit: Rianne Shlebak
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The dim sum should be your main focus, whether the shrimp and scallop dumplings that give way without requiring the involvement of teeth, or the slippery cheung fun with springy dough and tender prawns inside. The mains can be hit and miss: salted egg prawns have a slightly gritty texture and seafood noodles are good without being great. Bring a few friends, ask for a booth, and order as much dim sum as you can physically eat.
Food Rundown
Shrimp And Scallop Dumplings
Meaty and light, these are excellent. And they’re even better when drizzled with the smoky house chilli sauce.
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video credit: Rianne Shlebak
Cheong Fun Rice Noodle Sheet Rolled With Prawns
Our ultimate comfort dish. The silky rice noodle sheets have a nice chew to them.
photo credit: Rianne Shlebak
Pan-Fried Chilean Sea Bass
We’re big fans of the salty soy-based sauce that comes with this meaty sea bass dish. This is one of our favourite mains.
photo credit: Rianne Shlebak
Salted Egg Prawns
These deep-fried prawns are a little tough, and the texture is slightly gritty. Skip this and order more dim sum.
photo credit: Rianne Shlebak
Mango Pomelo Sago
A refreshing and light dessert, this sago pudding is subtle until you get a nice juicy chunk of mango or tangy pomelo.
photo credit: Rianne Shlebak" - Rianne Shlebak