Alfred M.
Yelp
Shanghai Taste is a fantastic new addition to the DFW dining scene, and it's an expansion from the well-known Vegas location by Jimmy Li.
First impressions: The restaurant is located across from Mitsuwa off 75. The space is long and narrow, with most tables set for 2-4 people. Larger groups might need to wait for tables to be combined, so plan accordingly during peak hours. One standout detail? The staff--super friendly and impressively stylish (I couldn't help but notice and had to give them a shoutout).
Now, onto the food:
Overall, the food is excellent, and I'll definitely be back. While my rating is a little critical, it's only because this place sets a high bar.
* Soup Dumplings (Xiao Long Bao): One of the best in Dallas so far. The skin is perfectly thin, and there's a generous amount of soup inside. Bonus: Like Din Tai Fung, they have a glass window where you can watch the dumplings being made--a big hit with the kids.
* Shanghai Rice Cakes: Chewy and enjoyable, but a bit on the sweeter side for my taste. It seems they use the same sauce for the Shanghai noodles.
* Smoked Fish: Though I didn't order it this time, I've tried it before, and it's delicious. Be prepared--it's bony, so it takes a bit of work to eat, but it's worth it.
* Sheng Jian Bao (Pan-Fried Soup Bao): A family favorite! Similar to soup dumplings but encased in a bao with a crispy, pan-fried bottom. Be careful not to lose the soup with your first bite. A must-try.
* Scallion Noodles: A simple but satisfying dish. Our kids loved it. It's a bit oily, but the flavor is spot on.
* Crispy Shrimp: This dish was a pleasant surprise! Crispy deep-fried shrimp with a sweet sauce on top. You can eat the whole shrimp, shell and all, which gives it a chip-like crunch. Highly recommend.
* Spicy Wontons: A solid dish with a mala (numbing spice) kick. While we still prefer Wu Wei Din's version, this one stands out for its unique flavor profile.
* Chinese Broccoli: Cooked well but slightly too salty for our liking.
Overall thoughts: Shanghai Taste is solid, and I'll definitely be making more trips here to try other dishes. Great food, friendly staff, and a fun dining experience for the whole family.